April was a rough month for me mentally. Usually reading helps with that but depression was KICKING my ass. Every book I picked up, I hated. Some I decided I would try again with when I was in a better mood, others were DNF. I sadly only completed 3 books this book and I'm working on the last book I started which should be done in May. Overall though, this month had some great reads, so let's get into it.
Bitter by Awaeke Emezi was phenomenal which I expected. I was in a reading slump when I read this book which is why it only received 4 stars. I loved seeing Bitter's story and how she met Aloe & Blessing. Bitter was in and out of foster homes until she was recruited to Eucalyptus, a safe haven for children like her with special artistic talents. She has a few friends that are part of a group that fights on the front lines against the systemic issues Lucille face. Bitter is conflicted with wanting to help but finally feeling happy, free, and safe. We see the start of a revolution and how we can fight for ourselves and our neighbors to get justice. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The next book was a mix of physical copy and audiobook and I must say if you read it, definitely pick up the audiobook. The experience you get is UNMATCHED. It is The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson. This book was hard to get into and stick with because of all the racist statements. But it was a really good book. Lots of bullying & graphic violence. Definitely a good horror but also delves into personal development and trying to find and be your own person. I absolutely love Tiffany D. Jackson's books and writing style. As most other reviews say, it is extremely similar to Carrie but with a race element. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson was the last full read of the month. I absolutely could not stop once I started. While the topic is heavy, the storyline really sucks you in. Please read the TW for this. Another amazingly written book by Tiffany D. Jackson. This book explores the trauma a teenage girl endures while trying to make a name for herself as a singer and falling in love with an older artist. We see how much abusers rely on society not believing women and how power, money, and fame let them get away with so much hurt and pain they inflict on others.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Now for the books that were added to my DNF list:
The Rising (Unlawful Men #4) by Jodi Ellen Malpas. This series should have ended with the third book. This is 600 pages of nonsense. I'm so sorry but this book honestly was so tough to get through which is why I just put it down. All the characters I once loved were just so unlikeable. Where was the character development? Nothing but arguing and bickering between the couples it was too much.
Fractured Souls (Perfectly Imperfect #6) by Neva Altaj was a letdown for me. This series is one of my favorites and I was looking forward to this next book. The way that the FMC kept jumping into the MMC like she was a child was honestly so disturbing for me. Their whole relationship made me very uncomfortable reading this.
How To Be A Better Adult by Jacque Aye was just boring. Absolutely nothing got my attention whatsoever.
Hooked by Emily McIntire is a book that maybe I'll pick up again when I'm in a better mood or maybe I won't. I can't remember exactly what turned me off from this but I know that I was just over it and didn't care for the storyline.
Long Shot (Hoops #1) by Kennedy Ryan. This was my second time trying to read this book and now I know it is just a no for me. There was nothing I liked about this book and I was absolutely not about to keep reading graphic details of brutal SA. This author's writing style is just not for me and I have come to terms with that.
If you read any of these books, let me know what you thought! Here's to hoping May is a better reading month for me. I am halfway to my reading goal of 100 books for the year though :)
Love Always,
VanessaClair
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