April 2016 Reading Roundup

According to Goodreads I'm about 3 books behind on my goal of reading 100 books this year. When I saw that, I automatically assumed that I must not have read much in April, but I think 7 books isn't half bad! For the past couple of years I didn't super care about the quantity of the books read and that lack of stress was pretty nice. I determined though to have at least one year where I read 100 books. I don't even know why that number is so important to me. Maybe I think that it'll get me closer to reading all of the books, who knows?

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray -Worthy of My Shelves

This was a re-read for me. I read this book no less than 3 times during high school and remembered really loving it. I hadn't finished reading the series, so I figured I would start over and read it all the way through. I didn't love it quite as much as I once did, but this book is really well-written and is a gem amongst some mediocre YA titles. It's a book that is difficult to put down and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has ever thought YA title couldn't be well-written.

Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center - Worthy of My Shelves

This is the best book I have read in 2016! When I read the premise I didn't think it would be a book a book I would enjoy. The main character has reached a stagnant point in her life. She isn't happy and wants to jolt her system so she is going on a dangerous, wilderness retreat. I could relate so much with her and I just cannot say enough good things about this book. If you add any of these books to your TBR, make it this one.

Make it Happen by Lara Casey - Borrow It

This was my #instauplift pick for April. I enjoyed this book and thought that it offered some pretty solid insights. It does have a very Christian focus which I know not everyone is fond of, but I do think there is something for everyone in there. I doubt I will read it again, but would recommend reading it if you find yourself in need of a push and some extra motivation. 

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys- Borrow It

This is my first time reading a Sepetys novel. It definitely reads like a YA novel (simple writing), but does a good job of making an emotional connection that I sometimes find lacking in YA. I really loved that the author exposes the reader to an event that many aren't likely to know about. This is the last WWII novel I am reading in 2016 because I am so stinking emotionally drained. I wouldn't re-read it, but would definitely recommend reading it if you enjoy historical fiction. 

Spelling it Like it Is by Tori Spelling- Skip It

I will admit that I have read all 4 of Tori's books. I actually really enjoyed the first 3 and found myself really liking Tori. I should have stopped after the third. The Tori I found in this book is a passive aggressive victim who can't live within her means and I wanted to reach through the pages and just talk some sense into her.

 Where We Belong by Hoda Kotb - Skip It

So here's the deal. I listened to this in one sitting at the very end of April and I can't remember any of it. I really like Hoda Kotb, but this didn't make a huge impact on me or really provide any insight as to where I belong. It passed the time, but I want more than just that from the books I read. 

The Love the Split the World by Emily Henry - Borrow It

This was the April pick for the Literary Ladies Book Club. I really didn't know anything about this book prior to reading it. I loved that the author wove in so many culture's stories and I like the basic concept of the book. I did not like the ending. It doesn't work out the way I had hoped was possible. It's definitely worth a read if you have some time. I would say that people who enjoy parallel universes, time travel and folklore would really like this book.
Linking up with Jana and Steph.Hopefully you found a book or two to add to your TBR!What was your favorite book in April?