6 Amazing Books I read recently in April and May 2024
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Hey there, bookworms!
Welcome back to my blog! Over the past two months, I’ve been diving into some amazing reads and I can't wait to share them with you. April and May have been packed with thrilling mysteries, heartwarming tales, and insightful self-help guides.
Each book brought something unique to the table, making my reading journey incredibly diverse and exciting.
So, let’s get into the reviews of the books that made my April and May reading list so special. Trust me, there’s something here for everyone!
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Recent Reads April and May 2024
My Rating: 4 stars
Published in 2018
Genre: Self-help / Non-fiction
Publisher: Independently
Pages: 175
Backwards Book Launch by Michelle Kelp
Reverse Engineer Your Book and Unlock Its Hidden 6-Figure Potential, Go From Being a Broke Author to a Rich Author
This books is a unique guide for authors looking to successfully launch their books. Kulp flips the traditional book launch process on its head, offering a fresh perspective and practical strategies to get your book noticed and sold. She emphasizes starting with marketing and promotion before even finishing your manuscript.
The book is filled with actionable tips, real-life examples, and step-by-step instructions that make the whole process less daunting. Some readers/authors might find the idea of marketing before writing a bit unconventional and challenging to adapt to their current process.
"Backwards Book Launch" is ideal for self-publishing authors looking for new and effective strategies to launch their books.
My Rating: 4 stars
Published in 2020
Genre: Self-Help / Non-fiction
Published by Monarch Crown Publishing
Pages: 99 pages
28 Books to $100k by Michelle Kelp
A Guide for Ambitious Authors Who Want to Skyrocket Their Passive Income By Writing a Book a Month
Kulp shares her journey of writing and publishing 28 books, leading to a six-figure income. The book is packed with tips on writing, marketing, and the self-publishing process, providing a roadmap for authors to achieve similar success.
Kulp’s writing is clear and motivational, making complex concepts easy to understand. Some readers might find the idea of writing 28 books daunting and may wish for more focus on fewer, high-quality publications.
"28 Books to $100k" is perfect for self-publishing authors who are serious about making a living from their writing.
My Rating: 3 stars
Published in 2011
Genre: Entrepreneurship Books
Published by WritersoftheRoundTablePress
Pages: 224 pages
What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith Illustrated by Shane Clester
"What Got You Here Won't Get You There" by Marshall Goldsmith, illustrated by Shane Clester, is a graphic book that teaches readers about personal and professional growth. It explains how the habits that helped you succeed in the past might hold you back from reaching the next level.
Through engaging illustrations, it shows common behaviors that can limit success and provides tips on how to change them.
The illustrations by Shane Clester make the concepts easy to understand and fun to read. Goldsmith’s advice is practical and can help readers identify and overcome their bad habits.
Some readers might find the content a bit repetitive and simplistic. This book is great for middle schoolers and anyone starting their personal development journey. It’s a good introduction to understanding how changing certain behaviors can lead to greater success.
My Rating: 4.5 stars
First Published in 2024
Genre: Literary Fiction
Published by Guernica Editions
Pages: 224 pages
Jamison, who is a retired English teacher, lives in Minneapolis. Jamison's sister Monna, living in a remote town in Montana, is married to Ben. Monna summons Jamison for his help, in fighting Parkinson's disease. He decides to temporarily relocate. Once there Jamison is unable to fit in and feels helpless at his sister's condition and longs to help her in any way he can. This begins the journey of an unexpected friendship.
I never expected this book to be the heart-touchingly beautiful, simple story it is. The narrative began slow, and frankly, I was a little bored of the long passages of descriptive texts detailing Montana and its landscapes and Monna's house. But this same atmospheric story had me riveted till the end. Honestly, for the last two chapters, I was unable to go on due to the amount of tears blurring my vision.
It's a beautiful story of friendship, of a brother-sister relationship, about overcoming loneliness and so much more.
I recommend it to readers looking for emotional narratives.
Books that talk about Loneliness and Isolation
My Rating: 5 stars
Published in 2020
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Published by Scout Press
Pages: 384 pages
One by One by Ruth Ware
"One by One" by Ruth Ware is a thrilling mystery set in a luxurious ski chalet in the French Alps. The story follows a group of tech company employees on a retreat. When an avalanche traps them inside, things take a dark turn as they start to disappear one by one.
Ruth Ware's writing is gripping and keeps you hooked from the first page. The snowy, isolated setting adds to the suspense and makes the story even more chilling. The characters are well-developed, each with their own secrets, which makes guessing the murderer really fun. The twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat! It's hard to find a flaw in this book!
"One by One" is perfect for anyone who loves a good mystery with lots of suspense. If you enjoy classic stories like "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie, you'll love this book.
My Rating: 3 stars
Published in 2022
Genre: Fantasy/Short Stories
Published by Amazon Original Stories
Pages: 36 pages
"The Six Deaths of the Saint" by Alix E. Harrow is a gripping fantasy novel that follows the journey of a saintly warrior who must die six times to save her world. Each death brings her closer to uncovering the truth about her destiny and the fate of her land.
Harrow's writing is beautifully descriptive and pulls you into the world she creates. The concept of dying six times is unique and keeps the story intriguing. It's a great read for anyone looking for a unique and thought-provoking fantasy tale.
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