I feel like a broken record every time I say this, but: How is it May already?? Seriously? I feel like I just celebrated the New Year and it’s already almost summer! Crazy times. Anyway, I read almost only great books in April – here’s this month’s reading list:
The Opposite of Loneliness | I finally read Marina Keegan’s collection of essays and stories this month. I really enjoyed it, some stories more (‘Even artichokes have doubts’), some less (that weird submarine story). I wouldn’t say that it’s the best book I’ve ever read, but if you enjoy short stories you’ll like it. And everyone needs to read the first essay ‘The Opposite of Loneliness’ (the Yale Daily News published it online) because it’s absolutely brilliant.
The Millstone | The Millstone is a story about a woman who gets pregnant (without being married) in England in the 1960s. It’s an interesting read – I didn’t particularly like the protagonist or identified with her actions, but for some reason I really wanted to know how everything played out for her.
Born to Run | For the first 50 pages, I didn’t like this one at all. I was expecting a story about how to enjoy running more and instead got the author’s travel diary to a remote and dangerous part of Mexico. Not really the same thing. Once I adjusted my expectations I really enjoyed it though: There’s a few really cool stories about ultramarathon runners ( who run like 100 km races in the desert). After reading it I feel kinda lame just thinking that I’m proud of a 10 km run, but who knows, one day? (Okay, never).
The Artisan Soul | Loved this one! I could try explaining what it is about, but the back cover says it just perfectly: “McManus demonstrates that we all carry within us the essence of an artist. We all need to create, to be a part of a process that brings to the world something beautiful, good, and true, to allow our souls to come to life.” If you ever feel like you’re not a creative because you’re not good enough, read this book!
Far from the Madding Crowd | To say that I read this one in April is an overstatement. I probably started reading last October, never got into it and finally finished it this month. The story is set in 19th century England and follows the relationships and life of Bathsheba Everdene – a farmer and free spirit.I don’t know, ut wasn’t even that boring – the story just never quite captured me (like Tess of the d’Urbervilles did for example).
Alice in Wonderland | This was a really fun read, especially since there are so many Alice quotes floating around the internet (now I finally know the context). I don’t think that I would have enjoyed it as a kid (the stories are just too weird and dark), but it was nice and relaxing to read a chapter or two at the end of a long work day.
Did you read any great books this year?
Picture via Stocksnap.
Hanna’s Places is a green lifestyle magazine written by Hanna Ulatowski. It’s all about slowing down in a fast-paced society and finding ways to live a more sustainable, simple lifestyle.