Best Books of April

As I say every month, I’m shamelessly stealing this idea from Jessica Lahey. She has a recurring monthly date where she reviews all the books she reads that month. Book reviews are important for authors, and I want to get better at doing this.

So. I’m going to review them here and also online, but I’m going to do it a little differently. I’m only going to review the stuff I really liked. I don’t see a reason to spend my time writing about something I didn’t love; it’s just using up more of my energy. So only positive reviews.

These are the books I liked (or mostly liked) from April.

The Word Is Murder (Anthony Horowitz): I’m rereading the series because it makes me happy. The books are so clever, and I love them so much that I don’t read the next one until there is another on the horizon. I just can’t stand the idea of not having an Anthony Horowitz book in my back pocket whenever I need a book that I know is going to be really really good.

Sunrise on the Reaping (Suzanne Collins): This book is chilling and troubling, maybe more so reading it right now against the current news. I didn’t love the last prequel, but this one feels as familiar as the original Hunger Games and is equally as devastating. I had so many “wow” moments as things came together.

This Is Not a Game (Kelly Mullen): A sweet, easy to read and enjoyable murder mystery with a gaming theme. It made me want to visit Mackinac Island. It was a book that was the perfect read when I needed something a little lighter.

Fair Play (Louise Hegarty): I think the people who are not giving this book 4 or 5 stars just don’t “get” the book. Because once you “get” the book — and you will understand the book if you pay attention to the middle — there is no possible way to read this book without your heart in your throat. I will think about this book for a long time. You will be blown away by the cleverness and emotion and beauty. Amazing job.

The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King (Harry Trevaldwyn): This book wins for absolute fun. There were so many times that I laughed aloud. I switched to the audio, which was read by the author, and it was even better hearing the story spoken. The most interesting thing was that I would listen to the book when I was feeding Beorn (while he was sick), and his body would relax when he heard the author‘s voice. So strange. But it brought both of us joy, so I will be forever grateful. If you loved Heartstopper, but sometimes wished those kids were a little less earnest and a little more realistic, run to this book. These are the nicest kids and the funniest kids without being unrealistic kids.

What did you read last month?