Y’all I love the start of a fresh month. Even better is the opportunity to daydream and build my ideal 2025 April TBR full of all the books that I hopefully 🤞 will read this beautiful spring month and discuss my monthly reading goals.
April Reading Goals
- Read 15 Books
- Read 2 Nonfiction
- Reread 1 Book
- Read 250 pages daily
Books I’m Currently Reading
These are the books that I’m in the middle of reading or that I’ve started and need to complete.
Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorofor | Sci-Fi
I started this book in February but life became hectic and I had to put it down. But, I’m determined to complete this epic story this month because when I tell you every time I read this book I was transported to another dimension!
I enjoy the disability representation that’s featured in this book as well as the themes regarding fame, the complexities of familial relations when living with a disability trying to assert your independence, and learning how to adapt to change.
Synopsis
Zelu is a down-on-her-luck novelist who’s lost her job as a professor at the college she taught at and had her book rejected by her publisher. On a whim, she decides to step out of her comfort zone and write a sci-fi novel about robots and AI. And to her surprise her publishers love it and it becomes an overnight success. As Zelu rises in fame and acclaim her life begins to transform showcasing her story’s ability to change her life.
What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall| Mystery Thriller
Another book I started way back when that got lost in the shuffle that I need to finish up. This is giving me dark and dreadful vibes as we explore the complicated friendship between three women sharing a childhood secret that threatens to be their undoing. Looking forward to exploring how these women confront their past and make peace with it.
Synopsis
Twenty-two years ago Naomi Shaw and her two best friends Cassidy and Olivia underwent a harrowing event in which Naomi was attacked and stabbed seventeen times. They identify a serial killer for the attack with their testimony sending him to prison and branding them heroes. Decades later, after they learn the man they sent to prison has died triggering Olivia to come clean about the secret they’ve been hiding, and Naomi to uncover what really happened in the woods that long ago night.
Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn | YA Fantasy Series
Currently, I’m reading book two of the Legendborn Cycle series and I’m treasuring every second as I don’t want this experience to fly by considering it may be a while before we get the next installment. So far I’m having an enjoyable but emotional and heart-wrenching time.
My favorite themes present in this series explore systemic racism and white supremacy in institutions, the struggles Blacks face when in primarily white spaces, the impact of grief, and legacy.
Synopsis
In this series, we are following Bree Matthews as she’s grappling with the loss of her mother in an accident and she flees to UNC-Chapel Hill to attend their program for high school students in an attempt to escape her grief. It’s there that she stumbles into the world of demons and the secret society of the Legendborn and decides to infiltrate the order to uncover the connection between them and her mother’s death only to discover there’s so much more to this secret society and her than she imagined possible.
Us Against You by Fredrik Backman | Contemporary Fiction
I have been dragging my feet reading this book. The combination of it being a more emotionally impactful read and the story occurring during the cooler seasons has caused me to lose a little bit of interest. This is no reflection on the quality of the writing or Backman’s storytelling abilities because both are superb. Hopefully, I can finish this book in April and will press pause on this series until the fall.
Synopsis
We follow the citizens of Beartown a small hockey town that’s struggling to provide jobs and stability for its inhabitants. They’re hoping that with the junior team’s popularity and success, they’ll be able to gain the financial support and attention they need to improve their community. However, when their star hockey player becomes involved in a heinous act. The town becomes divided causing many to choose sides and threatening the possibility for them to move forward.
Before We Were Innocent by Ella Berman | Mystery Thriller
I remember when this book was first released and was quite popular. When I saw it at my local library I thought why not give it a read. It’s an interesting story exploring the dynamics of female friendship and the complications of media scrutiny especially for young women abroad when involved in a murder investigation. There’s been social commentary regarding the brutality of the media in painting women in an unflattering light during these investigations turning innocuous events into nefarious deeds. It reminds me of the Amanda Knox case.
Synopsis
One summer ten years ago in Greece best friends Bess, Joni, and Evangeline are set to have a final blast before they start college next year. Unfortunately, paradise quickly becomes a nightmare following Evangeline’s death and the cloud of suspicion that hangs heavy on the two surviving friends. As they struggle with the biased media coverage revealing every inch of their lives. Though they weren’t convicted it led Bess to seek a life of solitude and Joni into becoming a motivational speaker thriving in the limelight. Now, Joni finds herself in a similar situation and is relying on Bess for support causing her to confront the truth about that night in Greece and her complicated friendship with Joni.
Priority Reads
Below are the books that I’m prioritizing for this month as they’ve spent quite some time on my TBR and I’m anxious to read them.
Oathbound by Tracey Deonn | YA Fantasy Series
While I was super excited to fly through this series last month I decided to take my time and savor this experience as we’re not going to get book four for quite some time. But, I am prioritizing reading this book this month to prevent it from getting spoiled.
Synopsis
In this series, we are following Bree Matthews as she’s grappling with the loss of her mother in an accident and she flees to UNC-Chapel Hill to attend their program for high school students in an attempt to escape her grief. It’s there that she stumbles into the world of demons and the secret society of the Legendborn and decides to infiltrate the order to uncover the connection between them and her mother’s death only to discover there’s so much more to this secret society and her than she imagined possible.
For She Is Wrath by Emily Varga | YA Fantasy
I am here for this fresh take on The Count of Monte Cristo and have been anxiously waiting to read this book for months.
I’m excited to read a Pakistani-inspired fantasy retelling with themes exploring what one’s willing to pay to achieve vengeance and the complexities of justice and forgiveness.
Synopsis
Enter Dania a young woman who’s framed for a crime she didn’t commit by her then lover Mazin. While imprisoned she plots her ultimate revenge. When an opportunity to escape and partner with a fellow inmate to recover a stolen djinn treasure she leaps at the chance. With a new identity and dark magic she seeks to enact her plan of vengeance on Mazin but instead finds herself in a complicated dance with the only boy she’s ever loved.
A Fate of Onyx and Ivory by O’Junea Brown | Romantasy
This has been hanging out on my TBR way too long. So, it’s time to finally get this read once and for all. I’m here to read about a Black female lead in a romantasy series. I’m also excited to delve into the themes of being forced to make difficult life-altering decisions.
Synopsis
Amira is struggling to provide for her family and when she meets a witch that entices her with a bargain that could change her life forever. As she’s heading home she meets a powerful Fae who whisks her to his to an alternate realm full of luxury and magic. Amira becomes enraptured in this new world and must soon decide to embark on a new adventure in the Fae realm or return home to the family that depends on her.
Dust by Alison Stine | YA Contemporary
This book slid on my radar when I saw it on a Goodreads reading list and I was interested in the premise. I noticed that there was some disability rep and was delighted to read a coming-of-age novel featuring a female protagonist who’s fighting against her ableist parents. I’m looking forward to seeing strong character growth and how to navigate troubling family dynamics.
Synopsis
Thea and her family relocated to the Colorado Bloodlines due to her father’s premonition in search of a new beginning. However, Thea’s life is stagnant as she’s not homeschooled, forbidden to visit the library, and no longer allowed to contact her old friends as her parents have extreme fear of society and its harmful influence. What’s worse is Thea has struggled due to being hard of hearing and her parents forcing her to pass as someone who can hear. Yet, working at the cafe to help her family she meets Ray a deaf person she strikes up a friendship as he teaches her how to sign opening a new world full of possibilities.
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi | YA Fantasy
Another popular title that’s been sitting neglected on my TBR pile that needs to get read. This kicks off the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy. Currently, production is underway for a film adaptation set to release in 2027 so I’m eager to work my way through this series.
From what little I’ve learned this series is rife with my favorite themes including an oppressive political system and resistance of the people to fight for change as well as the power of legacy and heritage.
Synopsis
After Zélie loses her mother tragically due to an order by the king to execute the maji the land and the people are overcome by grief. Now it’s up to Zélie to lead a resistance and restore magic to the land. She must go toe to toe with a ruthless crown prince determined to erase magic forever. Between her growing powers and traitorous affections for her sworn enemy Zélie may find the most dangerous thing is her heart.
One in A Millennial by Kate Kennedy | Nonfiction
I’m super excited to read this book and catch all the nostalgic vibes as we look back on the culture that defined a generation.
Synopsis
Pop culture podcaster Kate Kennedy explores the good, bad, and ugly of what it was like coming of age as a millennial. From purity culture, American Girl dolls, Spice Girl feminism, and AOL instant messenger. There’s so much to dive into.
Re-Reads
These are the selections I’m excited to read again.
The Measure by Nikki Erlick | Speculative
I loved this poignant and insightful novel. We explore the idea of fate and choice, the true meaning of life, and what it means to pursue happiness and purpose.
Synopsis
We follow eight ordinary people as they’re faced with an extraordinary revelation. At their front door is a box that houses a string. However, this string isn’t any ordinary piece of string. It determines the length of their life with long strings meaning a long life and short strings representing a shorter life. We see society unravel as everyone is faced with the decision of whether they want to know their life expectancy and what this type of information could mean for society, dating, politics, relationships, medicine, and other areas of civilization.
Atomic Habits by James Clear | Nonfiction, Self-Help
As a neurodivergent person I’ve discovered that I thrive in structure. And this book was crucial in helping me establish the habits and actions I needed to do to guide me towards completing goals and becoming more productive in my daily life. I highly recommend it for anyone that wants to learn how to build habits that will empower you to accomplish your goals.
Synopsis
James Clear and expert in habit formation and productivity teaches you the framework for how to create good habits and break bad ones. You’ll learn how to create a system ripe for habit creation which will inspire you to complete the simple behaviors that will guide you to success.
April Library Holds
I have two library holds that I need to read and return to the library mid-month.
Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie | Literary Fiction
I’m beyond excited to dig into this novel. From its premise, I feel like this will be a character-driven story which is my favorite.
Synopsis
This story explores the intimate lives of four different women from various walks of life: Chiamaka a Nigerian travel writer living in America during the pandemic and reflecting on her past relationships and the choices she’s made, Zikora, Chiamaka’s best friend and successful lawyer that must turn unexpectedly to a person she never thought she’d need after facing betrayal and heartbreak, Omelogor, Chiamaka’s cousin, despite being a financial powerhouse in Nigeria begins to question herself, and Kadiatou, Chiamaka’s housekeeper, is raising her daughter in America and faces an unexpected circumstance that threatens all she’s worked hard for. As they make sense of the complexities of life such as the pursuit of happiness, the truth about love, and explorations of the choices we make versus the ones that are made for us.
The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami | Speculative
I saw this book mentioned on a book list blog and found the name interesting and decided to place a hold for it at my library. However, upon reading the premise it sounds absolutely fascinating can’t wait to read it!
Synopsis
Upon landing in LAX eager to return home from a conference abroad Sara is intercepted by agents from the Risk Assessment Agency on charges that she’s at risk of committing a crime against her husband. This conclusion is based on data they’ve accessed from her dreams. Now she must remain under observation for 21 days at a retention center where other women are in similar plights as her. Due to the shifting rules, their stay is extended with months passing and no release in sight. However, the arrival of a new resident disrupts the facility bringing Sara on a crash course with the companies that denied her of her freedom.
2025 April TBR Hopefuls
Let’s talk about the rest of the books I’m hoping to get to this month.
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck | Classic Literature
I remember studying this in high school but I’m looking forward to revisiting it as an adult. It explores themes that I enjoy including family, resilience during trials and tribulations, and courage in the face of adversity.
Synopsis
This Pulitzer-winning story follows the Joad family as they travel across the country from Oklahoma to California during The Great Depression in search of better opportunities and a new beginning.
Lights Out by Navessa Allen | Dark Romance
Listen, I’m not here for a long time but I am here for a good time. And, I’m curious to explore this widely popular book featuring masked men thirst traps, and a stalker romance. This sounds like it will be a silly, goofy time and I’m looking forward to it.
Synopsis
Meet trauma nurse Aly who can’t help but enjoy the masked men content that pops onto her social media feed especially one man in particular. Josh has an online persona fulfilling the fantasies of his followers but there’s one in particular that he’s drawn to and he finds himself going the extra mile to make her darkest fantasies a reality.
Pictures of You by Emma Grey | Women’s Fiction
I loved Grey’s debut novel The Last Love Note and found it a poignant exploration of spousal grief. In her second novel, we’re exploring grief again but we’re also introduced to themes of identity, second chances, and the impact of toxic relationships. All topics I enjoy reading about.
Synopsis
Evie Hudson is in a tragic accident that takes her husband’s life leaving her to awaken in a hospital trapped in her seventeen-year-old mind. As she struggles to piece together her memory Drew, a photographer, becomes interwoven in Evie’s as he watches her connect the dots of her life stumbling upon startling truths and revelations that can alter both of their worlds.
Good Boundaries and Goodbyes by Lysa TerKeurst | Nonfiction, Self-Help
This spring I’m all about personal growth and felt I needed to revisit how I enforce and enact boundaries within my personal and professional life.
Synopsis
TerKeurst offers practical faith-based advice on how to implement healthy boundaries so you can love people without losing yourself.
The Nigerwife by Vanessa Walters | Mystery Thriller
I stumbled upon this book at a niche indie bookstore downtown and I’m excited to give it a try. It’s giving all the vibes of a suspenseful and dark international thriller set in Nigeria.
Synopsis
On the outside Nicole Oruwari has it all. A gorgeous house, a handsome and rich husband and a fabulous group of friends known as the Nigerwives-a community of foreign women married to wealthy Nigerian men. Yet, her aunt Claudine has her suspicions when her niece goes missing following a boat trip. So, she travels to the luxurious Lagos, Nigeria to get to the truth. But the more she discovers the more the truth about her past comes to light.
Knock, Knock Open Wide by Neil Shapson | Horror
I’m ready to explore more of the horror genre and I’ve been fascinated by this as I’ve seen a couple of my favorite Booktubers talk about this eerie and weird novel.
Synopsis
Etain Larkin discovers a corpse late one night while driving through the Irish countryside and after moving it into a remote farmhouse encounters unspeakable horrors that traumatize her and she refuses to talk about. Flash forward to two decades later Betty and Ashling are in the throes of a budding romance despite Ashling being a bit troubled and stand-offish about introducing Betty to her family. Yet, as their relationship deepens Betty learns of Ashling’s dark family history and her odd fascination with a children’s show in this eerie and dreadful novel.
A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir | YA Fantasy Series
I started the An Ember in the Ashes quartet in January and it’s high time that I delve back into this intriguing world once more. I loved the political intrigue mixed with the hint of rebellion the exploration of classism and the barbaric use of power against a marginalized community.
Synopsis
Under the tyranny of the Martial Empire Laia and her family know fear and danger which reaches its pinnacle the night her brother Darin is captured and charged with treason and taken into custody. Laia seeks help from the one group of people she dreads the Resistance. To free her brother she promises to spy on the cruel Commandant head of the elite military academy. Elias is desperate to escape his fate as a Mask serving the Empire. These two lives intersect as their fates become entwined and shake up the Empire.
Ok, I know this is an ambitious TBR and the likelihood that I’ll get to all of these books is slim. However, I just love planning my monthly TBR and daydreaming about all the books I could read. Besides you never know this may be the month that I’m able to read all of these books! Let me know your April reading plans. Are there any books on my TBR that you’re considering adding to yours? Let me know in the comments below! Wishing you a fantastic reading month and happy April!
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