Overall mood: calm. I have done a lot this last month, from PhD work to fun reading, meetings and museum showcases, book reviews and project plans. It has been busy yet calm, almost comfortingly so. There’s just something about doing things that makes me feel relaxed and proactive. My reading has taken me through all sorts of genres this month, and with a few new favourites added to my list I am eager to see where books take me in March.

Books read:

Human Acts by Han Kang, 4/5

A beautifully written short story full of grief, bravery, loss, and pain. This is one of Han Kang’s most powerful novels and I highly encourage all readers to pick it up – not only is it food for thoughts, but the narrative voices and perspectives are raw and full of emotion. Human Acts will carve your heart out of your chest in the best way and leave you stunned.

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston, 4.5/5

This was such a lovely, easy-going read. There are some personal and heavy themes in here surrounding grief, loss, family, and responsibilities, making the deeper ideas and messages of the book harder hitting and thoroughly worth while. The romance is adorable, the characters are fun, and the conflicts will keep you on your toes. The Dead Romantics is perfect for an afternoon read.

Beach Read by Emily Henry, 4.5/5

Another romance, another incredible read. There’s just something about these romance books that ticks so many boxes. The broader themes and setting of this book make it stand out from the rest, but the characters really sell it for me. Beach Read – while not strictly set beachside – brings all the cosy summer romance vibes but also delivers more in terms of themes, overall vibe, and storyline.

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, 4/5

A classic well deserving of its prestige and popularity, and perhaps worthy of more, the Bluest Eye is a staple in American literature, a must-read for all, and an impeccable novel from one of America’s most aspirational authors. Toni Morrison has brought the Black experience to the forefront of literature and the experiences and voices of these characters, these people, and of all minorities deserves to be heard. The Bluest Eye and Beloved are only a two of Toni Morrison’s masterpieces – I implore you to read more of her work.

Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett, 4/5

Jump back into the cosy fantasy world of Emily, Wendall, and their various friends with this gorgeous novel. It is such a breeze to read, with light academia vibes and cosy fantasy scenery to nestle you in for the adventure, drama, and romance ahead. If you’re a fantasy fan, or looking into fantasy as a genre, and you haven’t looked at the Emily Wilde books yet, I highly recommend you do so.

The Republic of Thieves by Scott Lynch, 4.5/5

A phenomenal novel with all the elements of a compelling adult dark fantasy tale. I love this series, and this book is no different. the action is intense and devious, the characters are cunning and intriguing, and the twists just keep coming. A must-read for fantasy lovers and a book you will not regret picking up – but only after you read the other two books first!

The Water’s Dead by Catherine Lea, 4/5

A gritty Kiwi crime set up north with complex characters, hostile relations, dire circumstances, and a community experience many can relate to. The Water’s Dead is a great crime fiction read with a whole team’s experience working the case, making the interactions, observations, and secrets all the more interesting. An intriguing read that will leave you grasping for the second book – I sure am looking forward to reading it.

Summer Fridays by Suzanne Rindell, 4.5/5

This romance is all sorts of cute while providing that much needed tension to carry the reader through to the bittersweet end. The characters are complex, relatable, and so sweet, the conflicts are real, tricky, and all sorts of emotional, and the setting is picturesque, lovely, and nostalgic. Older romance readers might enjoy the flash to the past with AOL messaging and the old-school ways of romancing, but everyone will enjoy this romance read. Just make sure you have something squishy near by to throw the book at when those moments hit.

Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare, 4.5/5

It’s about time I got back into the trilogy and it did not disappoint. Chain of Gold is a historical fantasy with some of the beloved chatacers in the Shadowhunter chronicles on the sidelines, watching over everything while the new faces cause a muck (I’m kidding, sort of). More aspects of the shadowhunter world are explored and characters and their interactions and relationships make for a thoroughly enjoyable read. YA readers, espeically the shadowhunter fans, need to read and reread this book pronto.

The Man I Never Met by Elle Cook, 4.5/5

A romance I never through I would come across and yet one that has made the most impact on me and my perceptions of the genre. The Man I Never Met has proven that romance books come with all sorts of plots and situations, and it was increible easy and fulfilling to read this novel. I wanted to throw it across the room at times but it made it out in one piece. A must-read for contemporary romance readers!

The White Book by Han Kang, 4/5

A lovely poetic prose-filled novel, blending short story and poetry to expand the mind, involve the senses, and provide beautiful detail and imagery to simple yet stunning things. The themes of this book shaped the novel well, but for my tastes the overall impact felt lessened due to the uncertainty of its purpose. I enjoyed the read regardless, and have learnt the art of simple mundane objects and experiences being expertly described to make extraordinary prose.

Better the Blood by Michael Bennett, 5/5

I could not put this book down. I didn’t have lunch, I was that invested in it. The plot, the characters, the themes, the dialogue, the imagery – everything! From the beginning I was hooked in to this world of familiarity and shadows and I could not read fasterthan my fingers were willing to wait. There is something about the writing that I could not turn away from and I highly ecourage crime readers from all over to read Better the Blood, but especially you New Zealand readers.