April 2023 Reads
Ah April. You fickle gal.
One week, we’re loving the sunshine and warm weather, and the next, you’ve plunged us back into the rain with highs in the 40s. Such is life as a Michigander though lol.
This month was actually really fun on both the reading front and in life. I went to the annual Michigan Alpaca Festival (yes, that really is a thing) and it was actually so much fun. They’re such funny and weird animals in general, so watching people show them in a format similar to a dog show was an experience I will never regret. Please enjoy this photo from that day.
I felt like my reading went much better this month compared to March. I’m still reading a little slower than I’d prefer, but audiobooks really have become my jam this year. I just can’t get enough of them.
All righty. I think that’s it for updates. Let’s get into everything I read in April.
*All summaries are taken or paraphrased from Goodreads.
Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson
SISTERS IN ARMS by Kaia Alderson
Rating: 4/5 stars
Summary: Grace Steele and Eliza Jones may be from completely different backgrounds, but when it comes to the army, specifically the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), they are both starting from the same level. Not only will they be among the first class of female officers the army has even seen, they are also the first Black women allowed to serve. As these courageous women help to form the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, they are dealing with more than just army bureaucracy - everyone is determined to see this experiment fail. For two northern women, learning to navigate their way through the segregated army may be tougher than boot camp. Grace and Eliza know that there is no room for error; they must be more perfect than everyone else. When they finally make it overseas, to England and then France, Grace and Eliza will at last be able to do their parts for the country they love, whatever the risk to themselves. Based on the true story of the 6888th Postal Battalion (the Six Triple Eight), Sisters in Arms explores the untold story of what life was like for the only all-Black, female U.S. battalion to be deployed overseas during World War II.
My Thoughts: I love a good World War II-era historical fiction and this book definitely scratched that itch. It follows two women, Grace and Eliza, through their experiences of joining the U.S. army’s first all-Black female battalion during a time when segregation was still plaguing the country. It was frustrating to watch these women put their lives on the line for the country and yet still experience intense intersectional discrimination. People on the streets would dismiss them as soldiers and undermine their credentials - even though they went through the same training as everyone else in the military. Though all of the odds were against them, Eliza, Grace, and their fellow soldiers banded together to face the adversity with strength and resilience. The format of the book switches between Eliza’s and Grace’s perspectives and I loved that although they came from very different backgrounds and couldn’t stand each other at first, they end up developing a truly beautiful friendship. This book is based on a true story and I think it’s one more people should know about. So needless to say, I definitely recommend giving this historical fiction a read.
Pet by Akwaeke Emenzi
PET by Akwaeke Emenzi
Rating: 5/5 stars
Summary: There are no monsters anymore, or so the children in the city of Lucille are taught. Jam and her best friend, Redemption, have grown up with this lesson all their life. But when Jam meets Pet, a creature made of horns and colors and claws, who emerges from one of her mother’s paintings and a drop of Jam’s blood, she must reconsider what she’s been told. Pet has come to hunt a monster – and the shadow of something grim lurks in Redemption’s house. Jam must fight not only to protect her best friend, but also uncover the truth, and the answer to the question: How do you save the world from monsters if no one will admit they exist?
My Thoughts: This book was unlike any other that I’ve read. I’m pretty sure it’s considered middle grade, so it’s aimed at a young audience, but I think it’s impactful no matter what age you are. The writing was extremely unique. It took a minute for me to fall into a rhythm with it just because it has a very specific pattern to the dialogue. The names of the characters were also pretty out there, so that made it a little tough for me to keep straight, but it streamlined itself in my brain eventually. I can recognize the significance and importance of this storyline, especially as it tackles such important subjects in such a delicate way. All of the symbolism the author managed to include was phenomenal and they fit it into just 200 pages. I definitely recommend this if you’re looking for an impactful book or if you’re looking to integrate more transgendered characters into your reading list.
First Comes Scandal by Julia Quinn
FIRST COMES SCANDAL by Julia Quinn
Rating: 4/5 stars
Summary: She was given two choices… Georgiana Bridgerton isn’t against the idea of marriage. She’d just thought she’d have some say in the matter. But with her reputation hanging by a thread after she’s abducted for her dowry, Georgie is given two options: live out her life as a spinster or marry the rogue who has ruined her life. Enter Option #3 As the fourth son of an earl, Nicholas Rokesby is prepared to chart his own course. He has a life in Edinburgh, where he’s close to completing his medical studies, and he has no time - or interest - to find a wife. But when he discovers that Georgie Bridgerton - his literal girl-next-door - is facing ruin, he knows what he must do. A Marriage of Convenience. It might not have been the most romantic of proposals, but Nicholas never thought she’d say no. Georgie doesn’t want to be anyone’s sacrifice, and besides, they could never think of each other as anything more than childhood friends… or could they? But as they embark upon their unorthodox courtship they discover a new twist to the age-old rhyme. First comes scandal, then comes marriage. But after that comes love…
My Thoughts: This is the last book in the Rokesby Boys series and I think it may have been my favorite. I loved Georgie Bridgerton’s character. She is quick-witted, independent, and somewhat of the underdog in her family. Nicholas was a great match for her because he never saw a reason to stifle her drive and endless curiosity even if those weren’t typical behaviors of a “lady.” The romance in this storyline just felt so organic and naturally believable. Georgie and Nicholas have known each other since they were kids and now that Georgie has gotten into somewhat of a pickle, a marriage of convenience is the only option. It was refreshing how easily these two characters fell into a rhythm with the situation as they also gradually fell in love with each other. It was just a treat to experience. There’s also a really comedic scene in the first half of the book that literally had me laughing out loud, which was a fun change of pace for a Regency romance lol. Although this book is part of a series, I honestly think you could read it as a standalone. So, pick it up if you have the chance!
Heartless Sky by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti
HEARTLESS SKY (#7 Zodiac Academy) by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti
Rating: 4/5 stars
Summary: The winds of fate are shifting, and it finally seems like they’ve been twisted in our favor. On the run and cast out from society, we’ve been forced to hide from the mad man who stole our throne. But as more secrets come to light and my sister and I work harder than ever before to reach our potential and claim our birthright, the end is finally drawing closer. There is no turning from this path now. The curse chases on our heels as time rushes by and the blood drenched destiny of the man I love looms ever closer just like the monster who stole our throne. We must prepare for the final battle, but three things are clear now. The cards have already been dealt. Blood will spill for a new future to rise. And the stars themselves can’t help us. The fight for the throne is upon us. All hail the heartless sky.
My Thoughts: All righty, y’all. Per usual, a lot happened in this book. However, it took me about three weeks to get through it because a majority of the middle absolutely dragged ass. Obviously, it was engaging enough for me to continue through it, but I felt like a lot of the characters were going in circles with their issues. There wasn’t a lot of momentum moving the story forward and I just felt like there hadn’t been a pivotal moment in the plotline for a minute. THAT BEING SAID, some things I’ve been waiting to happen for basically the entire series thus far finally come to fruition. The ending will absolutely wreck you, so just be aware. There’s a very, very big battle scene that changes the trajectory of one character’s storyline and it happened so fast that I couldn’t process it quickly enough to be upset lol. Like I’m buddy reading this series with my old college roommate (s/o to Steph) and she was flabbergasted that I wasn’t as upset as she was. I literally feel like I missed the scene and need to go reread it for the full effect. Overall, I definitely think if you’ve made it this far in the Zodiac Academy series then you need to read this book, but just know that it may take you a little longer to get through than the others because of the slight lull.
Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci
TASTE: MY LIFE THROUGH FOOD by Stanley Tucci
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Summary: Before Stanley Tucci became a household name with The Devil Wears Prada, The Hunger Games, and the perfect Negroni, he grew up in an Italian American family that spent every night around the table. He shared the magic of those meals with us in The Tucci Cookbook and The Tucci Table, and now he takes us beyond the recipes and into the stories behind them. Taste is a reflection on the intersection of food and life, filled with anecdotes about growing up in Westchester, New York, preparing for and filming the foodie films Big Night and Julie & Julia, falling in love over dinner, and teaming up with his wife to create conversation-starting meals for their children. Each morsel of this gastronomic journey through good times and bad, five-star meals and burnt dishes, is as heartful and delicious as the last. Written in Stanley’s signature wry humor and nostalgia, Taste is a heartwarming read that will be irresistible for anyone who knows the power of a home-cooked meal.
My Thoughts: Who wouldn’t want to listen to Stanley Tucci talk about food for 7 hours? This book was such a delight. Between his candid reflections from childhood where his love for cooking and food got its start and the more recent culinary experiences with his own family, this book was full of humor and hunger-inducing anecdotes. I also learned so much about the nuances related to various cuisines - specifically Italian. If you have an appreciation for food, travel, and quick-witted dry humor, then I highly recommend that you give this audiobook a listen!
Sorrow and Starlight by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti
SORROW AND STARLIGHT (#8 Zodiac Academy) by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti
Rating: 5/5 stars
Summary: All stars must fall. Bloody, lost, broken. We live to fight another day. But with so much stolen from us, can the fates ever twist in our favor again? My sister and I have been torn apart by shadows and despair, and now we each stand alone. Our sorrow is spun like a web, trapping us tight, and I fear our enemies will soon come to feast upon our souls. But if I have my way, the merciless sky will have dealt us its final fortune. It’s time for us to take back the power that’s been ripped from our grasp and turn the tide of this war. All stars must fall, and all Phoenixes must rise. Long live the Savage Queens.
My Thoughts: Y’ALL LOL. I swear to you, this series is going to be the end of me. This gem was 1,200 pages of shit I was not expecting. Mind you, the theme of “two steps forward, one step back” still rings true for our characters. However, the momentum the plot gained and the number of “OH SHIT” moments were endless. I can’t get into too many details without giving things away, but I have to say, we see some incredible character development from someone I had already dismissed as an antagonist in this series. Tory goes on some ADVENTURES to say the least. Darcy and Orion are making strides for the team while being in the shittiest situation. The Heirs are all having a few breakthroughs. AND SOMETHING HAPPENS THAT I CANNOT SAY, BUT MADE ME AUDIBLY GASP AND FIST PUMP. I know this book is a thicc gal, but she is 10000000% worth the read if you’ve made it this far in the series. Like it totally made up for what the last book lacked in the middle of it.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
AN EMBER IN THE ASHES by Sabaa Tahir (REREAD)
Rating: 4/5 stars
Summary: Laia is a slave. Elias is a soldier. Neither is free. Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Empire risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear. It is in this brutal world that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother. The family ekes out an existence in the impoverished backstreets and do not dare to challenge the Empire. When Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, she is forced to make a decision. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy. There, Laia meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier - and secretly, it’s most unwilling. Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he’s being trained to enforce. He and Laia will soon realize their destinies are intertwined - and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire itself.
My Thoughts: I first read An Ember in the Ashes back in 2021 as a way to cure the book hangover I received from the Throne of Glass series. I really loved it and believe I even gave it 4.5 stars. This time around, I decided to listen to the audiobook instead to experience it in an alternative format. Listen, I still love this book and series. The sentiments I had about it originally still stand: there’s a great mixture of action, adventure, emotions, and mystery. HOWEVER (and I had to go reread my initial review on this book to see if this is how I felt the first time I read it), Laia is so annoying to me lol. And, for some indescribable reason, the narrator who voices for Laia made her character even more frustrating. Which, mind you, I genuinely liked the narrator. Like she did a great job lol. So I guess take that as you will? I know now that her character goes through great character development in the next three books, but if you’re new to the series, just take Laia with a grain of salt initially. Overall, I still love this storyline and think it’s an incredibly unique premise for the fantasy genre. My recommendation for experiencing this book, though, is to read the physical form first and then follow up with the audiobook for a second read, if you’re so inclined.
Recursion by Blake Crouch
RECURSION by Blake Crouch
Rating: 4/5 stars
Summary: Memory makes reality. That’s what NYC cop Barry Sutton is learning, as he investigates the devastating phenomenon the media has dubbed False Memory Syndrome - a mysterious affliction that drives its victims mad with memories of a life they never lived. That’s what neuroscientist Helena Smith believes. It’s why she’s dedicated her life to creating a technology that will let us preserve our most precious memories. If she succeeds, anyone will be able to re-experience a first kiss, the birth of a child, the final moment with a dying parent. As Barry searches for the truth, he comes face to face with an opponent more terrifying than any disease - a force that attacks not just our minds, but the very fabric of the past. And as its effects begin to unmake the world as we know it, only he and Helena, working together, will stand a chance at defeating it. But how can they make a stand when reality itself is shifting and crumbling all around them?
My Thoughts: Y’all. I don’t know if it’s because I don’t read science fiction as often as most, but this book blew my mind lol. Like the fact that someone thought of this premise is beyond me. I thoroughly enjoyed this sci-fi thriller. The format is pretty unique as it switches between Helena’s and Barry’s perspectives while following a non-linear timeline. The author starts you out at a pace that is easy to follow, but as you get deeper into the book, we are not only jumping timelines, but realities. Let me tell you, I was absolutely sucked into this audiobook and couldn’t even guess what the resolution to the MCs’ overall problem was going to be. That being said, the only reason I couldn’t give it five stars is because I felt like the solution ended up being kind of anticlimactic. It wasn’t disappointing necessarily, but I felt like with a character as smart as Helena, she should’ve been able to figure that out after everything she had gone through. Either way, if you’re looking for a really great science fiction to get lost in, I definitely recommend this book! Please check trigger warnings though because memory loss and Alzheimer’s is a main thread throughout the storyline.
Thank You For Listening by Julia Whelan
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING by Julia Whelan
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Summary: For Sewanee Chester, being an audiobook narrator is a long way from her old dreams, but the days of being a star on film sets are long behind her. She’s found success and satisfaction from the inside of a sound booth and it allows her to care for her beloved, ailing grandmother. When she arrives in Las Vegas last-minute for a book convention, Sewanee unexpectedly spends a whirlwind night with a charming stranger. On her return home, Sewanee discovers one of the world’s most beloved romance novelists wanted her to perform her last book - with Brock McNight, the industry’s hottest, most secretive voice. Sewanee doesn’t buy what romance novels are selling - not after her own dreams were tragically cut short - and she stopped narrating them years ago. But her admiration of the late author, and the opportunity to get her grandmother more help, makes her decision for her. As Sewanee begins work on the book, resurrecting her old romance pseudonym, she and Brock forge a real connection, hidden behind the comfort of anonymity. Soon, she is dreaming again, but secrets are revealed, and the realities of life come crashing down around her once more. If she can learn to risk everything for desires she has long buried, she will discover a world of intimacy and acceptance she never believed would be hers.
My Thoughts: Hear me out. An audiobook written by Julia Whelan, read by Julia Whelan?? Fek yah! I absolutely CRUSHED this audiobook. Listened to it in one day because I couldn’t get enough of it. Besides, Julia Whelan is hands down one of the most talented narrators that has ever graced my eardrums. She has such a gift of pulling you into the story with her entrancing voice and accents. Now, the kicker about this particular book is that she also wrote it, and my friends, she killed it. I was obsessed with this storyline. THE BANTER ALONE, MY GOD. It was *chef’s kiss*. Like whenever I say I want some quality banter in my rom-com, THIS is what I mean. I was chuckling like a moron the entire time. Also, I swear to you, I was awe struck by some of the analogies and metaphors used throughout. It was just some great freaking writing. Onto the characters. Sewanee was the perfect main character for this book. She’s strong and killing it in the audiobook game, but after an accident five years ago leaving her with some physical and emotional scars, she’s still dealing with inner demons, including accepting her new self image. Brock/Nick was the BEST love interest we could’ve asked for here. This Irish delight was charming, humble, sweet, thoughtful - just your quintessential perfect book boyfriend. The storyline flowed so well, but the only reason I’m docking it a half star is because there was a stint around 66% that MILDLY slowed everything down all of a sudden. So I didn’t love that, but otherwise, this is one of the best romances I’ve read in a while. I recommend reading it, but HIGHLY recommend listening to it. :)
And that’s all I’ve got for April!
Cheers to May and AAPI Heritage Month!
2023 Book Count: 41
Add me on Goodreads if you haven’t already.
YOUR TURN! What’s the best audiobook you’ve listened to this year so far?
