April 2017 Wrap up and May 2017 TBR

Oh, is it the middle of May? Sounds like a really good time to do my April wrap up ; )

Books I Read April 2017

I read 4 books in the month of April 2017. Not anything to write home about, but! it was a pretty busy month between traveling home from Missouri after visiting family and getting back into the swing of things at home with my kiddo. Below I have links and a few quick comments about each of the books as well as YouTube videos I made this month for the books I read.

We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter
(my review) (amazon)

I absolutely love WWII historical fiction- particularly when it is written about real individuals. "We Were the Lucky Ones" is just the kind of book, as it tells the story of Georgia Hunter's family. I really appreciate the unique aspects of this book - I have not read very many World War II novels about Polish families- and their story of survival spans the globe, which definitely gave a different perspective than what you might typically find in a book like this. I did struggle with some aspects of this book- it was a bit slow at times and I had a difficult time keeping the characters straight or connecting with them when the story and perspective changed so frequently.


Becoming Bonnie by Jenni L Walsh 
(my review) (amazon)

It's a double blessing when on top of finding a book you really enjoy, you also find a new author that you love! This was the case for me after finishing "Becoming Bonnie" by Jenni L Walsh. I enjoyed reading about Bonnie Parker and her transformation into Clyde's accomplice. I was so impressed by how plausible the author made this transformation seem. I can not wait to read another book by her!

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
(my review) (amazon)

I read this book for my book club, it was my turn to pick - and it was between this and The Circle by Dave Eggers, which I still very much want to read! I had heard of this book so many times, and didn't even read the synopsis before I purchased it several months ago. I was a little anxious when I started the book and found Ove to be such a grump. I really struggled with him as the main character and accepting his grumpy nature - but the writing in this book is just so beautiful that it completly made up for it! Another great author find this month as I am sure I will be reading more book by Fredrik Backman soon!


Always by Sarah Jio 
(my review) (amazon)


My only two star read of the month was "Always" by Sarah Jio. I really struggled to finish this book and I think my not enjoying it might be an issue of personal taste, as the book has almost four stars on goodreads. I just found so much of the book unlikely or uncomfortable. While I did like that the book addressed homelessness, it also felt heavy handed in that as well which took away from the story.

May 2017 TBR

I have six books on my May 2017 TBR. This month is already flying by, and so is my reading. Looking at the list, I have already finished half of them - woohoo!

Boundaries with Kids by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
This book was recommended and lent to me by a neighbor. This is one in a series of books that Dr. Cloud has written regarding the use of boundaries in relationships. "Boundaries with Kids" emphasizes the importance of teaching empathy and kindness to your children while setting firm and known boundaries with known consequences. I am already impressed by this book and plan to purchase a copy for myself to review as my little guy gets older.





I Know What I'm Doing by Jen Kirkman

I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher. When I accepted the offer to read it, I didn't know that I knew who Jen Kirman is- but I do, and she is hilarious! This is a bit of a throw back, but if you have not seen her on Drunk History - you really need to check it out. Her stand up generally speaking is so funny and I really enjoy it. Hoping I enjoy this book as well!






Allie and Bea by Catherine Ryan Hyde
I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher. The first thing that really interested me about "Allie and Bea" was the author, Hyde also wrote "Pay it Forward" - which was adapted for film and stars some amazing people like Helen Hunt, Kevin Spacey, and Haley Joel Osment. I freaking love that movie. I haven't read "Pay it Forward", so I was super excited to read a book by the same author since I enjoy that movie so much! "Allie and Bea" just sounds like a really sweet story with a good heart and message- I am excited to start it.




Other books I am hoping to read this month -