Forever Lost in Literature: Month in Review: April 2024

April was a ridiculously busy and somewhat stressful month, and as a result I only got three reviews up, which I feel pretty terrible about. The bright side is that I actually am already prepping some reviews for books coming out in May and June, so hopefully the reviews will pick back up as I get back on track. My husband and I will also be going on a short trip this month, so I'm hoping to have stuff scheduled to go up while I'm gone.

All that being said, I did still manage to read some really great books in April. The Ministry of Time and A Letter to the Luminous Deep are probably the two standout ones for me, but there were a lot of really fantastic reads in April. I've been trying to more regularly incorporate nonfiction in my reading since I do love some great nonfiction, and this month I chose to do that with another North Korea-focused read, Nothing to Envy, which was a difficult yet informative read–one I would definitely recommend to anyone interested in the subject.

Anyway, that's about it for me this month. Hopefully May will be a more productive month, haha, but if not, just know I'm trying. 🤣 I also have a lot of blog reading to catch up on, so apologies if I haven't been visiting and commenting as much as usual!
So, how was your April? Let me know how your month was below and what you've been reading!

# books read: 11

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley ★★★★★

Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC

Thoughts: I really liked this one and found it be as funny as it was poignant. This is the perfect entertaining read that has a little something for everyone. My review will be up next week!

The Fireborne Blade (The Fireborne Blade #1) by Charlotte Bond ★★★★

Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC

Thoughts: I was really surprised by how much I liked this one since a few reviews made it seem like it was a somewhat 'stereotypical' dragon fantasy. It had a few issues, but overall I found this to be an excellent dragon fantasy novella that had some really fun elements.

A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Sylvie Cathrall ★★★★★

Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC

Thoughts: I loved this so much! I am a big sucker for epistolary tales when done well, and I think this one was done perfectly.

Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick ★★★★★

Source: Library | Format: Audiobook

Thoughts: I've been reading through some books on North Korea lately to learn more and this has been one of the most informative with regard to the 'average' lives of various North Korean citizens. It's a fascinating, sobering, and informative read.

Sandman Slim (Sandman Slim #1) by Richard Kadrey ★★★★

Source: Library | Format:

Thoughts: I figured it was about time I tried out the Sandman Slim series and it was a lot of fun! I definitely can now see where a lot of urban fantasy I've read has gotten its influences from (for those influenced by it). I'll definitely continue the series to see what else is in store.

High Vaultage by Chris Sugden ★★★★

Source: Owned | Format: Hardcover

Thoughts: This was incredibly funny, and I was therefore really surprised when I realized how much I was enjoying it because these types of books don't always work for me, but this was fabulous.

Disobedient by Elizabeth Fremantle ★★★★

Source: Owned | Format: Hardcover

Thoughts: I enjoyed this historical fiction and appreciated getting to learn a bit more about the life of Artemisia, both from the book and my own looking up more about her life after reading it. A very intense read at times, but very worthwhile!

A Short Walk Through a Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke ★★★★

Source: NetGalley | Format: Ebook

Thoughts: I thought this had a really interesting premise and really liked Westerbeke's prose, as well. It felt as though it meandered a bit at times, but overall a really interesting read.

Sociopath by Patric Gagne ★★★

Source: Library | Format: Audiobook

Thoughts: I have a lot of mixed feelings on this one! I think this provides a lot of great commentary and insight into the life of a 'sociopath' and the different struggles they go through. I have some questions about some things and would almost want some insight from some professionals on this one, but overall a thought-provoking read.

Galatea by Madeline Miller ★★★★

Source: Library | Format: Ebook

Thoughts: I actually thought this was a novella and didn't realize it was a short story until it very shortly ended, haha, but I had already added it to my Goodreads so I guess it's going to count for now? I didn't enjoy this quite as much as I'd expected, but still a great offering from Madeline Miller.

Puzzle House by Duncan Ralston ★★★

Source: Library | Format: Audiobook

Thoughts: This was a serviceable horror with a puzzle-based/escape room-type premise. It didn't really stand out to me from others I've read/watched, but still fun if you're into this type of thing.

DNF/To-Be-Finished:

The Silence Factory by Bridget Collins
I spent way too long trying to read this before deciding it just wasn't working for me. I may return to this one someday, but for now it just wasn't capturing my attention, despite a really fascinating premise.