Monthly reading review – April 2017

This April I have read:

Carve the Mark (Carve the Mark, #1) by Veronica Roth ★★★★

Thérèse Raquin by Emile Zola ★★

1. How many books you’ve read last month? Are you happy with the amount you read?

Sadly I have read only two books this April. Not happy with the amount 😦

2. What was the best of all the books you’ve read in April? Any scenes or characters that made a lasting impression?

Since there were only two books there was a good one and the one I did not like that much. I very much enjoyed angsty Carve the Mark. It was my first book by Veronica Roth – having avoided Divergent series altogether.

3. Were there any not so good books for you last month? What made it hard or not enjoyable to read?

The book I did not enjoy reading was Thérèse Raquin. I try to stay away from depressing classics from the realism period ( I can’t stand most of renown Russian classics). This book was my book club reading for March actually and it has drained me with its dreary descriptions. The theme and the possessive human condition were in fact interesting enough but the generally depressing tone of the book was really off putting.

4. How did the books you were reading last month fit in your reading plans if you had any?

I was glad for finishing my book club assignment ahead of schedule but it the end that did not do much for the scope of my reading in April.

5. Any updates on the series you are reading or are you starting any new series?

I am still in the middle of reading The Undead Pool (The Hollows #12) by Kim Harrison. The reason I’m going slow with it is I’ve almost stopped reading before bedtime.

6. Would you like to recommend any books or authors you’ve been reading this last month?

I’m always for reading classics and even though I did not enjoy reading Thérèse Raquin I am still glad I’ve read it. What I like most about books like this one are the notes on reader reception at the time it was published. And this one stirred quite the drama and outrage for readers racy interpretations. I’m actually glad I live in the country where this was suggested high school reading. I admit I haven’t read it then though. This books provoking theme gives much food for good book club discussion and I’m looking forward to it later this week!

Final thoughts on April reading

This April I have started wearing glasses for the first time in my life. This has somewhat impacted my reading. I don’t like them and I’m having trouble adjusting as can be seen from my scarce posting as well. Hopefully May will be more productive for my reading and for my review posting 🙂