It’s that time of the month again! Let’s dive into my 2025 April Reading Wrap Up!
April Reading Stats
April was such an enjoyable reading month, where I learned how to balance and approach my reading hobby sustainably. While also celebrating the joy of being a bookworm and attending fun events from the 13th Annual San Antonio Book Festival 2025 and participating in National Independent Bookstore Day.
Here’s a breakdown of the stats for this month.
Perhaps the most shocking statistic is that my most-read genre was Sci-Fi, and I made progress on reading more books from my physical TBR while also enjoying all my local library offers. Also, did you see the audiobook minutes? Am I becoming an audiobook girlie?
April Favorites
This month’s theme rested heavily on female empowerment as I only read books from women authors. These books tended to feature strong, dynamic female leads, leading to many thought-provoking reflections and relatable experiences. I’m still enjoying my return to reading and exploring a variety of new-to-me authors. I can confidently say I had a pleasant reading month. Let’s get into the books!
Book of the Month: Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor
This gripping genre-bending smash-up of Sci-Fi and Lit Fic had me compelled from the first page. Not only was the FMC Zelu relatable for me I also enjoyed the complex storytelling. The book-within-a-book aspect and the strong literary themes have catapulted this to my favorite reads of the year. Not to mention the cover and sprayed edges make this a stunning addition to my collection.
Most Memorable Book: Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Another engaging and complex novel with dynamic characterization exploring the relationships, love, losses and mother-daughter connection of four African women. Perhaps my favorite theme explored in this novel is the reality of childless, unmarried women in their forties. It painted such an accurate picture of the amalgam of emotions that make up the reality of these women. Being childless after infertility I related to these reflections. This was a phenomenal body of work that I won’t easily forget. Read my full thoughts Review: Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Book that Took Me by Surprise: Dust by Alison Stine
I was delighted to discover the depth held within this Young Adult Contemporary/Speculative novel. There were themes about climate change, ableism, the rise of far-right extremism, community, and the importance of identity apart from family. Such a beautiful coming-of-age story with powerful social commentary and insight.
Most Emotional Book: Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn
The second installment of the Legendborn Cycle series delivered emotional damage, but I’m here for it. Deonn continued weaving an impactful story following Bree’s journey towards self-discovery while she navigated the realities of white supremacy and systemic racism. There’s also hope and strong found family vibes in this story, with Bree’s friends supporting her and discussing what true allyship looks like. Looking forward to getting all caught up with this series next month! Check out my Review Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn
Most Thought-Provoking Book: The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami
Lalami’s startling “what if” scenario in this chilling speculative fiction gives you a preview of what the world could look like if we allowed algorithms and technology full autonomy over our lives. Including the way we police and prevent violent crimes. While this new reality promotes an unbiased solution to crime prevention, it fails to provide nuance and context with the information it uncovers and isn’t as unbiased as it claims. This was such a propulsive read where I was anxiety ridden till the final sentence unfolded. Beautiful writing and apt social commentary. Check out my Review: The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami
Least Favorite Book: One in a Millennial by Kate Kennedy
As much as I was excited for this book and channelling all the nostalgic vibes it fell flat for me. I found this nonfiction collection of essays to be convoluted without a proper focus or theme to ground it. Kennedy’s social commentary felt self-indulgent as the majority of the content for the book focused on her personal experiences. Which felt in contradiction to her claim that this wasn’t a memoir. I’m sad that my experience didn’t live up to my expectations. Check out my Review: One In A Millennial by Kate Kennedy
2025 April Reading Wrap Up
Before We Were Innocent by Ella Berman
I picked this book up on a whim at my public library under the impression that it was a mystery. However, I realized my mistake and that this book is more of a contemporary fiction, and was let down by the anticlimactic events. Moving past that, it was a decent book that explored teenage friendship dynamics, the troubling impact of media concerning young women traveling abroad and the court of public opinion, and navigating grief and trauma. While the commentary surrounding these themes was interesting, I felt the ending was unsatisfactory, and the characters could’ve been developed a bit better with Beth, the FMC, being able to recognize her problematic behavior and culpability in their friendship dynamics. Check out my Review: Before We Were Innocent by Ella Berman
First Time Caller by B.K. Borison
I participated in my library’s No Holds weekend and decided to give this fun romance a try because the cover is adorable. And I was not disappointed. This was a heartfelt romance that balanced a sexy and fun romance with emotional themes surrounding the importance of family and friendship, learning how to work through emotional trauma to find love, and the power of communication in relationships. I loved it! There wasn’t the typical third-act breakup based on miscommunication surrounding a benign issue. And I loved that Luce was assertive in her relationship and the bedroom, taking charge of her sexuality. Lastly, her relationship with her daughter was beautiful, and the friendship between her and her ex was so phenomenal and healthy. Terrific book! Check out Review First Time Caller by B.K. Borison
Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
Next, I dove into this book with the stunning cover. This elusive mystery/thriller was propulsive and kept me on my toes, trying to figure out what was going on. I loved the atmospheric vibes, the way Feeney was able to mess with your head, and the fun oxymorons that played on the duality of the marriage between Grady and Abby. Yet, the conclusion didn’t work for me. I felt there were some missing pieces, and I didn’t fully comprehend how we got to where we did. However, it was still a good time and an entertaining read. Check out Review Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
Holy Ground by Catherine Coleman Flowers
Catherine Coleman Flowers piqued my interest as she was one of the authors who participated in the San Antonio Book Festival, and I wanted to read her book. And I found it to be super informative and educational. I learned about the sewage and water issue that exists for rural communities in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, and how this led Flowers to become an activist and advocate for the rights of people in her hometown of Lowndes County, Alabama, to have access to proper sanitation and clean water. While she expressed her views in other essays regarding the Obesity epidemic in America, and made remarks regarding problematic politicians that I didn’t agree with. It doesn’t take away from the fact that this book was amazing, and I enjoyed it and will be adding it to my collection. Check out my Review Holy Ground by Catherine Coleman Flowers
That wraps up my 2025 April Reading Wrap Up. This month was another good month with fabulous memories being made at the San Antonio Book Festival and too much money being spent. Let me know if you’ve read any of the books that I did and what if any, recommendations you have for me to add to my never-ending TBR. Til next time happy reading, friends!
Subscribe to My YouTube!
