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I thought March was bad, but April was far beyond bad. I hope that the fates have nothing like this April in store for me ever again. It’s over, thank goodness, so I can finally get on my monthly recap of books I finished.
This month, I got through a decent amount. I started to lack, because as I said, April sucked and I lost motivation to read. But! I still got some books in.
The Hobbit, J.R.R Tolkien
There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something. You certainly usually find something, if you look, but it is not always quite the something you were after.
J.R.R Tolkien
Goodreads Synopsis
“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort.
Written for J.R.R. Tolkien’s own children, The Hobbit met with instant critical acclaim when it was first published in 1937. Now recognized as a timeless classic, this introduction to the hobbit Bilbo Baggins, the wizard Gandalf, Gollum, and the spectacular world of Middle-earth recounts of the adventures of a reluctant hero, a powerful and dangerous ring, and the cruel dragon Smaug the Magnificent.”
Genre
Classic Adventure Fantasy
My Rating
My Thoughts
The Hobbit! I finally came back to read it after years of space. I read it once a long time ago, but I didn’t actually appreciate it before. When I read it this time around, I really could appreciate the adventure, friendship, and overcoming of difficulties.
This is a staple of the fantasy genre, and what really kickstarted it all. So of course, I wanted to read it again as an adult. I’m glad that I did, because I enjoyed it a lot more than I had when I read it as an early teen.
I think the one thing that I have to say about this book, is that if it were written today, I’m not sure it would have the same cultural impact. Either way, it’s a good read and a classic, so I recommend it.
Discourses and Selected Writings, Epictetus
You should be especially careful when associating with one of your former friends or acquaintances not to sink to their level; otherwise you will lose yourself. If you are troubled by the idea that ‘He’ll think I’m boring and won’t treat me the way he used to,’ remember that everything comes at a price. It isn’t possible to change your behavior and still be the same person you were before.
Epictetus
Goodreads Synopsis
“Epictetus, a Greek Stoic and freed slave, ran a thriving philosophy school in Nicopolis in the early second century AD. His animated discussions were celebrated for their rhetorical wizardry and were written down by Arrian, his most famous pupil. Together with the Enchiridion, a manual of his main ideas, and the fragments collected here, The Discourses argue that happiness lies in learning to perceive exactly what is in our power to change and what is not, and in embracing our fate to live in harmony with god and nature. In this personal, practical guide to the ethics of Stoicism and moral self-improvement, Epictetus tackles questions of freedom and imprisonment, illness and fear, family, friendship and love, and leaves an intriguing document of daily life in the classical world.
In the introduction that accompanies his lively new translation, Robert Dobbin discusses Epictetus’ life, his place in the Stoic tradition, his influence on world philosophies and his relevance in the modern day. This edition also includes a bibliography, notes and a glossary of names.”
Genre
Philosophy, Nonfiction Classic
My Rating
My Thoughts
Epictetus, goodness. I’m a huge fan of philosophy, so I really loved reading this. Epictetus is a stoic philosopher, and this is a collection of a lot of his wisdom and writing.
Because I love philosophy so much, I was really able to take a lot away from this. In fact, getting into philosophy was one of the things that helped me get my life right and take it back from addiction. Epictetus does not sugar coat anything, he lays everything out plain enough for you to really understand. He truly is brilliant.
Everyone should study philosophy. It’s one of those things that you can never be an expert at, no matter how long you study it. There will always be something left to learn, something more to understand. But everyone should find a philosopher or school of philosophy they like, and really take in their words.
The Brothers Karamazov, Fyodor Dostoevsky
Love in action is a harsh and dreadful thing compared to love in dreams.
Fyodor Dostoevsky
Goodreads Synopsis
“The Brothers Karamazov is a murder mystery, a courtroom drama, and an exploration of erotic rivalry in a series of triangular love affairs involving the “wicked and sentimental” Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov and his three sons―the impulsive and sensual Dmitri; the coldly rational Ivan; and the healthy, red-cheeked young novice Alyosha. Through the gripping events of their story, Dostoevsky portrays the whole of Russian life, is social and spiritual striving, in what was both the golden age and a tragic turning point in Russian culture.
This award-winning translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky remains true to the verbal inventiveness of Dostoevsky’s prose, preserving the multiple voices, the humor, and the surprising modernity of the original. It is an achievement worthy of Dostoevsky’s last and greatest novel.”
Genre
Classic Fiction
My Rating
My Thoughts
This book was a long work in progress for me. I started it a while ago in audiobook version, and then was gifted a physical copy, so I alternated back and forth.
I cannot say how amazing this book truly was. Dostoevsky, like every other Eastern European author, writes excellently about suffering. And this book is true suffering in all forms. The complications of family life, friendships, and romance are all found here. I can’t even say which brother I related most to, but I did find myself in all three of them.
Also, I enjoyed how Dostoevsky named his most hated character after himself. It’s such an interesting thing to do, and I appreciated that a lot.
This book had so much philosophy and religion and it truly was such a treat to read. Every time I would read it, I was in awe and was left deep in my thoughts. There were parts of it that really stuck with me even now. So, if you ever get a chance to read this book, I highly recommend it.
Believe: The Autobiography, Oleksandr Zinchenko
If I don’t play, it means that I didn’t work hard enough, didn’t do enough, didn’t play well enough.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Goodreads Synopsis
“The remarkable story of the footballer who battled against the odds to achieve his dreams – only to see his country having to fight to survive, after the shocking invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
A fan favourite at Arsenal and previously at Manchester City, Oleksandr Zinchenko has been lighting up the Premier League with his fearless performances for many years. But his success has not come without its challenges. Having begun his career as a teenager at Shakhtar Donetsk, he was stranded in Russia after the invasion of the Donbas region. But after he joined Manchester City in 2016 he would go on to experience exhilarating career highs, with four league titles in six years, before moving to Arsenal where he has played an integral part in their challenge for honours.
He has shown heroism of a very different kind through his extraordinary campaigning in support of Ukraine throughout the ongoing war with Russia. Although his instinct was to join the fight, he decided – following the advice from close loved ones – that he could make the greatest difference by using his platform to spread awareness and raise money to support his country.
Written with candour and bravery, Believe is no ordinary tale of success on the pitch, but one of unwavering strength and integrity, tempered by sadness and anger. It provides unique insights into the methods of Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta. It is the story of a selfless man who prioritised his homeland’s welfare before his own – delivering his best on and off the field.”
Genre
Nonfiction, Sports
My Rating
My Thoughts
I love reading anything about soccer, whether it’s about the players, teams, it doesn’t matter. I’m always going to get my hands on a soccer book. Obviously, when it was written by one of my favorite Ukrainian players, I’m going to read it.
Zinchenko’s life is interesting. From an injury that risked amputation and nearly ended his career, to his struggle at finding a club, to winning the UEFA Champions League, he has had quite the journey. I also really liked his attitude about playing, and included a good quote from the book.
I wish my players would read more books like this. I personally think it would be beneficial. I had always read books like that, and it helped instill a fire and drive in me. Everything is possible, all you have to do is work your rear end off to get there. Nothing is given, everything is earned.
Turtles All the Way Down, John Green
It’s a weird phrase in English, in love, like it’s a sea you drown in or a town you live in. You don’t get to be in anything else—in friendship or in anger or in hope. All you can be in is love.
John Green
Goodreads Synopsis
“JOHN GREEN, the acclaimed author of Looking for Alaska and The Fault in Our Stars, returns with a story of shattering, unflinching clarity in this brilliant novel of love, resilience, and the power of lifelong friendship.
Aza Holmes never intended to pursue the disappearance of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, but there’s a hundred-thousand-dollar reward at stake and her Best and Most Fearless Friend, Daisy, is eager to investigate. So together, they navigate the short distance and broad divides that separate them from Pickett’s son Davis.
Aza is trying. She is trying to be a good daughter, a good friend, a good student, and maybe even a good detective, while also living within the ever-tightening spiral of her own thoughts.”
Genre
Young Adult Contemporary Fiction
My Rating
My Thoughts
While this was required reading for one of my classes, what an excellent read it was. Green is truly a master at young adult novels, and complicated characters. Here, he puts in his own perspective and experiences into the characters as someone who lives with OCD.
While I don’t have OCD, I have my fair share of illnesses. I thought this resonated with me at times, and that was easy for me to feel connected to the characters. I also shared this with someone who it would also resonate with. When I shared specific passages with her, she laughed and told me she felt called out. What can I say? I’m good at picking out books for people.
Anyway, if you want a young adult read that goes into difficult topics, but approaches them in a familiar way, this is the book for you.
The Six: The Untold Story of America’s First Women Astronauts, Loren Grush
“Well maybe you don’t want to do it, and maybe I don’t want to do it,” Carolyn replied, “but there are young women in our country who want to fly in space. And they should be given that opportunity.”
Loren Grush
Goodreads Synopsis
“In the bestselling tradition of Hidden Figures and Code Girls, the remarkable true story of America’s first women astronauts—six extraordinary women, each making history going to orbit aboard NASA’s Space Shuttle.
When NASA sent astronauts to the moon in the 1960s and 1970s the agency excluded women from the corps, arguing that only military test pilots—a group then made up exclusively of men—had the right stuff. It was an era in which women were steered away from jobs in science and deemed unqualified for space flight. Eventually, though, NASA recognized its blunder and opened the application process to a wider array of hopefuls, regardless of race or gender. From a candidate pool of 8,000 six elite women were selected in 1978—Sally Ride, Judy Resnik, Anna Fisher, Kathy Sullivan, Shannon Lucid, and Rhea Seddon.
In The Six , acclaimed journalist Loren Grush shows these brilliant and courageous women enduring claustrophobic—and sometimes deeply sexist—media attention, undergoing rigorous survival training, and preparing for years to take multi-million-dollar payloads into orbit. Together, the Six helped build the tools that made the space program run. One of the group, Judy Resnik, sacrificed her life when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded at 46,000 feet. Everyone knows of Sally Ride’s history-making first space ride, but each of the Six would make their mark.”
Genre
Nonfiction, History, Science
My Rating
My Thoughts
As soon as I saw this book, I knew I had to get it. And I am so glad that I did. Grush talks us through the lives of the very first six women astronauts, and their experiences before, after, and during their careers.
I truly loved learning about them. Also, hello Sally Ride, our sapphic icon! I listened to this in audiobook form, and I was hooked. It was a great audiobook, even though I thought the narrator mumbled a little bit at times. It didn’t matter. I was obsessed.
What an insane journey these women went on. They truly are inspirations, and I am so glad I read this book. If you’re looking for something empowering, this is a great read. If you’re looking for something about space, this is also a great read. Either way, I think you should absolutely read this.
Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love, John Gottman & Julie Schwartz Gottman
Our partners don’t always have to think like we think. That’s what makes life interesting—it would be boring to be married to yourself. In fact, that’s called being single.
John Gottman & Julie Schwartz Gottman
Goodreads Synopsis
“Strengthen and deepen your love with a fun, ingenious program of eight life-changing conversations—on essential topics such as money, sex, and trust—from two of the world’s leading marriage researchers and clinicians.
Navigating the challenges of long-term commitment takes effort—and it just got simpler, with this empowering, step-by-step guide to communicating about the things that matter most to you and your partner. Drawing on forty years of research from their world-famous Love Lab, Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman invite couples on eight fun, easy, and profoundly rewarding dates, each one focused on a make-or-break trust, conflict, sex, money, family, adventure, spirituality, and dreams.
Interactive activities and prompts provide motivation to stay open, stay curious, and, most of all, stay talking to each other. And the range—from the four skills you need for intimate conversation (including Put Into Words What You Are Feeling) to tips on being honest about your needs, while also validating your partner’s own emotions—will resonate, whether you’re newly together or a longtime couple looking to fortify your bond. You will discover (or rediscover) your partner like never before—and be able to realize your hopes and dreams for the love you desire and deserve.”
Genre
Nonfiction, Self-Help
My Rating
My Thoughts
Listen, I read this book cover to cover in one day. I was really desperate for information and to learn, and so I absolutely took everything. I sat down and didn’t get up until I was done.
I think this is a good book. It’s obviously more informational, but it had a lot of good information and good ideas. I’m really determined to get a love that I’m proud of, and one that makes me feel safe and happy. And I think this is a good guide to get there. I’m not really interested in saying much else, but hey, if it resonates with you, get it and read it. You’ll probably benefit.
The Three Musketeers, Alexandre Dumas
Within six months, if I am not dead, I shall have seen you again, madam – even if I have to overturn the world.
Alexandre Dumas
Goodreads Synopsis
“First published in 1844, The Three Musketeers is the most famous of Alexandre Dumas’ historical novels and one of the most popular adventure novels ever written.
Dumas’ swashbuckling epic chronicles the adventures of d’Artagnan, a brash young man from the countryside who journeys to Paris in 1625 hoping to become a musketeer and guard to King Louis XIII. Before long, he finds treachery and court intrigue,and also three boon companions, the daring swordsmen Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. Together, the four strive heroically to defend the honor of their queen against the powerful Cardinal Richelieu and the seductive spy Milady.”
Genre
Classical Historical Fiction
My Rating
My Thoughts
Where do I even start? Genuinely this very easily could be my favorite book of the year. Look, I know April just finished and we have a lot of year left, but I was so moved by this book.
Dumas is an excellent writer, and I was completely captured by his characters. The friendships in this book were so wonderful and heartwarming, you just love our four friends. Action, adventure, wit, and much more. And the romance? I love it. Of course, there is extreme tragedy as well, but everything was such a wonderful journey to experience.
Also, I have to say, I sobbed when I finished the book. Completely sobbed. I can’t tell if it’s just because I was moved so deeply by the book, or because of circumstance, but I cried. It was probably a mix of both. The book brought out a lot of emotions I was working hard to stifle. Please, please read this.
As I’ve gone through and did my little recap of my April books, I realize that I have a lot of highly rated books. That doesn’t happen too often for me, I don’t think. So I picked a lot of good ones this month. I’d recommend all of these books, so if one seems interesting to you, go ahead and pick it up.
I’ll see you at the end of May, when I’ve finished up my reading for the month. Hopefully I have a better May than I did April!
From Rivne to the River Neretva 
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