Every month when it’s time to pen this post, I open up Goodreads to remind myself of what I actually read. This month when April Wrap Up time came around, I was genuinely shocked to find that I’d read seven books. Seven! Blimey. That explains why I haven’t done much else really…
It’s been a good variety too, there are three contemporary fictions, one YA, one middle grade and two non-fictions. Quite the pick’n’mix.
Read on for some more thoughts about each of them!
April Wrap Up - The Full Lowdown
How to Kill Your Family
by Bella Mackie
*Proof Copy*
I am super lucky in my new job that I can get my mitts on proofs of upcoming books. When I saw Bella Mackie’s first fiction offering in the box, I snatched it up immediately.
It is darkly comic, fun, and full of murder. I’m going to write a full post soon, but safe to say I enjoyed it and I highly recommend that you pre-order it for publication in July.
The Break
by Marian Keyes
My first Marian Keyes book in a long time, I used to read my mum’s when I was younger, and it didn’t disappoint. She has such a knack for creating great characters and meaty storylines that draw you in. I also love that her books are always quite long so you can really sink your teeth into them. Great fun, got loads more of hers to read that I bought secondhand too. I’m on a Marian binge!
Girl, Woman, Other
by Bernardine Evaristo
Honestly, why didn’t I read this sooner? This book really doesn’t need me to big it up (I mean, it won prizes galore) but it is SO, so good. Just breathtaking prose and interesting characters whose stories weave together so brilliantly. Every chapter is a perfect short story in its own right. Loved it. L o v e d it.
Fireborn
by Aisling Fowler
*Proof Copy*
I decided that I wanted to read some more children’s/middle grade books so I could give more recommendations in that area. So, I picked up a proof copy of Fireborn which is due to be published in September.
It follows the story of Twelve, a young girl who has given up her name and identity in order to train and fight the monsters of Ember. But when her new home is attacked, she embarks on a quest which changes everything.
I loved this! I’m going to write another blog post for this too, but I thought it was a great read, full of fun and adventure.
Noughts & Crosses
by Malorie Blackman
Because I’m an idiot, I hadn’t even heard of this series and picked it up one day in a charity shop not realising it was a pretty big deal. But anyway, this YA novel looks at race, social injustice and young love in such an interesting and accessible way, I thoroughly recommend it.
The Most Beautiful Walk in the World: A Pedestrian in Paris
by John Baxter
A glorious read to pretend you’re on holiday in Paris. Read more in the longer review post here.
Failosophy : A Handbook for When Things Go Wrong
by Elizabeth Day
*Proof Copy*
Another one I picked up in work, this little book accompanies Elizabeth Day’s ‘How to Fail‘ podcast. A short handbook that lists the seven principles of failures and anecdotes to help you see failure for what it is, and how to learn from it.
I hope you enjoyed my April Wrap Up and that you add some of these books to your list. How did your reading go this month? Was there anything that stood out? Let me know in the comments!
Speak to you soon,
(Please bear in mind that as a Hive affiliate, some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a small commission, at no cost to you.)
2 Comments
I can never manage 7 in a month! I haven’t read any of these but must get around to reading Girl, Women, Other. I remember my daughter being hooked on Malorie Blackman when she was a teen, you’re right she is huge!!
It’s rare for me too! I’d definitely recommend Girl, Women, Other x