Overall Mood: replenished – May was a month to reset, to refill a cup that had long been left with dregs, and to take time away from the books and return to the purpose of it all. I was able to attend many literary events in May, contributing to my rediscovery of my reasons for turning to books, and the experience has been so humbling and inspirational. I have also been able to conduct many interviews for my research, and as such, have talked with so many incredible people who have helped reshape my thoughts and attitudes regarding bookish social media and reading.

Books Read:

Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce

I didn’t know of this series until a friend mentioned it was her favourite childhood fantasy series ever, and that she still reads it and loves it now. With such a glowing review as that, I knew I needed to pick it up from the library, and I wholly agree with her. Alanna: The First Adventure is full of incredible storytelling fit for all ages, a young protagonist with so much wit and snark, and a magic system that is compelling and exciting to witness. This book not only got me excited to read again, but it made it so easy to do so.

In the Hands of the Goddess by Tamora Pierce

After sitting with the first one for a while, I couldn’t wait to let my friend know, and she lent me her copies so I could finish the rest of the series. I managed to get my flu-addled brain through In the Hands of the Goddess yesterday, and had so many reactions and feelings throughout the short read. Alanna is both infuriating and relatable, and I loved meeting the new characters in this story. I know I will be getting a set of my own with this series, because I can see myself rereading frequently.

Currently Reading:

The Woman Who Rides Like a Man by Tamora Pierce

I am slowly but steadily getting through The Woman Who Rides Like a Man, and Alanna is just as snarky and grouchy as before, making for a humorous and tantalising read. The potential for more cultural exploration and the connections between various elements of the story world are creating a bit of anticipation in my mind, but I am trying my best to keep it at bay and just let the story unfold.

Banjara by Shana Chandra

I attended the Auckland Writers Festival session on Banjara and the history of the Girmitiyas people, and I was blown away by the research and records surrounding the story, the real lives of ancestors, and the community that has come out of this. I am halfway through Banjara, loving every single page of it, and I want to continue to take my time with it. This read is poetic and immersive, bringing sensory description to the forefront of the narrative to really show the struggles and experiences faced by those on the ships. This is an integral novel to read, and I hope many do read it.