April Reading Wrap-Up + May TBR

Hey, everyone!! I can't believe April has flown by already. It was a very busy month for me. I managed to survive all of the stress and pressure and read some books. I actually read a lot of books this month while juggling going to a retreat, taking a test that makes or breaks my future in my major, interviews, projects that all were over 30 pages, and wrapping up our last month of Bible study. God has given me a lot of free time even though I was always busy. So, here are the books that I managed to read in April!

Books Read in April:

Optimisfits: Igniting a Fierce Rebellion Against Hopelessness by Ben Courson- 2.75 stars This novel looks at living life with remembering that Jesus was the ultimate misfit of His time and that it's okay if you are, too. I was not a fan of this one. It's not a bad book and there were some elements that I liked and a couple that I loved, but it was just not for me. Check out my review here.

Columbine by Dave Cullen- 5 stars I read this for Peter Likes Books' Book Club in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Columbine. This novel is so important. Understanding the history of this event that changed America is important. As a future educator about to enter the classroom this book was important to me. As a human being who loves humans as Christ as called me to this book is important to me. As a human who sees hurt in this world this book hurt me but also showed me how humans can pick themselves up again after devastation and loss on epic proportions. Check out my review here.

 Snow White Learns Witchcraft by Theodora Goss- 3.75 stars This is a short story and poetry collection that is immersed in fairy tales. If you are a fan of anthologies, poetry, or fairy tales- both light and dark- then this one is far you. It's a gem of a collection that offers a lot of sweet as well as harrowing moments. Check out my review here.

Never Never (Part 1) by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher- 1.75 stars This serial opener had some potential, but it didn't work for me. I found the characters to be subpar and underwhelming dramatic backdrops of YA cliches. I also found out what the reason was for their memory loss through a spoiler review of the part three finale and dang, am I glad I decided not to waste my time and continue reading. Check out my review here.

Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World by Max Lucado- 5 stars I listened to this on audio when I was at the most stressful part of the spring semester. It brought me a lot of comfort. I don't think it's still a 5-star book, but I haven't written my review a mulled over the final rating for it yet.
Whispers and Wildflowers: 30 Days to Slow Your Pace, Savor Scripture, & Draw Closer to God by Sarah Beth Marr- 5 stars I loved this 30-day devotional book. It was all about pressing in to God and allowing him to cultivate your spiritual garden. As someone who connects to the Lord through when He speaks of flowers, this was the perfect plan for me. Check out my review here.
Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive by Stephanie Land- 4.5 stars This memoir was a powerful look into a single mother's struggle to raise a daughter and survive as a maid in American poverty. It was powerful and moving. Check out my review here.
Sick of Me: From Transparency to Transformation by Whitney Capps- 5 stars This is my FAVORITE BOOK of 2019 so far. It has moved me, convicted me, but the writing is so fantastic. The theology and the connection of Scripture to real-life is brilliant. Check out my review here.

Never-Contented Things by Sarah Porter- 4.25 stars I was so excited for this book and I almost gave up on it, but then it shocked me and reeled me in. This is a creepy YA fantasy that explores dark themes and borders into the horror genre. I really liked it. Check out my review here.

Overall Thoughts:
 I read so many books in April. I don't know how because it was a stressful month for me, but I was so excited about how many I read. I also read so many amazing novels that have become absolute favorites. Here are my 5-star reads:
1. Sick of Me
2. Columbine
3. Whispers and Wildflowers
4. Anxious for Nothing

2019 TBR

*Never Never

Total Read: 9

Currently Reading / Hoping to Finish in May:

I am so sorry that I am posting this so late into May, so I won't be posting all the books that I have finished this month so far, but I will list what I'm reading.

Netgalley ARCs: What the Wind Knows, The Invited, A Cloud by Day, a Fire by Night, A Darker Shade of Magic, & DEV1AT3
Physical Books Provided by Publisher: Vulnerable & Disciple Her
Physical Books: Gone with the Wind (and audio), Misery, The Spiritual Gifts Handbook, Always Enough, Never Too Much, Moments of Grace, The Purple Book, and East of Eden
Audiobook: Us Against You

 E-ARCs:

ARCS I Didn't Get To: The Raven's Tale, How to Make Friends with the Dark, Dark of the West, The Ash Family, The Stillwater Girls
 May ARCs: Untroubled, The Inn at Hidden Run, Getting Through What You Can't Get Over, Between You and These Bones, Richard Dawkins, C.S. Lewis, and the Meaning of Life, The Hierophant's Daughter, Her Silhouette Drawn in Water

Audiobooks:

  


Books I Own: 
 
 I want to give Lost in Time a shot before I decide to unhaul it or not. It's the last book in the series, so I think I can complete it. The others are books I would like to get to or think about picking up.

Have you read any of these books? What was your favorite book you read in April? Let me know down below in the comments!