What I Read This Month - April 2024

Healing - Becca Lloyd

Journeying through the paths in which form a woman, as well as the cracks constructed along the way, Healing presents a collection of impactful poetry. What I adored most about this book was the concept - a woman taking her younger self through a museum of previous years that led to the present moment.

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop - Satoshi Yagisawa

Through a story of love and life, Days as the Morisaki Bookshop follows the life of a woman who has lost herself. Her journey of self-discovery is aided by her family, their stories and those she finds within pages of the books surrounding her new environment. I found the narrative to be extremely fast-paced. Given my sensitivity and romance, I enjoy when the emotions of a character are not just said but felt - with enough patience to do so. However, I enjoyed the way that the story was heart-warming and inspired self-reflection.

Better Together - Sheila O’Flanagan

It has been a while since I have just enjoyed a book like I did Better Together. The fictional novel follows the experiences of a woman losing her job, her partner and, seemingly, her life. With a constant air of self-discovery and career throughout the pages, the choice between love and existing ambition is questioned - a theme I always find fascinating. The plot was attentive and flowed at a satisfying pace. With enough moments to shock me, my attention and curiosity were held firmly.

Wabi Sabi - Beth Kempton

Simplifying my life is a goal I ponder over often. It is when I find myself donating 70% of my wardrobe. Or, deleting social media that I worked hard to build a following on. When a mind is as easily overwhelmed as mine, it is a quiet joy that I seek. Wabi Sabi guided me through simplifying aspects of my life and appreciating the impermanence and imperfection of life. Read beautifully by the author, there was a realistic, yet soulful, approach to the concepts discussed - with self-reflective questions often found towards the conclusion of each chapter.

The Power of Strangers - Joe Keohane

In a book that explores conversation in the modern age, more specifically the lack of it, The Power of Strangers entirely encapsulated me. With integral messages enlightening the reader throughout, Joe Keohane presented a timeline of human interaction - as well as narratives of conversations he has revelled in, himself. It is a self-reflecting reading experience that encourages you to question your own avoidance of contact with humanity, and what you can do to alter that mindset should you feel ready to.

Violet Bent Backwards Over The Grass - Lana Del Rey

This month, I endeavoured in, both, reading and listening to Violet Bent Backwards Over The Grass. It is a poetry collection engraved gracefully into my heart. So, even though I have consumed this book multiple times, I always find myself returning to it. The conversational outpour of unapologetic emotion and devotion is what I adore about Lana Del Rey’s work. I find it restores me. Reminds me of who I am and my purpose. And, how beautiful it can be.

Change Your Mind and Your Life Will Follow - Karen Casey

I was optimistic of this book as I am always willing to learn new perspectives on ways to live. Change Your Mind and Your Life Will Follow consists of twelve principles to inspire great change in one’s mindset - thus, life. However, I could not proceed past the third chapter as I did not expect to have been preached to about God - and how God will change your life. I believe books that portray a particular religious practice and belief onto you should make their intention clear from the beginning - as it can be offensive or mentally harmful to the reader.

Before I Fall - Katerina Petrou

Is it self-indulgent to read my own book again - and, not for proofing or editing? My short story collection, Before I Fall, is a product of my mind that I am vastly fond of. With stories ranging in darkness and light, all with a message for the soul, I find myself gravitating towards particular moments in the pages that can resonate with and validate my current feelings and conflicts.

One More Croissant for the Road - Felicity Cloake

What a delightful book. Following the culinary journey of one woman and her bike across France, One More Croissant for the Road had it all. Educational, entertaining and inspiring. Due to incredible wit and narration, I found myself smiling through most pages - as well as, being most certainly hungry.

The House of the Spirits - Isabel Allende

Through a narrative that unveils the Southern American battle of capitalism and socialism in the twentieth century, The House of the Spirits earned my praise from multiple angles. With exquisite language written, seemingly, by the hand of the divine. Devastating, yet, wondrous. Themes that explore life in a bigger world outside of daily life - outside of being in love. I cherished the journey of development through each character’s life. This is a book I believe will hold a place in my mind for some time now.