April was Basically March Part 2

I don't know what to tell you folks. Nothing new happened for me this past month. I am slowly running out of ways to entertain myself. I think I went too hard on being productive in March that I lost steam in April. Baking and watching TV just aren't cutting it anymore. At least I haven't gotten bored from reading yet. Surprisingly, I read SEVEN books this month which is a lot for me. I record what I've read on the Goodreads app and at some point I was 3 books ahead of schedule in reaching my goal of 52 books by the end of the year.

So yeah, that's all I have to say... stay inside, wear a mask, and wash your hands!

Cheers,

Danish

---

April

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

By: Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

Rating: 3 out of 5

This novel is set post World War II in Guernsey Island. It follows the friendship between a London writer and a book club in Guernsey. For the most part, I did enjoy this book because I have not read many stories on how people adjusted after the war. The story had complexity and was what I wish Dear Mrs. Bird (from March's reads) was more like. The reason why I rated this book a three instead of a four is because it is composed entirely of letters. The writing style is unique, but it was hard to follow at times. Nevertheless, I do recommend this book. Netflix actually has a movie adaptation and it helped me better understand the novel, so I also recommend watching the movie.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

By: Heather Morris

Rating: 4 out of 5

Another historical fiction about World War II, The Tattooist of Auschwitz was a fantastic read. Lale is a Jewish prisoner in one of the most notorious concentration camps. When the guards found value in his ability to speak many languages, Lale was promoted to the position of tattooist. One day he tattoos a number on a new prisoner, Gita, and their romance begins. Lale and Gita’s story brought inspiration and hope despite the conditions placed against them. I enjoyed this book so much I read it in a day.

So B. It

By: Sarah Weeks

Rating: 4 out of 5

I read So B. It when I was younger, but I don't think I appreciated the story so much then as I do now. Reading this book as an adult, I caught several heavy topics that as a child I would not have understood. The novel follows 12 year-old Heidi’s journey to learning more about herself and her mentally disabled mother’s past. Although it is a children's book I think that it will still capture any adult’s heart.

The Secret Garden

By: Frances Hodgson Burnett

Rating: 5 out of 5

Reading The Secret Garden made me so sad that I had to stay home all day. The incredible imagery used throughout the entire novel played out like a movie in my head. The book is about a spoiled young girl named Mary Lennox who moves from India to a mansion in England’s moor to live with her distant uncle. One day as she explores the mansion grounds, she discovers a secret garden. Mary tends the garden along with new friends and discovers the magic that the garden produces. This novel has so many valuable lessons and I believe that everyone needs to read it.

Kafka on the Shore

By: Haruki Murakami

Rating: 5 out of 5

I have no words. This book is unlike ANYTHING I have ever read, unlike ANY story I have ever heard; it blew my mind. I might even have to re-read it, because it was so out there and metaphorical. There are two separate storylines that eventually intertwine and explain each other. One of them is of fifteen-year-old Kafka who runs away from home and the other is of elderly Nakata who is taken on a journey after searching for a lost cat. This novel is dark, applies magical realism, and overall puzzling. It will certainly make you pause and think. I cannot recommend it enough.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

By: L. Frank Baum

Rating: 5 out of 5

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a childhood favorite of mine. I have read the book at least a dozen times and it never gets old. For anyone that wants to start getting into classics, I recommend starting off with children's books such as the Oz series. What’s also great is that Apple Books has the entire series available for free along with many other classics.

Never Let Me Go

By: Kazuo Ishiguro

Rating: 2 out of 5

This novel is a prime example of how popular things are not always going to be your cup of tea. I was very excited to read this book because it was recommended to me all over Goodreads and many people have said “it is a must-read before you die”. Not only that, the author Kazuo Ishiguro won the Nobel Prize in Literature. With that said, you can only imagine how high my expectations were prior to reading this book. I will be frank with you, I did not enjoy this book. AT ALL. The story was not told in chronological order and it felt kind of scattered. However, I do understand why this book is an important story to tell, and that's the only reason why I gave it a two instead of a one. I don't want to give anything away, but the novel will have you wondering the limitations of science. Although I didn't like the book, I'm sure someone else might so still give it a read.