April has been a good reading month for me as I’ve managed to read 5 great books despite being really busy and also being a bit poorly for the first few weeks. That being said, I haven’t had a five-star read for months, so if you have any recommendations for books that you absolutely loved, please send them my way!! 😊
I’m a mood reader, so not sure what I want to read in May, but I’m leaning towards YA I think! I do also have The Girl With The Louding Voice by Abi Daré which I’ve wanted to read for a while – so I’m sure I’ll read it this upcoming month! Anyway, lets get into the April Wrap Up…
Ahead of Her Time by Judy Piatkus (ARC)
I kindly received this ARC in exchange for an honest review from the publisher and I am so glad I’ve read this. I want to read more non-fiction and memoirs this year and as somebody who is looking to get into the publishing industry, I found this book to be incredibly insightful. The subtitle explains the book really well – How a One-Woman Startup Became a Global Publishing Brand. Judy Piatkus set up Piatkus Books, a publishing house, from the spare bedroom of her house in 1979. The book gave an honest and raw insight into her life, her successes, and struggles, and it really showcases the fact that she was ahead of her time! I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in the publishing industry or just wants to know more about it.
Rating – ★★★★
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
On my Goodreads I reviewed this as ‘Captivating, Powerful, Beautiful’ and I really stand by that. This book is a beautiful portrayal of finding oneself in a crowded and confusing world. Of being true to yourself no matter what, and of the importance of friendship and solidarity. The Black Flamingo is a YA Contemporary book with LGBTQ+ representation. This coming of age book is honestly amazing, from the verse format to the evolution of Michael’s character – it was just so good. I also loved the fact that the protagonist was half Jamaican, half Greek-Cypriot. I have Cypriot family and have never read a book with a Cypriot character before so that was really fantastic to see!
Rating – ★★★★.5
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Okay, before you start wondering why I’m reading A Christmas Carol in April, I am obsessed with Christmas but not that obsessed with Christmas haha. I tutor English and the text I am currently studying with my students is this one, so I had to read it. Surprisingly, I’ve (somehow) never read ACC before, but I am glad I have now! It is a heartfelt and endless story about the spirit of Christmas and how we have the power to change for the better. It has powerful lessons that can be enjoyed at any time of the year!
Rating – ★★★★
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell
Hamnet was the book club choice for my university book club that I help to co-run and I was super excited to read this one. Going in, I knew that it wasn’t a story about Shakespeare, but I was secretly hoping for some insight into his life (although this is a fictional retelling, I just love all things Shakespeare!). However, what I got was completely unexpected, but I loved it! This is a powerful story about the importance of love, family, the special bond that twins share, and the loss and grief that can alter the change of your life. I’m going to do a full review for Hamnet on my blog soon, so look out for that!
Rating – ★★★★.5
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
I just about managed to squeeze acotar into my April reading wrap up as I finished it last night. This was a buddy read with a friend of mine and I want to read more fantasy so thought this was a good place to start. However, can I just say that the hype for this book is absolutely unmatched – I don’t think I’ve seen a bad review for this book! I was worried I wouldn’t enjoy it as I don’t read fantasy or romance, but I thought it was good. I didn’t love it and I didn’t hate it which is positive. I’m aware there was a lot of world building which is to be expected. I do think I’ll pick up the next book, but I won’t be rushing out just yet.
Rating – ★★★★
Let me know what your favourite read was in April, I’d love to know! 😊
Books and Baking 