February Info
I don't know about you but I feel like January went by in a flash. I feel like I blinked and now its February and because of this I didn't read a ton, but I am still happy with the books I got to. In this info I will be sharing my February TBR, a list of books by Black authors, some books on my radar for this month, some upcoming blog posts, let you know of 2 new online things that have been created in the past few days and finally my BOTM selection.
TBR
My TBR is really big this month because all my library holds decided to come in this month so many of these are library books I have. Regardless, I am very excited about all of them. Unlike many people who are probably reading all the romances in February, I will be reading all the thrillers.
The Survivors by Jane Harper
I just swapped for this book. I am planning on buddy reading it with some people in my book club. This is a thriller about a small town with a past that won't stay buried when a dead body washes up on its shore. I also have two other Jane Harper books I would like to get to because their hold from my library came in and I can't renew them. Those books are The Dry and The Lost Man.
A Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker
I have a feeling I am going to love this book, so I may or may not have bought the whole series already. This is a hate to love that takes place in Alaska which was all I needed to know. Also, these books are very loved by many people. I see them all the time on my Instagram feed.
Layla by Colleen Hoover
This one I am really excited about because I feel like it will be somewhat similar to Verity (another book by Colleen Hoover). I could be 100% wrong but I do know its a little bit darker with possible paranormal elements? I'm not sure but this is a Colleen Hoover book I would really like to read.
Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell
I honestly don't know anything about this book. I have also yet to read a book by this author, but my hold from the library came in when I put it on hold to read it in January. I can't renew it and I would like to read it before I return it so it's on my TBR. From the blurb it sounds like people's lives are going to connect when a girl disappears.
Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson
This is a pick from the Late Night Bookclub. I talked about this bookclub in the last monthly info so I will link that here. It is also a book discussion for bookish podcast Talk Bookish to Me which is hosted by some of my friends from my bookclub. This is a YA novel about the music industry taking advantage of a young black musician. It have heard great things about this one and these two events are great motivation for me to read it.
Final Girls by Riley Sager
This is the one book on this list I am 100% sure to get to because I have been waiting for my audiobook hold for this one to come in for many months. This is the last Riley Sager book I have left to read. I have heard this one is people's favorite and some people's least favorite book so I am interested to know my thoughts. I honestly don't see it topping Home Before Dark or The Last Time I Lied but I may end up liking it more than Lock Every Door. This one sounds the least interesting to me out of his books so I think that is why it has taken me this long to pick it up even though Riley Sager is one of my favorite authors.
Books by Black Authors
This month is also Black History Month. I believe you should read these all year long but since it is Black History Month, finding recommendations by Black authors is easier. I have created a short list of great books by Black authors I have read that I think you should check out (this month or anytime). I have also included some resources for you to find more books by Black authors in case none of my suggestions interest you.
Black Girl Unlimited by Echo Brown
I am finally seeing this book being talked about in the book community! This is an amazing genre blending book about the author, Echo Brown, and her life growing up with a alcoholic mother and going to a rich white school. I love how this book has elements of magical realism but is also an autobiography. Also, side note, when I say autobiography I want to specify that this isn't nonfiction. It is still written like a fictional story but is about the author's life.
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds (Novel)(Graphic Novel)
This is a story about Will who is going to avenge his dead brother. However, on his way down on the elevator a new person from his past steps on and talks to him. It is a very hard to book to explain. I personally didn't love the story, but I am definitely in the minority and I still want to share it because I'm sure others would love it. The graphic novel and novel are basically the same story with little to no changes. The pictures in the graphic novel are absolutely gorgeous. They are done in watercolor and I feel like they really match the story well.
Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles
This is a book about Tyler Johnson who is a victim of police brutality. You follow Tyler's brother, Marvin, as he tries to come to terms with the world he lives in and death of his brother. I felt this story was a really good blend of story but also commentary about police brutality. Currently, as I write this, the kindle ebook version is only $1.99! Link here. (Prices may change)
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
This one is difficult to describe because this is a genre blending nonfiction/letter/memoir. It is difficult to describe and I recommend just reading it. Or listen to it because the audiobook, in my opinion, really enhances the experience. This one tackles a lot of difficult topics about race and history.
Harbor Me by Jacquline Woodson
I know I have recommended this book numerous times but I still stand behind it. This is a middle grade novel, but the ideas brought up are something that applies to everyone. This is about a group of kids who sit in a room and talk. Talking for them is almost a way to understand the world. They discuss topics like deportation and race. HIGHLY recommend for anyone but I think it would be most meaningful for people ages 8 and up!
Also, side note, I do not think you could go wrong reading any of Woodson's books. I have also read Brown Girl Dreaming by her and I really enjoyed it. It is somewhat like an autobiography/memoir but is written in verse, so it is a really beautiful book.
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson
This is a great, short, nonfiction book about physics, but specifically (obviously) astrophysics. If you ever wanted to learn more about this topic, I think this is a great book to get you started.
Books by Elizabeth Acevedo
I have an entire post dedicated to all of her books. I will link that here. She writes YA contemporary novels. I have enjoyed all of them. My favorite is With A Fire on High.
Other Resources
The Oprah Magazine has a 44 book list of books by Black authors. They are mostly books in the literary fiction and nonfiction genre. Click here to view the list.
Books on my Radar
There are a bunch of books that are coming out this month that I'm excited about!
The Project by Courtney Summers (2nd)
The Four Winds by Kristen Hannah (2nd)
Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers (23rd)
The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas (23rd)
The Survivors by Jane Harper (2nd)
Do No Harm by Christina McDonald (16th)
A Pho Love Story by Loan Le (9th)
Upcoming Blog Posts
I actually have a plan for this month's blog posts! Yay! I was thinking if I told you what the posts will be this month I will be more motivated to get these posts out to you in a timely manner. I know it kinda ruins the surprise, however this won't be a regular thing. I just couldn't wait to share with you.
You can expect two reviews from me this month! They will be full in depth spoiler free reviews of two thrillers I have read recently. I want to become better about writing reviews so I am starting now. We will see how long this lasts. I will keep these two books a secret, but if you follow my Instagram you know what one of them is.
Secondly, I will be doing the Anti-TBR tag. A tag all about books you don't want to read or have no interest in. I have seen this one float around Booktube and I thought it would be fun to do for myself.
Two Fun Online Releases!
I had no idea what to title this but they really excite me and I wanted to share them so you knew about them!
First, Reese's Book Club officially has an app!!! I wasn't that excited when I first heard, but then I downloaded it. It is so cool! She really thought about everything. On the app, you can text books with other app users. (And don't worry, people are super friendly. No negative energy!) You can discuss each book selection, swap books, or talk about other bookish things. You can also easily see all the book club picks. Each book has a short summary and video right in the app. You can also create a profile to keep track of all Reese's book club picks you have read.
If you don't know about Reese's book club, it is an online book club with selections by Reese herself. The books all have the little yellow emblem I'm sure you have seen while you were at the bookstore or library. All the books have female protagonists and female emphasis. There is also now a YA selection each month which is really cool. Especially since I think more people will read YA now and the stigma around it that it's just stories for teenagers will start to dissipate. In addition to the app, you can also find them on Instagram. Click here to see the page.
Secondly, an Instagrammer, whose posts I love, has started a Youtube channel! Her Instagram is @mommaleighellensbooknook. Click here to visit it. She reads historical fiction, memoirs, and YA fantasy. She does read a lot of other genres but those are her favorites. I love her personality and her photos are so well done (which makes sense because she is a professional photographer). Her Youtube channel is Momma Leighellen's Book Nook. You can click here to see it. Her first video is the Booktube Newbie Tag which you can watch here. I already know she will be a wonderful addition to the Booktube community.
Book of the Month
Book of the Month is a book subscription where the club picks five new release titles and you can pick one to get sent to you. If you aren't into any of the picks, you can skip with no penalty. If you want to try it for yourself you can use my referral code. By using my code you get your first book for only $5! (This post is not sponsored in any way. The code is just from having a BOTM account.)
This month I chose Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers. This is a contemporary romance about Grace Porter, a high achieving, straight A type of person who goes on a spontaneous trip to Las Vegas. There she gets married and moves to New York, away from her father's expectations. However, soon everything she has been running away from will come crashing down upon her. This is a book about navigating the pretty and the ugly of adulthood. I do plan on reading this one this month!