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Hello, everyone!
Olivia is deep in thought reminiscing about the year.
And we are SUPER excited today to talk to you about our favourite books of each month from 2022!
All books listed below are very good, but we do have a clear favourite. Let’s find out which one is our fav so far of the year! I’m so curious to know if this book will end up being my favourite at the end of 2022. It might be!
Book Title: If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin
Author: James Baldwin
This is the love story between Tish, a nineteen-year-old girl, and Fonny, a young sculptor and the father of their child. Fonny is falsely accused of a terrible crime and sent to prison soon after they are engaged. They must face an uncertain future ahead while as they attempt to clear Fonny of his name.
Why this book?
Here it is – this is our favourite book of the year! Are you as surprised as I am? I started off the year reading a lot of great books for our Hello 2022 Readathon, but as soon as I finished this book, I knew this book would be very hard to top.
This book made me feel every emotion possible. It discusses very important themes such as race, police brutality, and injustic, and yet still at the heart of it, this book is a love story. I was deeply invested in Tish and Fonny’s story together – from childhood to adulthood.
Favourite Quote
Indifference makes one blind.”
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Author: Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
In Ace of Spades, two of the highest achieving students at a prestigious private academy are the targets of personal attacks. However, these attacks are incredibly dark, twisted, and have the potential to disrupt or potentially even end their educational and professional ambitions.
The question is: who is Aces? And what can be done to stop them from destroying Devon and Chiamaka’s dreams?
Why this book?
I read this book for our instagram buddy read of the month during February. This was such a good book that covered important themes, including: institutionalized racism, homophobia, and classicism. But it did more than that and was reminiscent to me of the film Get Out and the tv show Pretty Little Liars.
Months later, I still think about this book, and I definitely recommend this as a must-read thriller.
Favourite Quote
Author: Elie Wiesel
This is a book everyone needs to read – it is book one of the Night Trilogy by Elie Wiesel, who is a holocaust survivor and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. This book takes place during a dark time in history, when Elie and his family were taken from their home in Sighet, Transylvania in 1944 to Auschwitz concentration camp.
Why this book?
I just knew I would need to read this again at some point this year.
Now reading this for the second time, I find myself drawn even further into Elie’s story and the connection he had with his father, family, and his belief system.
There’s honestly not much more to say except: if you haven’t read this already, that needs to change. Soon.
Favourite Quote
Book Title: Before the Coffee Gets Cold: Tales from the Café
Author: Toshikazu Kawaguchi
What would you do if you could time-travel to talk to a loved one and have closure? Would you do so? This is the second book in the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series.
There are four stories within this collection from those seeking closure to move on with their lives following a visit to a special café.
Why this book?
I read this book for the Catathon Readathon for the prompt “read a book with a cat on the cover.” I knew that this was going to be an emotional read after reading the first book. However, this one tug even stronger on my heart strings and was so memorable.
I’m looking forward to reading more in this series and recommend this series if you are looking for books that will have you reaching for the tissues box.
Favourite Quote
Book Title: Beasts and Beauties: Dangerous Tales
Author: Soman Chainani
This is a collection of twelve classic retold by Soman Chainani including: Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, and more. While grim (no pun intended), they are told in a way that will mystify and pack a punch the reader.
Why this book?
I read this book with Angie Henderson and we had such a great time revisiting old tales, now with a fresh perspective. We both enjoy reading retellings.
You won’t want to miss reading Jack in the Beanstalk and Cinderella told with a twist! This is definitely for you if you enjoy short stories.
Favourite Quote
Book Title: Sailor Moon Eternal Edition, Volume 5
Author: Naoko Takeuchi
In this fifth volume of the infamous Sailor Moon manga series, the outer senshi are spotlighted and we get to learn about Sailor Pluto, Sailor Uranus, Sailor Saturn, and Sailor Neptune.
Why this book?
When thinking of books to read for the Hello Spring/Autumn readathon, this was a clear winner! However, it took me longer to read this book than expected. I did not finish it until June and I’m so glad I did because it ended up being my favourite volume of the entire series!
Read this if you are a fan of the Sailor Moon manga/anime and want to discover more about all the Sailor scouts!
That wraps up our favourite books of the year so far (by month!)
QOTD
What were your favourites? Let us know!
I love the idea of choosing a favorite book from each month of the year! I haven't read any James Baldwin at all, although I'm coincidentally trying to rectify that right now, so it's great to know that If Beale Street Could Talk is such a compelling read. The Before the Coffee Gets Cold series also sounds wonderful, and I've heard great things about Ace of Spades as well. Thanks so much for the wonderful post, Sara!
I am a big James Baldwin fan. Have you read his picture book, Little Man, Little Man: A Story of Childhood? I adored Beasts and Beauties: Dangerous Tales. I listened to it, and think that as soon as I finished it, I started all over again.
I haven't read any of these books, but they do sound like good ones. I hope July is a good reading month too!
Ace of Spades and Night are so very different, but both very good.
I hope that you enjoy If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin! There is a movie as well on Netflix which was also great. An intense read but just so good. Thank you so much for your warm introduction and for visiting the blog!
I haven't read the picture book yet- just placed it on hold at the library!
Thank you, Yvonne, and have a fantastic reading month in July!
Agreed!!
Cat lover and book lover here – Olivia is beautiful – we have a Ricky and Lucy )littermates). Thanks for stopping by and have fun blogging.
Hi Diane! Thank you so much for the warm welcome! Cheers to you, Ricky and Lucy from myself and Olivia! 😸📚
I like the thought behind this! I wonder what I would choose for each month. I haven't read any of these but I've owned Ace of Spades for so long! Glad to see it's a favorite.