A Half Year Reading Update
You’ve heard me say, time and time again, that it has been a weird reading year. The fact of the matter is that I went from reading 150+ books a year, down to (so far) reading 14 books. However I’m here to tell you that it’s actually starting to grow on me! Not only is this what my brain has needed, but it has allowed me to really enjoy all of the reading that I have done.
It’s been a good year of reading so far friends. I thought I’d break it down here. I’m only going through the end of June, because I have plans for another one of these posts at the end of the year :). I hope you enjoy!
January 2020
The Infinite Noise by Lauren Shippen
This book was 4-star read for me, and a beautiful surprise. Shippen deals beautifully with the concept of mental health, while bringing in a Sci Fi bend. Highly recommended.
Original review here.
Birdie and Me by J.M.M Nuanez
Another 4-star read for me, that just blew me away. To be fully transparent, this book is written by one of my best friends. However I am also being completely honest when I tell that it is wonderful. Middle grade books with LGBTQ themes? Yes, please.
I still owe a full review for this, and it will go up as soon as I finish the audio book version!
March 2020
Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews
Yet another 4-star read! Look, I love Ilona Andrews’ books. It’s no secret. They write the best female characters, and I am never disappointed when I read one of these. That’s all you need to know.
Original review here.
April 2020
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Are you tired of me posting 4-star reads? I wasn’t lying when I said that it has been a good reading year. Leigh Bardugo shines here. This book is dark, gritty and absolutely stunning. If you haven’t read this yet, I highly recommend that you do.
May 2020
The Walking by Bentley Little
Here comes the first 3-star read of the year. It took me a long time to finish this book, to be honest. It wasn’t bad, but it slowed down a lot towards the end and the climax left me underwhelmed. Definitely gory though, so keep that in mind if you decide to read.
Brave Red, Smart Frog by Emily Jenkins
Another 3-star read, mainly because it was a little watered down for a fairy tale book. I am a big fan of fairy tales. I LOVE the old versions that are dark, with lots of meaning. This book would definitely be great for a younger reader, but I wanted a little more.
If It Bleeds by Stephen King
This 4-star read was ALMOST a 5. It was right on that line. I pretty much always love Stephen King’s writing, but his short story compilations are my favorite. This one did not let me down. In fact, it made me want to read even more, and that was exactly what I needed.
Original review here.
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
Friends, this was my very first 5-star read of the year! I absolutely adored everything about this book. It was quirky, sweet, and so poignant. It takes a lot lately to make me really stop at the end of a book and reflect, but this story did exactly that. If you’re looking for something that will make you smile, and tear up in equal measures? This is your book.
June 2020
The Forgotten Girl by India Hill
A 3-star read that actually really opened my eyes! This Middle Grade book is a bit ghost story, and a bit historical fiction. It deals with segregated graveyards which, to be honest, I had no idea were such a prevalent thing. I learned a lot while reading this book, and also had a few good shivers!
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
A 3-star read that was light, but maybe a little too cynical for my tastes. Nina Hill is a mega introvert, and a book nerd to boot. I liked her well enough, mainly because I used to hardcore be her, but this book was weighed down a bit by the snark in it. It was an easy read though, so if you’re looking for something light check this out!
Stand Up, Yumi Chung! by Jessica Kim
This Middle Grade book easily stole a 4-star rating because it was so much fun! Yumi’s whole story, from her family life to her future stand up career, stole my heart. I powered through this, giggled a lot, and even teared up a bit. If you’re looking for a sweet #ownvoices read, this is it! The audio book is wonderful and you’ll love it!
Original review here.
