Oh heeeyyy *waves sheepishly* it’s been a while! What happened and why did I ghost this lovely book blog for a while?
Well, you see, I got laid off from my job about a month ago. It was 4 days before my 4-year anniversary. Rather unfortunate, but I’d been contemplating the freelance writing/contractor life for quite some time, so I’m taking it as a sign to go in that direction.
And for me, “go in that direction” means I’m all over it, posting and building and applying and doing what I need to do to build a freelance career. I do need to chill a little bit on all of that so I don’t burn out immediately, I know. Hopefully getting back to some bookish stuff and reading will help <3.
Anyway, I’m looking for freelance work! Check out my post and connect with me on LinkedIn.
That’s enough non-book talk! Let’s get to the book list! Since I missed posting our March reads, here’s a little bit of both March and April.
Cathy
How to Kill Men and Get Away With It by Katy Brent
Kitty Collins has a somewhat quirky habit of killing men, she does it once by accident and then develops a taste for it. This book is a bit like the TV show Sweetpea which was huge in the UK in 2024. The story follows influencer Kitty who seems to randomly develop a thirst for menโs blood, especially unpleasant men. Itโs a fairly โlightheartedโ story in that thereโs not huge amounts of blood and gore description but its humour is definitely dark and a bit creepy. I enjoyed this book but probably wonโt read the sequel as Iโm not super sure where Kittyโs story could go. Iโd give this one 3 out of 5.
Bookshop.org | Amazon | Goodreads | Storygraph
The Hitchhikerโs Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
I enjoyed The Martian so much in February that I decided to keep going with the theme of โabsurd sci-fi booksโ and picked up The Hitchhikerโs Guide to the Galaxy. I feel like this story is a bit of a cult classic (and thereโs a film too but Iโm not sure how closely it resembles the book) and I really like Douglas Adams’ quick-witted, sarcastic style of writing. I also love the ridiculousness of the story – from the fact that a towel is the most useful thing an intergalatic hitchhiker should have to a species that finds entertainment in boring you to death with poetry – itโs a bit of a whirlwind of a story that throws up surprises on almost every page. I think itโs 4 stars for me.
Bookshop.org | Amazon | Goodreads | Storygraph
A History of Women in 101 Objects by Annabelle Hirsch, translated by Eleanor Updegraff
Annabelle Hirsch tells the stories of women throughout history via objects (and photos of the objects) in this book. Each of the 101 objects has itโs own chapter (about 2 to 3 pages long) where Hirsch gives more detail about the thoughts, feelings, experiences of the person related to it (or sometimes of women generally in the era that the object comes from).
My mum gave me this book for Christmas a couple of years ago and itโs bright red cover has been staring at me from my bookshelf for a while so Iโm giving it a go. And Iโm really enjoying it! I like the short, punchy chapters and Hirschโs style of writing is observant and witty – the book is very easy to read and dip in and out of when you feel like it. Iโd recommend buying a physical version of this book as I did a lot of flipping pages back and forth when details of the objects were mentioned and I wanted to see what the author was refering to.
Iโm enjoying this so itโll be 4 stars ๐
Bookshop.org | Amazon | Goodreads | Storygraph
Becky
The Shadow Realms Series by Brenda K. Davies
I was in the car A LOT which mean I finished Books 4-9 in The Shadow Realms series written by Brenda K. Davies. Itโs a pretty heavy romantasy series with books 1-6 following a main female lead and main male lead before books 7-9 break off to follow a different couple from the original group. Books 10 and 11 then follow a different couple from the original group. Honestly, I thought Iโd get tired of the characters and stories, but theyโve been great audiobooks and have kept me guessing enough to hold my interest! They get a bit repetitive, so 4 out of 5 stars as a whole, but still a great series!
Bookshop.org | Amazon | Goodreads | Storygraph
The Lovelight Farms Series by B.K. Borison
The other series that I read all four books of at the beginning of March was the Lovelight Farms series by B.K. Borison. It came recommended through my social media feed and was as light and cute as you probably imagine. It was just what I needed to balance The Shadow Realms and the banter was fantastic. Realistic, human characters with flaws. Enough sugar to be Hallmark-y, but enough spice to bring an occasional blush to my cheeks. Could see this being a great vacation series, and if I didnโt have one book that I liked a little less than the others, Iโd give it a full 5 out of 5 for what it is. Weโll call it a 4.5 out of 5.
Bookshop.org | Amazon | Goodreads | Storygraph
Joli
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger (Audiobook)
This author, native to my home state, has been on my TBR for YEARS. I finally decided it was time to dive into William Kent Krueger when scrolling through the audiobooks available now from my library.
Man, this author knows how to tell a story. I was rapt from the very first (audiobook) page to the very last. The characters, the setting, the grief, the child-like wonder through the eyes of these kids who’ve had to grow up far too quickly…it was just beautiful through and through.
I highly suggest this book and, if you really want to be immersed, go with the audio version. The narrator is fantastic. It’s definitely a heavier, more emotional read, but it’s 100% worth getting invested.
I’m giving This Tender Land a full 5 stars and it’s one of the best books I’ve read (listened to) so far this year.
Bookshop.org | Amazon | Goodreads | Storygraph
Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping on a Dead Man by Jesse Q. Sutanto
This is the second installment in the Vera Wong series. We read the first book (Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers) in my book club, and some people loved it while others thought the humor and Vera’s antics were a bit over the top.
Me? I loved it. It’s funny, it’s light while still having some substance and depth of feelings, and there’s a mystery you’re trying to figure out right along with Vera. So, naturally, I wanted to read book 2.
I thoroughly enjoyed this next installment of Vera’s story. Vera is equally as nosy, meddlesome, and heartwarming as she was in the first book. The mystery was fun to unravel, the characters (some of the same ones from book one) were just as lovely, and the stakes were maybe even a little higher.
I would absolutely read a book 3.
Bookshop.org | Amazon | Goodreads | Storygraph
Notes on Infinity by Austin Taylor (Audiobook)
Notes on Infinity is coming out at the beginning of June. I found the audiobook version on NetGalley and thought it sounded really good, so I requested it. It’s about Harvard kids creating a “cure to aging” they think is going to change the world, but things take a lot of turns.
This book reminded me somewhat of Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. It has a similar vibe, especially with the male/female relationship at the forefront of the story. Both books had a male/female pair with a similar sort of tension — like they want to love each other in more than a “just friends” kind of way but things are messy.
Overall I liked this book, but there was one point in the book (probably when I was around 60-70%) that I just felt kind of bored. The story was moving and many difficulties and issues were coming to light, but it didn’t draw me in as much as the rest of the book did.
That said, this was a read I’m glad I picked and I’m really interested to see how its received when it comes out.
Bookshop.org | Amazon | Goodreads | Storygraph
Molly
Cat and Bird: A Memoir by Kyoko Mori
In this brief but enjoyable bit of autobiography, Mori recounts her life and the cats and birds that have played a role in it. From her years as a student in Wisconsin to her stint at Harvard and beyond, she shares insightful and emotional moments that will resonate powerful with pet lovers.
Bookshop.org | Amazon | Goodreads | Storygraph
A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan
This was a reread for me. I first discovered Brennanโs delightful series when I was in high school, and Iโm happy to report that I found the first installment just as enjoyable more than a decade later.
Written in the style of a memoir, this series follows the escapades of Isabella, Lady Trent, as she breaks into the male dominated field of dragon naturalism. This book covers her childhood, marriage to the lovable Jacob Camhearst, and first expedition to study the Rock Wyrms of Vystrana.
Anyone who has read the newer Emily Wilde trilogy will love this academic fantasy. Isabellaโs narrative voice is witty, charming, and at times self-depricating as she looks back on her younger self. I highly recommend the entire 5 book series.
Bookshop.org | Amazon | Goodreads | Storygraph
The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert
This book was a real mixed bag for me. I definitely felt that it was longer than it needed to be, but there were some beautiful passages scattered throughout.
The character of Alma Whittaker was an intriguing one for me for the first three parts of the book. Her unique upbringing and liberal outlook made for interesting enough reading.
However, in part 4, I felt that the character Gilbert had been building took a sharp detour. The way she perceived and treated other people didnโt seem to align with her earlier thoughts or behavior.
The final part fell entirely flat for me. It felt like Gilbert ran out of steam and slapped it together.
I ended up giving it 3 stars.
Bookshop.org | Amazon | Goodreads | Storygraph
Family and Other Calamities by Leslie Gray Streeter
An enjoyable family drama about a journalist who returns home to Baltimore to bury her husband, only to get caught up in the aftereffects of the betrayal that drove her away in the first place.
3 stars, with a full review to come!
Bookshop.org | Amazon | Goodreads | Storygraph
Renee
The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert
This book follows Alma Whittaker as she establishes herself as a botanist, naturalist, and woman of science in the 19th century. Her studies of mosses lead her to a journey to understand evolution.
Along the way, she builds relationships with more spiritual individuals, which fuels her curiosity and desire to understand herself and the world around her.
The writing is lovely, but I do think the book could stand to be quite a bit shorter. There was one part of the book that made me quite angry because it just felt so insulting and reductive to Almaโs character as this strong independent woman (not going to give anything away, but itโs around the chapter 25/26 mark).
The audiobook narrator was fantastic, however, and Iโd recommend listening to this one if you can.
Bookshop.org | Amazon | Goodreads | Storygraph
The Queens of Animation by Nathalia Holt
The Queens of Animation is about the women who helped to shape the early art and stories at the Disney corporation while all odds were stacked against them. They persevered and, though they rarely received the credit they deserved and were often subjected to unfair working conditions, they contributed greatly to some of the most endearing and enduring animated films.
This book is super interesting if youโre into Disney, art, or equality in the workplace. The women in this book really built the foundation for the world of Disney that is beloved today.
Bookshop.org | Amazon | Goodreads | Storygraph
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
I wasnโt sure how Iโd feel about this because I love the Thursday Murder Club series so much, but I really enjoyed it.
When social media influencers start dying around her, Amy Wheeler, a private protection officer, realizes sheโs being framed. She sets off with her father-in-law, Steve, and the woman sheโs currently working to protect, famous author Rosie DโAntonio. They travel to the scene of each crime and work together to try to determine whatโs going on. Who is the real target? Who has completely pure motives?
This book is more of a cozy mystery than a page-turner that keeps you guessing. I loved the character development, especially in Steve. He was the realest character to me. Rosieโs personality and voice are so strong, and she kept me laughing the whole time. I appreciated the often-dry British humor.
Bookshop.org | Amazon | Goodreads | Storygraph
Sara
Bite: An Incisive History of Teeth, from Hagfish to Humans by Bill Schutt
A nonfiction selection for this month! It took me an unfortunately long time to finish, but not for lack of enjoyment. It is indeed a book about teeth, but that includes taking a look at specialized uses such as venom delivery, specialized diets like hematophagy, what tooth development tells scientists about ancient evolutionary history, and a short history of dental surgery (horrific). There are dips into technical language, with clear explanations, but the majority of the text is very approachable and quite funny.
Bookshop.org | Amazon | Goodreads | Storygraph
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
In a corporate dystopian future, one of the discount security cyborgs that insurance companies use to protect (and spy on) their clients must decide between protecting its secrets or protecting its clients when a planetary survey turns deadly. Iโve read the first Murderbot novella maybe four times, and I love it more with each read. The protagonist has a clear, sarcastic, and deeply relatable character voice from the very first sentence.
Apple TV is going to start releasing a 10-episode TV adaption starting on May 16th.
Bookshop.org | Amazon | Goodreads | Storygraph
That’s it! That’s what we’ve been reading. What did you read these past couple of months? Anything awesome?
More About Me
- What We Read in April 2025 - May 12, 2025
- Review: The Stars and Smoke Duology by Marie Lu [Guest Review] - March 25, 2025
- What We Read in February 2025 - March 8, 2025