February Reading Wrap Up
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This year I’m attempting the PopSugar Reading Challenge!
So far, I have completed 3 prompts. You can catch up on what I read in January here!
Historically, February has always been a difficult reading month for me. It’s just so short and it’s pretty much always dark out here in Maine. I get into a funk but I’m really trying to change my wanton ways. This February was different. I think it helped that two books I was looking forward to this year were released this month and a new method of setting reading goals (post to come).
Here’s what I got done in February:
Book 1: Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas *
Prompt Attempted: A book that fufills a past reading prompt (a book over 500 pages)
My Thoughts: This was a re-read for me and clocking in at over 800 pages, I surprised myself by just how fast I got through this book. This book is truly brilliant. The plot, the characters, the world they inhabit - they are rich, complex, and beautiful. I knew I had to re-read this one before the second book in the series came out because, as with all of SJM’s writing, there is so much detail and nuance. I didn’t want to miss a thing in the second book because I forgot something from the first. You have to read this series. It’s just so good.
Does it actually complete the prompt: Yes, but I did deviate from my original plan to attempt to read the next book in a series to complete this one. That’s okay. I knew this one would be a great place for wiggle room when something came up that I needed to read.
Book 2: 84, Charing Cross Road by Helen Hanff
Prompt Attempted: A book that takes place in a twin city (London).
My thoughts: If you love books, you will love this collection of letters sent back and forth between New York City screenwriter Helen Hanff and London book seller, Frank Doel over many years following the second World War. Witty, honest, and unfailingly kind, these two strangers form a bond that neither distance, or time, or even the fact that they’ve never met, can alter . Do yourself a favor and get the audiobook which has a full cast. It is an absolute delight.
Does it actually complete the prompt: Yes, not only does it take place in a twin city, it is about twin cities.
Book 3: Scythe by Neal Shusterman*
Prompt Attempted: A book that takes place in a non-patriarchal society
My thoughts: When utopia becomes dystopian…Scythe is thought-provoking and raw. What happens when humanity has conquered all disease and trauma? How do you stem population growth and who decides who has to die? Neal Shusterman attempts to answer these questions and more in the first book in his Arc of a Scythe trilogy. This book has new classic written all over; a modern take on The Giver. There is so much to unpack here about our society, death, and dying. And it’s all set to within an action-packed plot line. This is a must-read. Now, I have to find room in my reading list for the other two books from the series.
Book 4: One Night on the Island by Josie Silver*
Prompt Attempted: A book with two points of view.
My thoughts: Another one not in the original plan but I pre-ordered it as soon as it was announced in 2021 and totally forgot it was coming until I got the shipping notification. I have a whole review on it here. So, check that out for my full thoughts.
Did it complete the prompt: Yes, this is a dual-perspective novel.
Book 5: House of Sky and Breathe by Sarah J. Maas*
Prompt Attempted: A book published in 2022
My thoughts: Well, gosh darn it. I can’t believe I have to live with that cliff-hanger for who even knows how long. The publication date for book 3 in this series has yet to be announced which means you have plenty of time to go read the first one and then this one. It’s just so good. And I will probably read it again if I find myself ahead of my reading plan.
Did it complete the prompt: Yes, published 2/15/22!
That brings my total to 8 completed prompts out of 50 for the year. I’m so excited with the progress I’ve made and let me tell you that reading more has impacted my mental health. We will get more into that later but, these are good changes.
I honestly can’t believe I read 5 books this month. What a win!
Tell me what you’re currently reading in the comments below!
