April Reading Wrap Up

Hi All,

I had a pretty good reading month for April and think if I really go for it I will meet my 100 books in a year challenge at the end of June. I’m up to about 70 books but have started a 30 books in 30 days challenge.

So, what did I read in April?

S.T.A.G.S by M.A. Bennett

I really enjoyed this book. I wasn’t sure if I would with it being YA. This is an area that I don’t tend to read but I am clearly missing out. I thought this book was great! It follows 3 students who are invited by the elite students for a weekend of hunting, fishing and shooting but the prey isn’t what we expect. I really got into this and would like to read the 2 books that follow. Fab book!

The Clapback: Your Guide to Calling Out Racist Stereotypes by Elijah Lawal

I took a lot from this book. It took me a while to read as I wanted to really digest each chapter. The author covers various racist stereotypes from those related to the Police, to sport, etc. There was honest accounts, history, statistics and I do think it’s must read.

Ghost Stories by Ron Ripley

I read this short book on my kindle and unfortunately was very disappointed. I do like to be a bit spooked and am yet to find a book to do this. If you want a quick read with some more odd stories, than spooky - this would be fine.

Light it the New Black by Rebecca Campbell

I really wanted to enjoy this book but just didn’t gel with it. It was easy to read and full of positivity but I just didn’t connect with it. Not a bad book at all and I have a couple of friends I think would love it but I think I look for something a bit more with self-improvement type books. For me it was quite light and fluffy but all the same, was an interesting read.

The Institute by Stephen King

My Mum lent me this as I was desperate to read a Stephen King. I had listened to a couple of his short stories on audiobook but wasn’t a physical big book to see how I got on with his writing. I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed this book. It’s about children with psychic abilities and people that want to control them. He’s a very descriptive writer but I could picture the scenes quite well. A great read!

The Mindful Way Through Depression by J. Williams

My parents gave me this book as I am currently signed off with Depression. It gives a lot of helpful mindful exercises and examples. I would recommend for anyone going through Depression that would like to try mindfulness practices.

Thinking in Numbers by Daniel Tammet

This was a lovely collection of essays about numbers. It covered everything from sides of snowflakes to how time seems to speed up as we get older. There was history, personal stories - just a lovely read which made me see numbers in a different way.

The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner

This was a great book. The author visited different areas (Blue Zones) in the world with the highest number of people living in their hundreds. It explores their way of life and provides tips for us to change our lifestyle to perhaps live longer. Really interesting. I loved reading about the individuals and their stories. A great read!

The Twits by Roald Dahl

My first little Roald Dahl book in this run. It was short, it had animals winning the day over bad people, it was funny - good read.

Depression Hates a Moving Target by Nita Sweeney

I wanted so much to love this book. I’ve found walking my dog has been helpful during my Depression and hoped this would be a very inspirational read and unfortunately was a bit disappointed. The author has clearly gone through quite a personal journey and should be so proud of what she has achieved. I just had hoped this book would be more about overcoming the feelings associated with Depression rather than the shoes she chose to run in or the routes and races she took.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

I read this as it was one of the books I felt I should have read when I was a lot younger. I’m not saying it was the best portrayal of the Holocaust and concentration camps but it was an emotional read. I didn’t see the ending coming which I do like in a book.

The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl

I hadn’t read this one either as a child and it was just short and sweet - again bad people getting what’s coming to them.

Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl

I hadn’t read this one either! And it was again, short and sweet with animals winning the day. Enjoyed it!