What evergreen Books I read in March 2022 : Recent Reads

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I read very few books in April, just two, I think. Because I was in a major reading slump and just could not find a book interesting enough to get me back to reading.

By the way, being in a reading slump is no crime. The best of us struggle through it sometimes and it's okay. The important thing is we try and get back to reading whenever we feel we are ready for it again. 

And for me, a good mystery always does that job. And this was the time it was none other than the queen of mystery – Agatha Christie.

I also decided I would read all the wonderful books already on my shelves before buying new ones, in addition to reading my library issues. When I sat down to count my unread books, I found 80 books to read on my shelf sorted by genre. Massive should get me through this year without the need to get more.

In my other posts, this month here is 28 Best Motivational Quotes from Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins.

Many of these books are also available on Kindle Unlimited. Try Kindle Unlimited Free for 30 days!

Recent Reads April & May 2022

Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart

I picked this book, for one reason alone. The author’s last book won the Shuggie Bain won the 2020 Booker Prize. So I was naturally intrigued.

But the book did not live up to expectations, at least for me. The narrative switches back and forth between a fishing trips Mungo’s mother has forced him into with two strange men that happens in the present. And Mungo’s upbringing and incidents with his mother, Sister Jodie and friend James that happen in the past. It takes a while to get a grip on things while abruptly switching between them.

Also in the dialogue between the characters, there is heavy use of the local slang. And some of the words and sometimes even sentences were beyond me.

Another thing the story’s summary does mention queer love story but it also has some very heavy themes of alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and rape. So this book might not be meant for a wide audience, since it can be triggering for so many readers.

I did find it fascinating to read about Mungo’s tender and caring nature and the relationship between his sister and him despite their mother forever abandoning them to be in profitable relationships with men on top of being an alcoholic. I was touched by Mungo’s thoughts and feelings and his innocence amongst all the chaos and that kept me reading the story.

But Overall due to the above-mentioned points I don’t think I enjoyed the book as much as I wanted to and felt like skipping huge chunks of paragraphs in the chapter because they felt needlessly long to the central plot of the story – Mungo.

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

Born a Crime is an intimate yet powerful portrayal of Noah’s life that is full of spankings, chasings and running from the law. And yet it is a complete book, a fascinating memoir and an inspirational reading experience.

When Trevor’s mother had him it was a crime for a white man to get intimate or attracted to a black woman and the vice versa was also true. And yet Trevor was born colored – owing to his mom’s rebellious spirit and hence the title Born a Crime.

The law active then is also shared in the book’s text by Trevor. Enjoy this light and yet grim read, if you’re looking for a light-hearted memoir.

Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins

David Goggins is a man obsessed. Obsessed with excellence, perfection, and getting the most out of his life and his body and mind. And he has achieved success beyond our imagination. With no “special privileges” in his kitty, he has carved out a niche for himself through hard work, dedication to his passion, and a no-shit attitude. At times he has punished himself but every time he has discovered that he performed only what he was already capable of.

Goggins believes that we are always capable of more than we think we can achieve. We need to push ourselves out of our comfort zone and face discomfort and pain only to come out stronger and more resilient on the other side.

This powerful autobiography reminds us that if we take the easy way out, the grander, better things don’t come to us. But if we move beyond our comfort zones and endure pain and commit to getting things done no matter how impossible they feel, we achieve our true potential and true greatness.

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

This small poem is the absolute gist of the story. Ten strangers invited to a remote island by a person unknown to any of them. And then one by they are murdered and the mystery surrounding the island gets dark and dangerous.  Quite a plot and brilliantly executed.

Also Read Death on The Nile by Agatha Christie and Murder On The Orient Express by Agatha Christie.  

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

“People think that intimacy is about sex. But intimacy is about truth. When you realize you can tell someone your truth, when you can show yourself to them, when you stand in front of them bare and their response is 'you're safe with me'- that's intimacy.”

A budding journalist is about to get the biggest and unimaginable break of her life. Unknown to her Evelyn Hugo the biggest and most beautiful and most controversial actress of all times wants her to write her biography.

The reason Evelyn particularly chooses her is revealed towards the end but as we are taken through Evelyn’s rise, fall and then ground-breaking rise through her career and her life with seven marriages and one kid we are left spellbound.

The book although primarily a glamorous story of a glamorous world also touches some important and socially relevant themes like feminism, gay rights, domestic abuse etc.

A must-read for all historical fiction lovers. Although Malibu Rising was an average read for me with this book Taylor Jenkins Reid is my new favorite.

The Cat who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa

“Books can't live your life for you. The reader who forgets to walk on his own two feet is like an old encyclopaedia, his head stuffed with out-of-date information. Unless someone else opens it up, it's nothing but a useless antique.”

Rintaro Natsuki is an orphan boy living with his grandfather who is a book shop owner. But the story begins with the demise of his grandfather and Rintaro is left alone and finds himself fading.

But luckily for him a talking cat turns up at the doorstep of his bookstore and has some difficult assignments for him related to his love for books.

I thought the book is absolute middle grade. Being an adult who has read some truly amazing fantasy plots this one was too childish for me although the concept and theme was close to my heart.

The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

I began this book when I was holidaying in Nepal. And it just could catch my interest. Started with a black boy living with his grandmother and being made a fool of at work. And then I don’t remember much.

I hope to pick up the book later on in the hopes that I might be in a different mindset where I might actually finish this award winning book.

My TBR Pile for June 2022