At the beginning of each month I post a reading wrap up of all the books I read the prior month.
It’s a new month, a new season really, and with it brings all new books to share. It’s been a minute since I posted my reading wrap-up because, well, I only read one book in March. But I made up for it a bit in April.
So here are this month (plus one!) reads:
Fiction
Us Against You
by Fredrik Backman
Surprise, surprise, I adored this sequel to Beartown. This book left me utterly breathless. I honestly didn’t think a book could match it’s predecessor. I was hesitant to even pick this up because Beartown was my favorite read of last year and sometimes sequels let me down.
But this did NOT let me down. I loved every turn this book took, every road it walked me down. I don’t know how Backman keeps doing it, but I love his books more with each one that I read.
The Perfect Couple
by Elin Hilderbrand
This was my first Hilderbrand book and I’m sure it won’t be my last. However, it wasn’t my favorite read. I guess I can see the beachy appeal. And there were moments that were intriguing, but for the most part, it just fell flat for me. I kept holding on expecting this infamous Elin Hinderbrand to give me a delicious dessert after the full course meal of this book….but it was like await creme brulee and being given jello. I’m sure I’ll pick up another Hilderbrand book one day, but I may not be running to bookstores for a copy. (Thanks to the publisher for a reader copy for review.)
When Summer Ends
by Jessica Pennington
Are you as ready for summer to hit as I am? Then this might be a fun read for you!
With the soon release of my own summer YA (young adult) book, I thought it would fun to pick up something similar. This was a cute book that has me ready for summer. I liked the premise. It was a nice, light book without too much emotion or heaviness attached. However, in the same breath, I could say I wish there was more emotion attached. But it was cute nonetheless. (Thanks to the publisher for an advance copy of this book. I always grateful to be able to share new books with readers!)
Read-Aloud Fiction
Little House in the Big Woods
by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Finally finished this classic that I read with my younger boys. I don’t know how I didn’t read this when I was younger, but I have enjoyed reading it as a parent. My kids laughed at some very memorable parts, that I think will stay with them forever. Especially Laura and Mary using a pig’s bladder to make a ball to play with. This was also one of my son’s first book reports, which I was particularly proud of! Here’s to instilling a love of reading into the next generation!
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
by JK Rowling
This is certainly NOT the first time I have read Harry Potter!! I am rereading the series with my kids. My twelve-year-old son was opposed to reading it for so long simply because it was the “popular pick” and I think he wanted to be different! My daughter has been begging to read it since she was far too young! I waited until I felt they were both ready to read the entire series, I am ecstatic to be enjoying it again. They both loved it just as much as I expected. So far Ron is an early favorite for both of them. And Hagrid of course!
Non-Fiction
It’s All Under Control
by Jennifer Dukes Lee
“You don’t have to be more than you are. But you also don’t have to be less.”
That quote is the message of this entire book, and it is a message that so many of us need. Goodness, it took me a while to get through this book, not because it’s large or difficult to digest, but just because of my own time commitments and such. Amazingly, the message of this book kept me from feeling guilty for not finishing when I intended to or feeling to the need to put other things aside to speed up my reading. Some of the chapters in this book, I highlighted nearly ever word. I love the 3 personality definitions that she gives–I am 100% a “Darling” according to her categories–and the scriptures and guides that she gives for each characterization are spot on. She gives motivations, kryptonites, mottos for healthier living and key verses to lean on for each (The Driver, the Devoter and the Darling).
Also, the cover is beautiful and the writing style is so relatable! Will read more from this author!
Becoming
by Michelle Obama
Every now and then I like to read things completely out of my typical box. This was that kind of a read for me. If you’ve followed my reading lists for long, you know I’m a huge fan of celebrity memoirs, and this fit that bill. But I’m not into politics (or at least discussing them), so this was very out of the box for me. A few things I really liked about this book, her writing style and prose are beautiful. I enjoyed her talks about her family and her marriage, and my favorite part was her first tour of the White House (given by Laura Bush) once she became First Lady. Yes, there were quite a few things that I didn’t enjoy about the book too, but they were mostly expected. You can read a more in depth review HERE. But suffice to say, it was an interesting read.
James: A Biblical Commentary
by Joyce Meyer
This was my first study on the book of James, and of course Joyce Meyer is always fabulous. The idea of this being a Bible Commentary is misleading, in my opinion. I would call it more of a study. I consider a commentary to define words and show them in the original languages, historical situations and relevance of the times during writing. Therefore I found this to be more of a study.
Like many other Joyce Meyer books I’ve read, some of what I love about Joyce is lost in her writing. The writing becomes a bit dry and the humor/sarcasm that she is so loved and known for is missing.
But even at that, her material is still above average! The study itself was very good, opening up so much from this wonderful book of the Bible that is James.
Phew, that was a lot. I guess I’ve learned my lesson not to combine months for a reading wrap-up. Thanks for sticking with me and I hope you found an interesting read this month!!
Now read on, friend!
If you are interested in how I’m able to read in all the busyness of life, I give all my tips in How I find the time to read.
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