Hello Bookworms, it’s spring! And it’s virtually the end of spring at that. I’ve been wanting to write a million posts recently, and each time I attempt to organize my thoughts into a cohesive paragraph, I fail! So I’ve given up, and instead I will just share my recent reading, some of which I believe is perfect for getting into this spring. And hopefully it’s understandable…

Even as I finally settle into the fact that it’s spring, I need to mention again, why does time have to move so fast! I was just getting used to winter, especially after such a long one here in Canada. This year has been full of change for me, and adjusting to so many transitions has been a learning lesson. One big surprise, that I haven’t truly felt until this year, is a readiness to face more, not a fear. At the end of the day, I can’t control anything other than my own actions, so my fear typically does… nothing. It’s very hard to do, and I am no expert, but replacing even an ounce of it with hope, or even a brave face that you feel you are hiding behind, helps smooth things out.

On some lighter news, I’ve made substantial strides with my reading! I really try hard to alleviate any guilt I subconsciously place on myself for finding little time during the year. But when I do get some extra brain energy to spare, I’ll immediately place it on the nearest book in my vicinity.

Pick a Colour by Souvankham Thammavongsa

What a novel. The writing is effortless to follow, and the story is clever, with all-too-relevant themes of labour and capitalism. All in all, it’s the perfect length to read during a nail appointment; is this irony?

Motherthing by Ainslie Hogarth

Gosh, I fear I look like this during the day when something goes wrong. Nevertheless, I purchased this with a friend, and we both fell for the marketing. Dramatic graphics are SO me. Pros for this one include the main character’s inner dialogue. She is so incredibly complex, and I love the portrayal of the guilt she feels in her relationship. More to come on my thoughts!

It’s one of my jobs to fret about his arteries, one of the many personal responsibilities that men subconsciously off-load onto their wives, not because they’re all jerks but because that’s just part of the labor agreement. Unmarried men, it’s true, die fatter, younger, filthier, sadder, than their married friends, if they even have friends, because that’s another thing a wife is responsible for, friends, except I’m a bust in that department, which is why I have to go extra hard on his arteries.

Ainslie Hogarth, Motherthing

We Spread by Iain Reid

All Reid novels are a must-read. No questions asked, I just do as I’m told.

Falling Back in Love with Being Human: Letters to Lost Souls by Kai Cheng Thom

This was captivating. The author, a trans femme, conveyed the poems with raw and intense emotion. I don’t think one could finish this without crying. The writing felt fearless, and I deeply admire authors who share their personal experiences with such vulnerability. The book also includes numerous journaling prompts. If you enjoy journaling, this is essential reading.

The Ruling Class by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

This was my first YA novel in years, so that should tell you something. The book is very thoughtfully written, and the main character is an unforgettable young lady, extra points for sister dynamics! Which we all know I am a sucker for! Pick this up on your next flight, and it’ll fly by.

Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy

I love Jennette, and I find these disturbing stories essential readings. Though hard to get through, it is another frank telling of our society’s darker sides.

The Good Eye by Jess Gibson

Short stories just feel right for spring. I find myself craving something lighter, and this new release delivered exactly that. The writing stands out, and doesn’t suffer from a hurried feeling in the storytelling that you sometimes get with short stories. Every element feels prudently delivered.

Thanks for reading!