Hey cuties, welcome to another installment of my monthly reading list. While March was an A+ month in books, April was more of a B– still good, but not as life changing as my last post.
I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this yet, but my goal in 2019 is to read 52 books. Last year my goal was 51, the year before it was 50. In my opinion, averaging a book a week is fantastic– any any more than that is excessive. I’ve not trying to skim my way through my reading list! So far I’ve read 18 books this year, which puts me just slightly ahead of schedule.
WHAT I READ IN APRIL:
1.) My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite – I went into my local book store and asked for a book with a strong female protagonist. Somehow I walked out with a $24 hardcover with just over 200 pages. While this book is very popular in the author’s home country of Nigeria, it was obvious that the book had been translated. It was a story that I certainly hadn’t heard before, and I always enjoy reading stories that take place in Lagos, but it wasn’t worth it to buy the hardcover. I’d wait to read this until it comes out in paperback.
Can’t wait? Buy My Sister, the Serial Killer
2.) The Alice Network by Kate Quinn – I’ve lost track of how many people told me to read this book, and while it is GOOD– I think the hype does it a disservice. This is the story about two women, alternating between the first world war and the aftermath of the second, who are brought together in an unconventional way. If you like bad ass women and historical fiction, you’ll definitely enjoy this book.
3.) Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple – I’ve heard mixed reviews, but I’m here to say I LOVED this book! Did it change my life? Absolutely not. Was it a fun read? Very. Bernadette’s daughter Bee has decided that she wants to go on a family vacation to Antarctica. Unfortunately for her, her family is about to implode right before her eyes. The characters in this book are almost exclusively unlikable, all told through the perspective of Bee. This book is *satire* and written almost exclusively in blog posts and emails. It’s a fun read, and I highly recommend it.
Buy Where’d You Go, Bernadette
4.) This is How it Always is by Laurie Frankel – This was our Bad Bitch Book Club book of the month for April, and it was a HUGE hit. I’ll save the review for my book club, but here’s what you need to know: Claude is five years old, the youngest of five brothers, and loves peanut butter sandwiches. He also loves wearing a dress, and dreams of being a princess. This was our first book with a transgender story line, and I couldn’t possibly have loved it more. By far the best book I read in April.
5.) The Book of Polly by Kathy Hepinstall – One of the options for April’s Bad Bitch BOTM was The Book of Polly by Kathy Hepinstall. Polly became pregnant at the age of 58 years old– she learned this news just after her husband had suddenly died. All the doctors suggest she terminate the pregnancy, but she told them to go to hell. Her daughter, Willow, is terrified she’s going to die. Completely fixated on her mother’s death, this is a “coming of age” story like none other. Unlike anything I’ve read before, The Book of Polly is the story of a complicated woman and her daughter’s unconventional upbringing. It’s a hard one to put down!
WHAT I’M READING IN MAY:
I have a jam-packed May, which actually leaves a lot of room for reading! First is a short trip, New Hampshire for my sister Kate’s graduation (congrats Katers.) Then later on in the month I am going on a MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE WITH MY FAMILY to celebrate Kate’s graduation! Be on the lookout for my thirst traps on Instagram!! It’s also Ben’s birthday month, which is also fun, but expensive AF. I’m expecting to have time to read at least 7 books, hopefully more, and this is what I’m committing to now.
1.) Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah – I read my first Kristin Hannah Book, The Nightingale, in March and I was struck by how much I loved it. I *obviously* read a lot, but this book quickly jumped to the top of my favorites list. I immediately purchased two more of her books, this one– Firefly Lane, and The Great Alone. I’ve decided to start with Firefly lane, and i’m already hooked 50 pages in. It’s the story about unlikely teenage bffs, which is obviously my jam.
2.) An American Marriage by Tayari Jones – People feel passionately about An American Marriage; they either love it or hate it. Because of this, I’ve put off reading it– despite owning the book. However, I feel that going in with neutral expectations is the best way to approach this novel. After all, if Oprah likes it, why wouldn’t I? After reading two comical light-reads in a row, I’m ready for something with a little more substance.
3.) Normal People by Sally Rooney – I participate in a NYC-based book club, and Normal People is our BOTM! We’re discussing it on May 11th, so I want to make sure it’s fresh in my mind when our group meets. This book has received so much hype that the 28 year old author has admitted it makes her uncomfortable. Luckily I know very little about the story, just that it centers around teenagers in love, and i’m looking forward to reading it.
4.) The Matchmaker by Elin Hilderbrand – If I had to describe Elin Hilderbrand’s writing style in one world, I would use “beachy.” Per usual, this novel takes place in Nantucket. This is the story of a matchmaker with a perfect track record finding love for everyone– except herself!! I look forward to reading this at the pool with a mojito in my hand.
5.) Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D Jackson – This past Saturday was Independent Book Store Day and my weak ass couldn’t resist stopping by– even though I have dozens of unread books at home. Monday’s Not Coming is a story about a missing girl, her sketchy parents– and a best friend that won’t stop looking for her. I’ll be reading this on the plane/cruise as I’m hopeful it’ll be a breeze to get through. It is Y/A after all!
6.) When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton – When I heard there was a sequel to Next Year in Havana I was over-the-moon excited. The first book in the series was one of my absolute favorites reads of 2018, and I’ve heard nothing but great things about the follow up. This is another book I intend to read on vacation, where the weather in the story will match up to my real-life.
7.) The Nowhere Girls by Amy Reed – This month’s Bad Bitch Book Club book of the month is The Nowhere Girls by Amy Reed. It’s about three teenage girls who come together to avenge the rape of a classmate and change the misogynist culture of their school. As always, you’re welcome to join the book club and read with us. Don’t worry, it’s free and doesn’t require any real commitment.
I’m also going to try to read Sabrina & Corina by Kali Fajardo-Anstine. I just don’t want to commit myself to something unrealistic! If I do not read it, it’ll be on my June book list 🙂 If I do, you’ll see a review next month.
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