Oof. I am behind on everything right now.
May was, somehow, even busier than April. Or I should say I struggled even more than usual with time management. I read a lot more than I expected to, partially due to a random graphic novel kick that began. Unfortunately, even while I’m writing this halfway through June, I haven’t written many of my May book reviews yet.
To make this wrap-up a happier one than April’s, I adopted a kitten! Her name is Daphne (named after Daphne Du Maurier, one of my favorite authors). It was soon after the passing of Cutie Pie, but my other cat Talia was not handling the only cat life well. She’s so happy to have a little sister now! (Most of the time, anyway!)
What I read in May:
The Blackbird Girls by Anne Blankman ~ ★★★★★
This book completely captured my heart. I spent so much time reading this book despite it being a middle grade. While undoubtedly flawed, the heart of the story resonated deeply with me, particularly the found family and character growth.
The Accidental Empress by Allison Pataki ~ ★★★½
This one is in the ranking for one of the books on my TBR the longest. I don’t know why I didn’t pick it up when I was most interested in it around 2016 (other than my reading habits looking far different than they do now). I might have enjoyed it more then, but I did find enjoyment. I’m excited for the next book in the series.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Random Riggs ~ ★★★½
Out of my comfort zone no doubt. I was surprised that there were moments where I was invested. It sadly didn’t hole my strong attention from start to finish and I don’t have any immediate plans to continue the series, but nonetheless was worth the read.
Annie Finds a Home by Amy Ehrlich ~ ★★★
I typically love all things Annie but this was kind of a letdown even though it was written for young children. Half (if not more) of the plot of the movie it’s based on is missing.
The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson ~ ★★★
This is the May/June nonfiction group read with The Global Book Nook. I honestly have no idea how I ultimately feel about the book. It was quite interesting, yet extremely overwhelming and baffling. This was two separate books which two different directions. I don’t understand the mashup.
This is Rome by Fulton J. Sheen ~ ★★★★
I bought this book earlier this year through PangoBooks only to realize I also purchased this from an antique bookstore last summer… I figured since I was intrigued enough to buy it twice I shouldn’t procrastinate reading it. Such lovely photos!
His Majesty’s Airship by S.C. Gwynne ~ ★★½
Frankly, I don’t remember much of anything about this book. As I was listening to the audiobook I could hear the words being spoken but even in the moment was fully aware I was retaining nothing. It was dull and not at all engaging.
A Pope and a President by Paul Kengor ~ ★★★★★
Love, love, loved this book! I’m already considering rereading it because I neglected to annotate. I initially purchased the audiobook and by the end of part one I ordered a physical copy. While, yes, it was political, it was also an expansive history of the 20th century discussing different saints and events in the Catholic Church as well as some talk about America in this time. I learned a lot and found it eye-opening.
I Survived the Nazi Invasion, 1944 by Georgia Ball & Lauren Tarshis ~ ★★★★
This book marked the start of my aggressive graphic novel kick and I couldn’t be happier about it! I’m finding I’m enjoying WWII fiction geared toward kids more than adults lately. I get weary of the romance plots.
Anne Frank: The Anne Frank House Authorized Graphic Biography by Sid Jacobsen & Ernie Colón ~ ★★★★★
I didn’t know this existed until I was browsing PangoBooks a while back. I enjoyed the more recent graphic novel (unofficial as far as I know) so I thought it would be good to read an authorized edition.
White Bird by R.J. Palacio ~ ★★★★★
This was such a lovely (yet heartbreaking) story! I’ve discovered there’s a novel adaption of this book that I’m excited to read.
The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton ~ ★★¾
I wish I’d enjoyed this one more as I enjoyed The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. I think I would have liked it a bit more with better world-building and a less hectic narration.
Middletide by Sarah Crouch ~ ★★½
I was unsure of whether or not I would like this one going in. Sadly, my initial hunch was correct. I did enjoy the writing, but at the same time, I constantly found myself bored and not engaged.
Travels with Stephen by Stephen Gunzenhauser ~ ★★★★
I’m honored that Discovery reached out to me and asked if I wanted to cover this book! It was an interesting look into the music industry in the 20th Century.
Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie ~ ★★★¼
Though very familiar with the story, this was my first time reading J.M. Barrie’s novel. Even though I wasn’t head over heels about it, it was so special getting to buddy read this with one of my best friends when she came to visit.
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