Books Read in April 2023
Wow, look at me getting my April reading wrap-up out in a timely manner! Nevermind that it took me all of April to post February & March. All that matters is that it gets done at some point, right? Right?? 😅
Anyway,
April was a slower reading month than the others but there was no shortage of good books. I read three ARCs, two for the StoryGraph Reads the World Challenge, and one I had just been meaning to get to.
This month I also took the steps to start annotating my books. I bought some “Book Club Journals” from Barnes & Noble which helps me keep a log of my books as well as some pens*, highlighters*, and tabs. I’ve only annotated one physical book so far but the log has helped me keep track of thoughts and other little tidbits I want to use for reviews.
*I may receive a small commission from affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
So let’s get into it. Here are my Books Read in April 2023.
Star (⭐️) ratings are out of five and have no strict criteria. I’m a big mood reader so while a book might not have the strongest writing/plot/etc, I might still give it a strong rating because I had fun reading it. Here is the general way I decide on a rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Absolutely loved. Vibes were immaculate. Would definitely read again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Thoroughly enjoyed. Vibes were still amazing. Might read again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Good but not necessarily my cup of tea.
⭐️⭐️ - Left a lot to be desired.
⭐️ - Given out very, very rarely. Typically reserved for books with sexist/racist/homophobic/etc. content
The Dangers of Smoking in Bed by Mariana Enriquez; translated by Megan McDowell (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Bookshop* | Amazon* | Goodreads | StoryGraph
I’ve seen Mariana Enriquez described as the “Queen of Horror” and while this is my first time reading any of her work, I can see why she earned that nickname. Be sure to check trigger & content warnings because while these are masterly written, they can also get pretty dark.
These Sanguine Tides by E.S. Barrison (⭐️⭐️⭐️ ½)
Bookshop* | Amazon* | Goodreads | StoryGraph
I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Do you like magic? What about pirates? Revenge stories? Lesbians? What about magical lesbian pirates looking for revenge? If you answer yes to any of the above then you’ll like These Sanguine Tides.
While the writing felt clunky at times and probably could have used another round of edits, the story was enticing and engaging. It’s a classic high seas adventure about finding your own worth.
Things We Lost in the Fire by Mariana Enqriquez; translated by Megan McDowell (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Bookshop* | Amazon* | Goodreads | StoryGraph
Another great collection from Enriquez. Not quite as dark as The Dangers of Smoking in Bed but still fits in the horror genre the same.
Girls Like Girls by Hayley Kiyoko (releases 5/30/23) (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Bookshop* | Amazon* | Goodreads | StoryGraph
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from Hayley Kiyoko’s debut novel based on her song & music video of the same name but it did not disappoint. A fun, quick, read that weaves an emotional thread that will resonate with anyone struggling to fit in.
Full review here.
Once More With Feeling by Elissa Sussman (releases 5/30/23) (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Bookshop* | Amazon* | Goodreads | StoryGraph
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
One of my favorite books of the year so far. I quite literally could not put it down. OMWF is an instant rom-com classic that is perfect for anyone who is a fan of 90s-2000 pop culture and Broadway musicals.
Full review to be published on 5/16/23.
Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Bookshop* | Amazon* | Goodreads | StoryGraph
Talk about unfairly cute! This YA romance has some of the best romance tropes. Former childhood friends to lovers, academic rivals, he falls first, and so much more. I can’t wait to dig into Hibbert’s adult romances because I know they’ll be good.
And that’s it. Short and sweet. I read six wonderful books in April and can’t wait to read more in May.
Speaking of May, it’s Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month so I will be stacking my TBR with books by AAPI authors. Some books I am looking forward to reading are Yellowface by R.F. Kuang* (I’m still begging NetGalley to send me an ARC), Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor*, and Advika and the Hollywood Wives by Kirthana Ramisetti*.
What are you looking forward to reading in May?
