One of my goals for 2020 is to read 45 books this year. That equals 3.75 books per month. Some months might have two books, others five, others four or one or whatever. But either way I’m confident in my goal and excited to share what I read. Here’s what I read in April:

1. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell was a book I wanted to really like, because I enjoyed and devoured Fangirl but I just couldn’t love it and I say that as someone who read it in two days. I just couldn’t jive with the way it ended and also it dealt with an incredibly sensitive issue, sexual assault, with a little too much blasé for my taste. The best part of this book for me, was that it came from the “neighborhood library” aka the converted birdhouse that is two doors down.
   Rating: 2.5/5
   Pages: 328
   Genre: Fiction - Young Adult

2. Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid is exactly what I want in a fiction book: engaging story, addresses cultural issues in relevant ways, and is just fun! In Such a Fun Age, Reid addresses different aspects white privilege without condemnation. She is honest and frank and doesn’t hold back but she is also kind and gracious without pandering to white people either. Would highly recommend on many levels and if you want a more intelligent review, The Atlantic has you covered!
   Rating: 4/5
   Audio Length: 9 hours and 58 minutes
   Genre: Fiction

3. The Gospel According to Tolkien by Ralph C. Wood was small but dense and 100% worth savoring. As someone who’s favorite book is Tolkien’s epic, it was delightful to come across a book that thoughtfully and thoroughly looked at it through a Christian lens and drew out important themes. Not only did this book give me a deeper appreciation for Tolkien’s brilliance and faith, it also deepened my relationship with God and gave me many things to ponder and consider in my own life, more on that at a later date! Highly recommend to anyone who considers themselves a Tolkien fan and Christian as you will be reminded of God’s faithful love and the hope we have in Him as well as have a stronger admiration for the brilliance of Tolkien’s work.
   Rating: 5/5
   Pages: 169
   Genre: Nonfiction - Religious