April Book Roundup

Yay, it's one of my favorite posts of the month to write and to read from other bloggers! Better yet, it's actually on time this month- unlike this past February and March. 

This month of April was DEFINITELY my best month of reading yet so far this year, so settle in with your coffee and figure out which one of these books you might want to try out this month. I read a fiction book that leans towards women's fiction, a memoir, and two light thrillers. They were all good, but I think the memoir was surprisingly my favorite!

As you're reading this, Shane and I are in the northernmost part of Wisconsin for a few days- brrrrr, not a fan of going that north in the spring! I'm *hopefully* getting lots more reading done in the airport, flight, and on our 2 hour car ride from Minneapolis to Superior.  I say *hopefully* because pregnancy hasn't really allowed me to read in the car lately; it's made me become car sick or at least feeling queasy on many car rides recently! Since I used to get air sick as well, I sure hope pregnancy hasn't caused that to return too...we shall see. Lots and lots of g-free snacks will hopefully keep that at bay and allow me to get some more reading in!

On a more pleasant topic, let's get into the nitty gritty of some of these books.

The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise by Colleen Oakley- ⭐⭐⭐⭐

• There's been a lot of longtime hype for this newly released one for sure
• It wasn't my favorite of hers (I recommend The Invisible Husband of Frick Island!), but it was definitely really fun to read
• Loved the writing style and the characters
• The plot felt different from many other popular books that are out there- definitely creative and unique, a bit quirky
• A book that acts as a good escape from your everyday life, while still having relatable moments
• Works for older readers and 20-30 year olds too
• Gives fun road-trip vibes

 

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Okay, this book has been everywhere and anywhere but I was initially turned off by the title 
• I finally got around to reading it and I'm SO. GLAD. I did!
• I have heard of the Nickelodeon show iCarly but I didn't know anything about her beyond that, but I still felt just as invested and interested in this memoir
• This book is extremely honest, heartbreaking, and mind-blowing
• It covers a lot of abusive topics and being a childhood star with a parent who forces that lifestyle
• I have to say that I'm impressed at how well she has seemingly turned out despite her mom, childhood, and other factors- but she does seem increasingly hurt and bitter (understandably) as this book goes on
• Not sure how I feel about what she had to say about Ariana Grande- I like her!

The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth- ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (pictured by a big round baby bump and also near who Shane claims my real soulmate is😉)

• I LOVE Sally Hepworth via Instagram and I've read all of her recent books
• A lot of people are saying this one is her best yet, but I don't think I agree
• I'm not sure if it's because I started reading it on my Kindle and then finished reading it as a hardcover when it came in at the library, but parts of it felt disjointed and hard to keep straight
• I do love her realistic take on the little details of everyday life
• Loved the beginning and the unique plot at first-a clever idea!
• This one didn't seem as witty and charming as many of her other recent books though
• It had some predictability but also felt very far-fetched
• This was her COVID book and I have to say, for most of my favorite authors, their COVID books didn't seem to impress me as much, so I will give her grace!
• All that to say, this was still an easy, fun, deep-enough book that I wanted to keep on reading and reading
• I can't wait for her next one to come out!

The Only Survivors by Megan Miranda- ⭐⭐⭐

• How gorgeous is this cover!
• I've read all of her books and many are a solid 4 (almost 5!) stars
• She has a unique writing style that really makes me pause and ponder
• Loved that this setting took me back to the familiar North Carolina beach/oceanside (Could it be that I'm actually missing it this time of year?!)
• Her books usually come out late summer, so it felt a little off to read this new one this early in the spring
• She got her start as a young adult author and this book very much felt that way 
• It wasn't a scary thriller- somewhat repetitive 
• Another book with a group of friends/“locked room” mystery vibes

I'm SO glad I finally had an overall mostly strong reading month again with an all-around positive book review! What should I add to my reading list for May? I truly can NOT believe we are already moving right along into May. I'm feeling some beachy, lighter, chick-lit books in this upcoming month.

Needing some extra exciting ones that are being published this week or in May so that you get slightly ahead of the game and place your holds?

• Happy Place by Emily Henry
• Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune
• The Senator's Wife by Liv Constantine

Hope you have the best weekend! Maybe find some time to curl up with a good book somewhere in there? That sounds good to me!