What I Read (and How I've Been Feeling) in April 2020

When I was growing up, starting as young as kindergarten, all through my awkward teenage years and until the day I entered graduate school my dad used to say, "a book is your best friend." I know he meant the types of books that are a little deeper than my suspense/thrillers or British rom-coms, (War and Peace or The Intelligent Investor?) but nonetheless, it is still a good piece of advice. I have found his saying to be true for most of my life, especially these days when I am feeling the most in need of friendship and a change of scenery. 

It is has been seven weeks since I have been at home, under a new working environment, in what everyone seems to be calling "the new normal". Gosh, I hope not. I am grateful for small blessings like my home office, Peloton and iPhone that are keeping me in some kind of "normal" routine, but books have been providing the comfort I need most right now. Many people (yay!) have messaged me on social media asking for book recommendations and my heart has never been happier to share some of the stories that I have truly loved and obsessed over. 

While I wish I could be posting about traveling and eating out (what a time to have started a traveling and lifestyle blog huh), that will have to wait until things are safe again. In the meantime, let us talk books. Below are quick ratings for the books I read in April. Do not let my "stars" discourage you from reading any of the books I post. I take off points when I am unable to connect with a location, protagonist, or plot but that does not mean you will feel the same! Read reviews and plot summaries and make your own determinations.

Quick Ratings (All Books Linked for Purchase):

• My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
  5/5 Stars: This was really something, very deep dive into a student/teacher relationship. Warning that some parts might make you uncomfortable, but if you are up for it, I would highly recommend this read for anyone.
• The Guest List by Lucy Foley
  3.5/5 Stars: This was my very Agatha Christie BOTM pick for April. The plot was a bit over the top and set in a fixed location but if you like that sort of thing, I say go for it.
• Our Little Cruelties by Liz Nugent
  4.5/5 Stars: If you don't already know, Liz Nugent is one of my favorite authors ever. I would read her grocery list if it was published. (I might be a little biased here so just do yourselves a favor and read everything she writes.)
• The Tenant by Katrine Engberg
  3/5 Stars: A debut novel by Engberg, that felt like it needed more. I wish it was longer and discussed the main characters lives and characteristics in depth. Still pretty good and set in Copenhagen, which I enjoyed. 
• The Paris Hours by Alex George
  ​4/5 Stars: I needed a break from all the murder and darkness, so I ended the month with this short but beautiful book set in 1927 Paris. Another book that I wish was longer because each character was so likable and intertwined with each other. If you are a francophile, this is right up your alley.