January, February, March, Mid-April Wrap Up (sort of)

HEY GUYS! Sorry I have been so…absent recently. There are many reasons for this, but the two main ones are that at the end of December of last year, I was starting to kind of burn out, and at the beginning of 2018 I got a new burst of energy, but for things like music, and photography, and other hobbies that took away from book blogging. But I have still been reading! Just more slowly.

That, and work has been TOO BUSY. And I’ve started a photography program at a college nearby. And I’m looking for apartments. Life is busy, and it’s good, but I’m also the type of person that very much enjoys not being busy, so it’s tiring, and when I get a chance to rest my brain, it’s mostly not by writing blog posts.

But! Thank you for all who have followed me in the last few months, who have commented on my posts and tagged me in theirs! Even if I have not responded, I am really, really grateful and love the friendships I’ve made here!

Even though this is a “wrap up,” I only feel like talking about the books I’ve read and really enjoyed, SO these are the best books I’ve read so far this year:

 

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee: This book is everything I love about a historical family saga. It is about a Korean family living in Japan through the 20th century, amidst war and cultural, societal, and familiar expectations. I loved the journey this book took me on, and Min Jin Lee gives such time and insight into each of the characters, often to a heartbreaking degree. This book made me CRY. I loved it. Review.

If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio: If you like books about  students at brick building universities who get into copious amounts of drama and scandal, this is a book for you. Also, murder. And Shakespeare. This book presents the mystery of an acting student’s death, and his friends who did nothing to stop it. Admittedly, this book didn’t shock me with any of its plot twists, but I loved the characters, the atmosphere, and the Shakespearean inspired plot themes. Review.

The Broken Girls by Simone St. James: This is one of the most entertaining books I’ve read this year, mainly for it’s fantastic ghost story. I love ghost stories, and this one pulled it off just how I like it- spooky and creepy, but with just enough mystery to keep me from disbelief. That, and this book has a great murder mystery and very interesting historical elements. I really, really enjoyed this one. Review. 

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah: This book is a heavy one, and it took me a bit of time to get through it, but it was worth it. The Great Alone has beautiful descriptions of Alaska, terrible characters and fun characters, and a whole lot of drama. I may argue there was a bit too much drama by the end, but I still really enjoyed this one. Review.

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera: I really, really enjoyed this book and flew through most of it in one day. I have seen reviews that have said this book is boring, but I was entertained all the way through, and I think a huge part of it was simply that I loved the two main characters, Rufus and Mateo, who both learn they have just one day to live. My only real “complaint” I suppose, is that I kind of wanted it to be sadder? I’ve also seen reviews by people who cried their eyes out, so maybe I’m just heartless. Still, I really loved this book. Review to come.

What are some of the best books you’ve read so far this year? I’m a bit behind on book news, so let me know!!

Again, thank you guys for all your follows and comments and friendship ❤ I hope to be blogging more often!!