Another season passed by, another set of book reviews written. This was a busier season for me, complete with a job change. I didn’t have quite as much time to read, but I still read some great books. My favorite read from the spring was The Things We Cannot Say, but I would recommend all of these books. Enjoy my spring book reviews, which contains books I read during April and May!
(These books don’t sound interesting to you? Check out the books I read last season: Winter Book Reviews)
1. The Queen’s Gambit
Author: Walter Tevis // Narrator: Amy Landon
My first completed book of spring was The Queen’s Gambit. I had heard great things about the Netflix show and it was free on Audible, so I thought, why not? It wasn’t my favorite read, but I did enjoy it. It was 80% ish about chess, and I’m no chess player, and to be honest, I had a hard time following it at times. But I did enjoy reading the deeper story that took you through the struggles of Beth’s life as an orphan and chess prodigy! I am excited to watch the Netflix show and see how it compares.
2. The Girl with the Louding Voice (*****)
Author: Abi Dare’
“‘I want a louding voice’, I say. ‘I want to enter a room and people will hear me even before I open my mouth to be speaking. I want to live in this life and help many people so that when I grow old and die, I will still be living through the people I am helping.”
The Girl with the Louding Voice tells the story of a Nigerian girl named Adunni and her pursuit of an education in a country where marriage and birthing baby boys is a girl’s future. Adunni faces hardship after hardship, yet she remains strong and positive and inquisitive, doing what it takes to chase her dreams. This book was inspiring, and it reminded me of the power of education but more so the power of my voice and actions. I would highly recommend you read this book!
I have loved expanding my reading to include more BIPOC authors and stories, learning about new cultures and struggles I’ve never had to face. This is just one of many books I plan to read this year to broaden my world view and educate myself further. I invite you to join me by creating your own journey of discovery!
3. The Woman in the Window
Author: A. J. Finn
I haven’t read a good thriller in awhile, but I finished this one in a single day! The Woman in the Window was captivating and kept me on my toes…and I didn’t see the ending coming! It reminded me of The Girl on the Train, but I liked it better! If you’re looking for a quick-paced book with lots of action, I recommend reading this one!
4. The Things We Cannot Say (*****)
Author: Kelly Rimmer // Narrator: Ann Marie Gideon, Nancy Peterson
I just finished listening to The Things We Cannot Say this morning, and let me tell you, it was such a good listen!!! The fact that I couldn’t wait until my next drive to finish listening speaks to that! This book, set in both WWII Poland and present-day America, was such a great story of family and discovery and suffering and redemption. It was told from two points of view, but it was weaved seamlessly together and had a shocking conclusion! Once you become invested in these two women’s lives, you won’t want to stop reading!!! I look forward to reading more books by Kelly Rimmer.
5. The Four Winds
Author: Kristin Hannah
“That was the first time her grandfather had leaned down and whispered, ‘Be brave,’ into her ear. And then, ‘Or pretend to be. It’s all the same.’”
This book took me a few chapters to really get into it, but once I did I was pretty hooked. Set during the time of the Dust Bowl, it told a story of identity and bravery and family. I will say I didn’t like the ending, but I’m not sure if that’s because it was a bad ending or just because it was emotional and didn’t end the way I wanted it to. Overall, it was a good toe dip into the Kristin Hannah book pool!
6. When You Find Me
Author: P. J. Vernon // Narrator: Amy McFadden, Bahni Turpin
It has been a hot minute since I finished this book, but I will never forget how much I enjoyed it. It was yet another book to add to my list of psychological thrillers and another that had a shocking ending! Honestly, the way it ended was probably the best part of the book, although that isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy everything that led up to that point! The fact that it was set in South Carolina, my home state, was only a bonus! The one downfall was that there was a fair amount of adult content, so just be mindful of that if you decide to read this book.
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What books have you been reading? Let me, and other readers, know in the comment section below!
***This post contains affiliate Amazon links, which means if you purchase any of these books using the link provided, I receive a small commission. It does not affect the price you pay, and I only recommend items I have loved!
