Real, Not Ideal

 Another couple months down, and I’ve read 22 books so far this year. Something I’ve realized is that when I’m not in a good place mentally, I cannot focus on reading. All of last year, I struggled to get stuck into reading. Even when I was recovering from surgery, I just couldn’t focus. Having that realization has made me understand just how far I’ve come and how much I feel like myself again. The number of books I’ve read may seem insignificant to someone else but to me, it means a lot. Shades of Grey – Jasper Fforde – 4 Stars I cannot believe it took me so long to finish this book. I started and stopped reading it so many times, but I was utterly hooked this time around. One of my friends anxiously awaited my finishing it because she wanted to talk about it so badly. This is such an interesting post-apocalyptic type novel. In this world, division of society is based on colour. The politics involved with this is astounding, and I found myself drawing parallels to society toda...

                 Hello everyone! It has been so long since I wrote one of these, so these are the full reviews of January and February’s books. A Man Called Ove – Fredrick Backman – 4.5 Stars I adored this book. I finished it late into the night with tears streaming down my face. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect ending for this story. It is a heart-wrenching tale of grief and belonging mixed with humour and a reminder that our parted loved ones are never too far away. The character of Ove is, on the surface, a gruff and miserable man who wants nothing more than to be alone. Through the background flashbacks and his reluctant relationships with the people around him, readers realize the depth of Ove’s compassion and need for companionship. The way the story is written is fantastic. Ove’s life is slowly unfolded in such a tailored way which makes the ending both devastating and full of joy. The frame narrative is unexpected and serves ...

Hello everyone! It has been a long time since I’ve posted a book review post, so this is quite the list! I would say I’ve definitely been enjoying a lot which is lucky. I set out to read 60 books this year, and I’m currently sitting at 37. I’m hoping to get to 50 by the end of the summer which is entirely do-able. For now, please enjoy my last round of books. Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel – Jason Reynolds – 4.5 Stars I made a bit of a mistake on this one. I meant to request the physical copy of this book, but I ended up with the eBook version. I think the experience would have been so much better as a physical book since it was a graphic novel, but nevertheless, I loved this. This story told is tragic and heartbreaking. The images bring the story to life in such a vivid fashion. It is so well written and I love how it takes place in a single location. It emphasizes just how quickly lives can change. I highly suggest this one. The Finkler Question – Howard Jacobson – 3 Star...

Get ready for a long one today people! I maaaaay or may not be giving you reviews of ALL of the books I’ve read in 2021 so far (and one from 2020). I have been so off my blogging game that I just have not been keeping you updated. On another note, I am thrilled that summer is right around the corner because it means that I’ll be reading so much more (a book a day anyone?). I’m practically vibrating with excitement about that. Summer is where I tend to read more physical books rather than from my Kobo. I’m ready for the pool floaty reading days! Enjoy all of my books from 2021: The Library Book – Susan Orlean – 4.5 Stars I feel like the word “essential” has become confusing in these Covid times, but this book highlights the fact that libraries are essential services to communities. From its programs to reading to story time for kids, libraries are a hub of learning and community. I pretty much grew up in the library, so this book meant the world to me. This is not a typical no...