Well, here we are again. New month, new books. New president. Same fucking pandemic. Sigh. It’s frustrating. Interesting time to live in Delaware, though.
Not sure what else to say.
Before I start reviewing what I read last month, has anyone else found themselves absolutely drowning in new books by authors they love? It’s like every author I love has a new book coming out this year (except for Dean Bakopoulos and trust when I say I will lose my shit when he finally publishes a new one) and NetGalley is being generous for some reason and I also finally set a book budget to preorder or buy new books every month and I can’t stop accumulating books. I legit don’t need the library for a year, and I definitely need a new bookshelf. And my Kindle is probably closing in on capacity.
I suppose I could have worse problems, like incessant chapped lips or terrible sleeping habits or an inability to stop eating all the Doritos in my house. Oh wait. Never mind.
In any event, I read seven books last month, putting my to-date total at 11. I don’t think I have a DNF yet, either, but it is only the beginning of February. But still good.
Here are the short reviews of what I read since the last time we met (short because Oscar has taken up permanent residence in my lap and even though he’s only seven pounds, he gets heavy and it’s a little cumbersome to work around him):
Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas. She doesn’t write a bad book. I loved hearing Mav’s story in his voice (which does take a few pages to get used to) and learning more about why he is the way he is in THUG. It definitely sets the stage and if you read On the Come Up as well, you’ll recognize a couple of other names.
The Cousins by Karen McManus. Not quite as strong as her other books, but still a solid mystery (note: it leans heavily on the YA so if that’s not your thing, you might want to pass) and a quick read.
Crooked Hallelujah by Kelli Jo Ford. Reminded me a little of Valentine. Solid writing, sometimes seemingly disconnected stories woven throughout the larger plot, but not my favorite of the month. I didn’t dislike it. It was just meh for me.
So We Can Glow by Leesa Cross-Smith. What I like about books of short stories is that if I don’t like a story, I can skip it. I don’t think I skipped over a single one in this book. Don’t take that as a glowing endorsement, though. While she’s a great writer, I didn’t particularly love this collection.
Everywhere You Don’t Belong by Gabriel Bump. I don’t really know how to describe this book except it’s not an easy read at times. It deals a lot with race and brutality and bullying among telling the story of family and love and growing up not feeling like there’s a place for you. I’m not sure if it’s YA or not. Maybe new adult so take that for what it is.
The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein. If you ever wondered why neighborhoods look the way they do, this is the book to read. It explores government-endorsed (and sponsored) segregation and racism in housing in the U.S. and how those policies, rules, and laws created what we see now. It’s fascinating but as a warning, this is a very dense book and not a fast read at all. There’s a ton to unpack and learn but absolutely worth it.
Dear Child by Romy Hausman. Ah, a thriller. My brain was happy to read one, particularly because it’s well done, fast, and despite the fact that I HATED the ending, it’s a great read. The jacket says it’s like Room meets Gone Girl which is pretty accurate, but heavier on the Room but AFTER they escape.
TL;DR: All the books I read this month are good depending on your preference, but the best were The Color of Law, Concrete Rose, and Dear Child.
Currently reading: Deacon King Kong by James McBride.
OK. Now it’s your turn to link up and show us your books! Don’t forget to visit my co-host Steph and some of the other bloggers joining us. And don’t forget to mark down March 9 for the next one (where we’ll celebrate both books and Steph’s birthday a little early).
I’ve just read another review on The Cousins. This sounds like a good thriller – but I’ve read some reviews where readers say they prefer her previous books (which I haven’t read).
Adding So We Can Glow: Stories to my TBR list – haven’t read short stories in ages and I’ve forgotten how enjoyable they can be.
Ooh I didn’t realize Angie Thomas had another book out. I will for sure have to read that one.
I’m looking forward to reading Concrete Rose soonish!! I have Leesa Cross Smith’s newest book to read this month too. Will the pandemic ever end!?!?
Heather recently posted…Here Are The Books I’ve Enjoyed So Far in 2021
Seven pounds is still enough to keep your lap warm – my cats aren’t that helpful 😉 I’m looking forward to reading Concrete Rose! Thanks for sharing and enjoy your month!
Becki recently posted…Show Us Your Books – January 2021
I didn’t realize Angie Thomas had a new book out! And I just added Dear Child to my to read list.
I also have a lot of books to read at home without using the library, though I do have one waiting for me there! I have Concrete Rose and hope to read it soon!
Dara recently posted…10 Love Stories to Read in February
I have The Cousins to read. I still need to read The Hate U Give before Concrete Rose, but I did read and enjoy On the Come Up.
-Lauren
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Show Us Your Books (Feb. 2021) and a Giveaway!
I definitely got a bunch of new releases all at once this month! Crooked Hallelujah is on my list but I don’t know if I’ll end up getting to it anytime soon. I’m reading This Close to Okay and am really loving her writing, but very rarely pick up short story collections, though I should try more often.
Carly recently posted…Reading Roundup 2 | 2021
I’ve read THUG but I still haven’t gotten to On the Come Up. I can’t decide if I want to pick up Concrete Rose or not. I’m sure it’s fantastic- I’m just a slow, and therefore picky, reader right now. Ha.
Audrey recently posted…What I Read…
i am the same with not needing the library but definitely needing a new bookshelf. i feel like we are just going to be in this pandemic forever.
i am very intrigued by dear child… that review lol.
kristen recently posted…Books Lately
I do want to read Concrete Rose. I still have to read On the Come Up, too. Dear Child was in the running for my book club for two months in a row but never made it (it was my number one choice). I definitely want to read it, especially after your review. Deacon King Kong is our book club book for April and looks good.
Gwen recently posted…Showin’ My Books – February 2021
I am on that pre-order life especially when the authors are not huge. And also feel like everyone is coming out with a book.
This reminds me that I read Crooked Hallelujah and don’t think I ever put it on a SUYB or even my goodreads. I had it from Netgalley hanging out for eternity and just got it over with. It felt super disjointed to me.
I still haven’t read an Angie Thomas book. I really should!
Confuzzled Bev recently posted…What I read in January 2021
I just finished On The Come Up, and am really looking forward to Concrete Rose. She is so good.
Jill+K recently posted…Show Us Your Books February 2021
On a forever long waitlist for Concrete Rose- can’t wait to read it once it comes in. Definitely adding Dear Child too, just based on your review- haven’t even heard of it!
I loved Leesa Cross-Smith’s latest book but haven’t read her other work. I need to check it out.
The Color of Law sounds like something I would definitely be interested in.
Mackenzie recently posted…As The Page Turns: February Edition
Lots of new-to-me titles that sound interesting! Will definitely add a few to my list.
Karly
https://www.whatkarlysaid.com
I like Angie Thomas, I still need to read On the Come Up. I will add that one to the list. I have enough Netgalley books alone to get me through several months. And you know, all the holds I have at the library that ALWAYS come in at the same time! Netgalley gave me the new TJR, so clearly that is on my shortlist for next month!!!!
Nadine recently posted…Books – February 2021
Yes! I am finding that my want to read pile is growing exponentially with all these new books coming out.
Time is flying – I feel like On the Come Up JUST came out and I still haven’t read it yet. Must rectify that. I also eat all of the Doritos within reach. Cool Ranch Doritos is my official Emotional Support Chip of the pandemic.
Oh, I need to read The Color of Law. I also feel like I am completely drowning in new books and Netgalley books – not necessarily a bad problem to have, but so many new books look just so good! I have been trying to get rid of some books because it’s really getting out of control.
Carolann Chambers recently posted…Recent Reads
I read The Cousins in about one day last weekend – it was perfection for when we were getting tons of snow and I didn’t want to leave the couch. I think your assessment about leaning more YA in it is right, but for a quick and enjoyable read I really appreciated that – some good twists without making me feel stressed out!
And I have got to get my hands on a copy of Concrete Rose.
Anne recently posted…reading lately: neighborhoods of New York
I’m about to get Dear Child from the library, and now I’m intrigued. Sounds good! Thanks for the fun link up!