What I Read: April 2022

Happy May! It's rainy but warm today I will take it. It was a pretty rainy and cold April so I found myself inside a lot. It made more perfect reading weather. During the month of April, I read 10 books! I started The Maidens by Alex Michaelides and after that found myself reaching for book after book. 

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

I loved Michaelides's first novel, The Silent Patient. While I enjoyed The Maidens, I couldn't really get behind it. The main character was very sad and unsure of herself. This book definitely had the creep factor but was missing something, in my opinion.

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

This was such a fun read. I really loved the characters. Vivi was smart and funny. There was some romance. Who doesn't love witches and romance? It reminded me of the small-town feel in Gilmore Girls mixed with the magic of Sabrina the Teenage Witch. It was a quick, fun read. 

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

This book was captivating. I have not read a book this incredible in a very long time. Owens describes the marsh in a way where I could envision myself there with Kya collecting feathers and feeding the gulls. Beautifully written. As I closed the last page, tears were falling down my cheeks. I cannot recommend this story enough. If you haven't already, you must read this book.

Beautiful World, Where are You? by Sally Rooney

I read this book in two days. It had an interesting format, one which I had never come across before. There were no quotes around what the characters were saying and no new paragraphs when someone else spoke. The conversations were all in one long paragraph. It made the conversations feel rushed and that is how I read it. I had a hard time finding the plot. The book told the story of 4 people, two couples. The female characters, Eileen and Alice, emailed each other often and discussed many topics, seemingly random. I have read Normal People by Rooney and it was nothing like this book. I truly don't know how I feel about this book. In a way, I was mundane, but perhaps that was the point. The storylines and characters were realistic and, at times, almost boring. I suppose I should have read the reviews before I opened the book, but you never if you like something until you try it for yourself. 

Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris

This was a good thriller book with a wild twist at the end. I'm not sure I would recommend it and I am a fan of B.A. Paris. Behind Closed Doors was excellent and I read the whole book during a 5-hour flight a few years ago. Read that book and maybe skin Bring Me Back.

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

I started this book at 5pm on a Tuesday and finished at 1am Wednesday morning. I could not put this book down. Trigger warning: this book contains abusive material. It was heartwarming, heartbreaking, and heroic. Brave and bold. 

When Kate Meet Cassidy by Camille Perri

This book was a fun rom-com that takes place in NYC. A recent breakup has Katie meeting someone expected and exploring herself in new ways. Small town girl moves to a big city vibe with a side of romance. 

The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller

I did enjoy this book but found it to be a bit depressing at times. The author painted beautiful scenes of the lake and woods. It was a heavy book with topics of abuse and infidelity. Intriguing, but sometimes tough to read.

Survive the Night by Riley Sager

I am a big Riley Sager fan. The first book I ever read of his was Lock Every Door and it was great! This book was good, but not great. A majority of the book took place in a car, so there were very few scene changes and lots of internal dialogue. Not a favorite, but that didn't stop me from pre-ordering his new book, The House Across the Lake. 

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I loved this book! I read it in one day. Picked it up around 4pm on Wednesday and finished it around midnight. It read like a documentary. Each character has their own version or side of the story. It takes place in the 70s and explores the rise to stardom of a rock n roll band. I just learned this book is being turned into an Amazon series with Reese Witherspoon at the helm. I am so excited to hear the songs come to life! I also want to read everything by TJR. I have Malibu Rising and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo on my TBR list.

I'm starting a new book today! Stay tuned to see what I read in May.