Since I have read at least 10 books each month so far this year, I decided to update my Goodreads goal from 75 to 120 books. And I'm already two books ahead of schedule! I read quite a variety of books in April, so let's dive in! All covers are linked to Goodreads.
This Story Might Save Your Life, by Tiffany Crum
★★★.75
Genre: Thriller
Release Year: 2026
I found Tiffany Crum's storytelling to be on point: the pacing, the stakes, the characters–it was all there. I think what took it down from a 4-star rating for me was the ending, honestly. I'm not sure how I feel about it. It kind of degrades my view of the main characters a little bit. At the same time, I understand why they did what they did. But it left me feeling not great, so.
Hot Chocolate on Thursday, by Michiko Aoyama (translated by E. Madison Shimoda)
★★★★
Genre: Fiction
Release Year: 2017 (English translation 2026)
This book of interconnected short stories was a quick, lovely read. I loved how it came full circle at the end, and how each chapter was tied to a color. A few chapters towards the end got a little weird, but overall I enjoyed the book.
The Sisterhood of Ravensbrück, by Lynne Olson
★★★★
Genre: Nonfiction/History
Release Year: 2025
I went into this book (which I read for book club) thinking it was just going to be another WWII book. The many names at the beginning, plus the way the narrative seemed to jump around, were confusing and a little frustrating at times. However, by the end, everything came together. I wish the four women in this book hadn't needed to be so brave, but brave they were, and what a legacy they left behind! I'm glad Lynne Olson told their story.
Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter, by Heather Fawcett
★★★★
Genre: Fantasy
Release Year: 2026
It took me a while to get into this book, but once I did I loved it. If you like cats and pastries and old cities and socially awkward magicians, you will devour this book with glee. I especially appreciated that Agnes was not your typically fantasy heroine: she was a widow in her thirties who owned a cat shelter. I also loved her relationship with her sister, Élise. Havelock and Agnes gave me Howl-and-Sophie vibes at certain points, which was delightful. I did want to know one thing that was not explained in the book, however: why is Havelock the only person who can hear Banshee?
Bride of the Sea, by Eman Quotah
★★★.75
Genre: Literary Fiction
Release Year: 2021
This was a surprisingly quick read. The timeline wasn't strictly linear, but it was well done and I was never confused about where or when I was in the story.
On Writing and Worldbuilding: Volume II, by Timothy Hickson
★★★★
Genre: Nonfiction
Release Year: 2021
I always appreciate Tim Hickson's perspective on storytelling!
After the Fall, by Edward Ashton
★★★★
Genre: Science Fiction
Release Year: 2026
It took a while for this to grab me, but I really liked how it ended.
The Rom-Commers, by Katherine Center (Audiobook)
★★★★
Genre: Romance
Release Year: 2024
So fun!
Yesteryear, by Caro Claire Burke
★★★★
Genre: Fiction
Release Year: 2026
I don't even know what to say about this book. It was disturbing. It had one of the most unlikable narrators I've ever encountered. It was well-written and compelling. There was a lot more swearing and sexual content than I was expecting, but by the time I realized how dark it was going to be, I was already sucked into the story. The travesty of Christianity represented in this book is what made me the saddest while reading it. The single note of grace came from Mary at the end, but I feel like it came too late for Natalie. I need to read something happy now, please.
The Moomins and the Great Flood, by Tove Jansson (translated by David McDuff)
★★★
Genre: Children's Fiction
Release Year: 1945
I don't have any strong feelings about this book. The illustrations were cute, the story was all over the place, the overall feel was whimsical. It was a nice little break in my reading.
Cecilia, by Frances Burney
★★★★
Genre: Classic
Release Year: 1782
It took me a month to read this, but it was worth it! This book is a work of art. I never knew what to expect next, and the characters were so well-written. I also really liked the theme that happiness is not guaranteed, no matter how much money you have, where you live, or whom you marry.
Reading Goals/Challenges
Goodreads Challenge: 41 / 120
Paper TBR: 6 / 12
Nonfiction: 10 / 12
National Month Challenge: 4 / 12
Cover Lovers Reading Challenge: 16 / 50
New Release Challenge: 7 / 12
Rereads: 4 / 5
Comments
Post a Comment