This month started off really strong, but boy did it get waylaid by life and my inability to focus on reading lately. I still managed to read a good number of books, but it felt like I was struggling to get anything read. I'm not exactly sure what's been putting me in such a fog (other than probably just my mental health, if we're being honest!), but it's been a doozy and I'm really hoping that I can try to turn things around in June somewhat.
Not much to share in personal news this month. Even though we just moved last September, we are already sort of thinking of trying to move again at the end of this year or beginning of next if we can find something because this house has been showing it's age since we moved in and it is becoming quite a headache–roof leaks, floor boards that are showing sunlight through cracks (!), windows with no insulation, etc. We'd love to buy a house of our own soon, but the market has been so weird in Southern California that we're not sure if it'll work out that way. So all that is to say that I have no idea what the next couple months will be like, haha. I'm still on the hunt for a new job, but I've been getting pretty steady work with what I'm doing right now, so at least for now I have something. The dog is also doing really well and has been loving his ability to just play whenever he wants and run around and just, well, be a dog again! It's made me so happy to see him happy and healthy again.
Despite my feeling like it was a lackluster reading, I did still read some pretty great books! I especially enjoyed Rez Life, Pandora, Misrule, and The Clackity! How has your reading month been?? I hope you're all staying healthy and safe and doing well and had a great reading month. Please do share any books you read and loved in May (or hated, sometimes venting is helpful!), or let me know if you've read any of the books I read! :)
# books read: 10
Pandora by Susan Stokes-Chapman ★★★★
Source: Owned | Format: Hardcover
Thoughts: I had a really good time with this book! I loved the focus on Ancient Greek antiquities and following Pandora along this story. I would really love to see a sequel to this, but I'm guessing that's not the going to happen because it's not really necessary... but I'd love to see it!
A Mirror Mended (Fractured Fables #2) by Alix E. Harrow ★★★★
Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC
Thoughts: This was a really fun and thoughtful second book in the Fractured Fables series of novellas. I don't know if there will be more after this (but I'm guessing not?), so I'm sorry to say goodbye to Zinnia Gray!
The Clackity by Lora Senf ★★★★★
Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC
Thoughts: I absolutely adored this middle grade horror/fantasy! This was everything I wanted and more. Highly recommended and I'll have a review up soon.
Ordinary Monsters by J.M. Miro ★★★★
Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC
Thoughts: This was a hefty tome that I've already reviewed (you can read it here!) and I'm really looking forward to the sequel.
Misrule (Malice Duology #2) by Heather Walter ★★★★.5
Source: NetGalley | Format: eARC
Thoughts: This was a fantastic sequel and concluding installment to the Malice duology! I have loved this retelling story so much and I highly recommend it.
One Foot in the Fade (The Fetch Phillips Archives #3) by Luke Arnold ★★★★
Source: Publisher | Format: Paperback
Thoughts: This is the third installment in Arnold's Fetch Phillips Archives and it was quite an adventure! I really liked this one and can't wait to see where the story goes next.
We Had to Remove This Post by Hanna Bervoets ★★★★
Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC
Thoughts: I thought this was a really well-written short little novella about a woman's job as a content moderator and how it has affected her and her coworkers' lives. Not the lightest book, but a good one!
How to Be Eaten by Maria Adelmann ★★★★
Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC
Thoughts: My review for this one is also up! I really liked this modern take on women fairy tale characters joining a trauma group to discuss the many experiences they've had.
Rez Life: An Indian's Journey Through Reservation Life by David Treuer ★★★★.5
Source: Library | Format: Hardcover
Thoughts: This was such an informative book about reservations in America and their history, development, and past/present struggles. Highly recommend this one for further information on Native American life and a better understanding of reservations. I am now even more excited to get to Treuer's book The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee.
Sleepwalk by Dan Chaon ★★★★
Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC
Thoughts: This was a pretty bizarre and unpredictable road trip-esque story that I enjoyed a lot. I still need to get a review up!
DNF/To-Be-Finished:
None! (I think...)
(other than reviews)
Top Five/Ten Tuesday:
Can't-Wait Wednesday:
The Friday Face-Off:
