Spark Joy by Marie Kondo
Where I got it: From the library.
Did I read it? Yes! And I actually was surprised to discover how much I liked it. It's not as harsh as the first one; and she offers helpful and specific tips on how to get rid of items that don't spark joy; and how to better display items that do spark joy, to create a joyful home atmosphere.
The Rules of Love & Grammar by Mary Simses
Where I got it: From Shelf Awareness, for review.
Did I read it? Yes! As someone who has been known to point out typos on a menu... I can relate to the character of Grace Hammond. However, Grace's predicaments are super cliché (including an inevitable scene where a guy has to get close to Grace in order to show her how to properly hold a pool cue...) (eye roll). But, if you like books that are well-written, and not full of sex scenes, and you don't mind romantic tropes, you'll enjoy this.
My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher
Where I got it: On audiobook, from the library, per my friend Meghan's recommendation.
Did I read it? Nope. I'll re-request it from the library though, I promise, Meghan! I ditched it in favor of relistening to Blue Lily, Lily Blue.
Modern Lovers by Emma Straub
Where I got it: From Shelf Awareness, for review.
Did I read it? Yes! It's a perfect light, summery beach-type read.
In Other Words by Jhumpa Lahiri
Where I got it: From the library.
Did I read it? Nope. Well, I read 20% of it. But I just didn't care that much, and since I had SO MANY other books to get to, I took it back to the library. I may try again later, we'll see.
Even Dogs in the Wild by Ian Rankin
Where I got it: From the library.
Did I read it? No. Again, did I mention that ALL THE HOLDS came it at once? And since I only had to wait about 2 weeks for this one the first time around, I figured it was a good candidate to re-request for later.
Son by Lois Lowry
Where I got it: From the library! After waiting SEVEN months for it. So I had to prioritize this one.
Did I read it? Yes! It was really good. This one and The Giver are the best in the series, for sure. Actually, I really think you could pretty much skip books 2 and 3, and just read this as the follow-up to The Giver.
In addition to those specific books, I also planned to read "something romantic" in April. I'd originally figured a Mary Stewart or Georgette Heyer reread, but then two teenage YA fantasy novels came in at the library, and they both had pretty strong romantic themes, so they scratched my romantic itch, so to speak. But since this post is already pretty epic, I'll fill you in on the rest of my April reads soon. Stay tuned! I had a couple of five star reads this month.
What have YOU been reading?
I was sent advance copies of some of these. And the images are affiliate links. Thanks for supporting Quirky Bookworm!
