On the first Friday of each month, I will share my five-star reads from the previous month. Fingers crossed, I have lots of books to tell you about.
In the month of September, I read 36 books, and was lucky enough to have FOUR each the full 5-stars. It was a mix of old and new, and each left me with some fabulous feels.
I don't care what people say, I love Jessi Kirby's books. She continues to write these beautiful stories, which never fail to make me experience a multitude of emotions. This was story of chasing your own path, which employed some beautiful literary references to highlight the protagonist's journey. There were some interesting twists thrown into this story, which kept me on my toes, and I loved every second of this book.
Sports books seem to be a never ending source of enjoyment for me, and this not only delivered the sports feel-good vibes I desired, but also challenged the patriarchy. Allen did a fantastic job balancing the heavy and the light in this book, while delivering a fantastic story of strength, bravery, friendship and family. This was such a win for me, and it left me in THE BEST mood.
One of the reasons I enjoy reading stories featuring survivors is because it helps me put my own life in perspective, while also encouraging me, that I can overcome minor setbacks, since these people were able to conquer something so much bigger. Stewart's research was well utilized, and it really helped me get a better idea of all the physical things Ava had endured, but it was her emotional journey that really tugged at my heart, and seeing her slowly reclaim her life was a wonderful thing.
My first Anderson book was a spinoff of this one, Not Now, Not Ever, and I simply fell in love with Anderson's brand of humor and adoration of geek culture. This book brought more of the things I loved about that book, and I had such a fun time with these characters. I wouldn't mind if Anderson revisited this group, because I thought they were all fantastic.
Did you have any five-star reads last month?
Let us know in the comments!
Let us know in the comments!
You do minis so well 🙂.
ReplyDeleteWhat do people say about Kirby's books? I had Golden on my TBR list eons ago, then I decided not to read it for some reason (which I can't recall now), but I don't remember reading anything controversial about her books.
I have no idea how other people feel about them, but I love Kirby's books. Golden was really good, and I am a fan of authors, who allow the character to take a non-traditional path.
Deletegreat mini reviews. i'm with roberta. and four 5 stars, wonderful
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
Thanks. It's always hard to edit, but I feel like people are more likely to read shorter reviews.
DeleteI like that your picks aren’t solely new releases but a mix of old and new. I’m still interested in Michigan vs the Boys and hope to get to it eventually.
ReplyDeleteYou have to do Carole's backlog post. It's been great for kicking me in the pants to read my own books. When I read a shelf book, and it gets 5-stars, I am always mad at myself for waiting so long to read it.
DeleteI'm always amazed at how much you manage to read! That is a huge amount of books!I haven't read any of these, but Golden sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteIt's called being boring, anti-social, and having a long commute. At least I get some great books out of the deal.
DeleteYou've had a great month in reading. I really want to read Michigan VS. The Boys!
ReplyDeleteI always hope to at least get one 5-star, so having four is a gift. Michigan was so good. I hope to see more people talking about it.
DeleteIt's been a while since I gave out any five star ratings I think! I have given a lot of fours and a few might become fives if I get to reread and enjoy them!
ReplyDeleteI like to think of a 5-star book, as me doing a phenomenal job finding the right books for me. I often fear that my mood or the book I read before caused me to give a lower rating on a few books, but since I don't re-read, the rating stands.
DeleteI'm so glad to see you loved Golden! I have a copy on my shelf. I've really enjoyed Jessi Kirby's other books, so I don't know what I'm waiting for!
ReplyDeleteI went and bought 3 or 4 Kirby books, when there was a sale, because I read a few in a row that were hits with me. I am a fan.
DeleteSo glad you had some five star reads in September! I've been seeing Michigan vs the Boys all over the place, and I think I need to add it to my TBR.
ReplyDeleteI knew I would like the book, because of the subject matter, but I was over the moon, that I loved it so much. I hope you get to read it.
DeleteI've heard a lot of positive hype about Scars Like Wings. I will admit that I'm turned off by the cover. But everyone makes it sound like something that is right up my alley. I really need to check it out. Thanks for sharing these Sam!! ❤️
ReplyDeleteThe cover gives a nod to the pink wig she dons at one point, when she is starting to gain more confidence. Maybe you would like the UK cover more - it has the same color scheme, but features the wings.
DeleteScars like Wings is one on my radar Sam!
ReplyDeleteIt was really wonderful and emotional. Near perfect for me.
DeleteThese all sound amazing and yay for having so many 5-star reads last month!
ReplyDeleteWith the number of books I get through, I have to have a few gems, right?
DeleteAhh I'm so glad you had so many good reads lately. Jessi Kirby's book is on my TBR, it sounds lovely and I can't wait to read it! I just finished readig Scars Like Wings, like, a couple of hours ago and... I fell in love with it. It was such an emotional, powerful read :)
ReplyDeleteI love Kirby's books. I bought like 3 of her books after loving Things We Know by Heart and The Other Side of Lost. So good! Scars Like Wings was so emotional and beautiful and I loved that it was a survival story.
DeleteYou have reminded me that I NEED to read Golden. I enjoy Jessi Kirby too! And Michigan sounds quite interesting, the next time I feel like a sports book, I know where to go! Love that you had four five-stars this month!!
ReplyDeleteA month without a 5-star read is depressing, so I am glad a few found their way into my hands and my heart. Kirby is always good for me. I still have some of her backlist to keep me busy, while I await something new too.
DeleteYay for a month with four five-star reads. That's fantastic. I've heard good things about Golden.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
I love Kirby, and I all her books have been solid reads for me. I can't wait to finish her catalog.
DeleteYASSS! I know you wanted more five stars last month as you didn't have many in August, and I am glad you got them! I gave five stars to two poetry books last month, which made me very happy :)
ReplyDeleteI will take any and all 5-star reads. And, yeah! for poetry that moved you that much. It's always such a thrill to connect on that level with a book.
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