The busier I get, the more heavily I rely on books to help keep me creative and sane. Reading is seriously my therapy, and April brought me one of my new favorite books of the year (so far).
I’ve been making much more of an effort to support my local library. In so many ways, libraries are the great equalizers. Everyone may not have access or the ability to buy a new book, but getting to a library tends to be more feasible. It’s important to me to show support to the great library system, and to some of my favorite authors, by checking out a few books each month.
I also use the Overdrive and Hoopla apps, which connect to your local library, to listen to audiobooks so that I can keep reading even when I can’t physically access my book.
If you’re just jumping into reading again or want to try new authors or genres without spending money (because books can add up), check out your local library!
Okay, let’s jump into these April reads…
What Happened by Hillary Clinton
Rating: 4/5 stars
What I liked/disliked: It took a while to be feel ready to read this book. There is no denying that this woman is smart, witty, charming and could have been an amazing president. She took blame where it was due and full credit where it was due. I like that she called out the unjust and sexist systems working against her. The Russia section gets a bit dense, but it’s a good read.
Buy on Amazon / View on Goodreads
Our Kind of Cruelty by Araminta Hall
Rating: 2.5/5 stars
What I liked/disliked: While I wasn’t wild about this book, I would not call it a bad book. It’s well written and an interesting premise. I love a good thriller. But it moved way too slowly and the ending was completely unfulfilling and didn’t live up to its potential.
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Heads of the Colored People by Nafissa Thompson Spires
Rating: 5/5 stars
What I liked/disliked: This is definitely one of my favorite books I’ve read this year (so far) and may be one of my new all time faves. I’ve never laughed, cried or nodded my head more than I have while reading this book. It’s beautifully written, charming and so so so black. Through a series of short stories, Spries touches on different realms of Blackness in a way that I think will resonate deeply with readers. I’ll be doing a full review on this soon!
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The Regulars by Georgia Clark
Rating: 4/5 stars
What I liked/disliked: This was a great book with an interesting premise and amazing characters. I loved the writing and the plot, but the characters are what sold me and kept me turning page after page. I related most to Evie, but still didn’t find her actions overly predictable.
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Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
What I liked/disliked: This storyline could have easily been boring and predictable, but instead it was creative and heartwarming! I won’t spoil any of it, but this is essential the story of a young girl who has an affair with a much older Congressman while she’s an intern. The story is told from three different perspectives and is so well done. I loved it.
Buy on Amazon / View on Goodreads