This year I set a goal for myself, to read at least fifty books. In order to keep myself on track I decided to keep a list. Here are all the books I read in the first quarter of 2024 and my thoughts about them.
January
Private Label by Kelly Yang
Every single time I read a book by this author, I feel as though I am staring into her soul. Each of her books always have an aspect that ties in to her own life, this book is no different. One thing that you should know about me is that I love, love. I would describe this book as a YA RomDram (Romantic Drama). If this book were a show, it would definitely be in Shondaland [Shondaland is the production company of Shonda Rhimes which includes popular TV shows such as Grey’s Anatomy].
Afeni Shakur Evolution of a Revolutionary by Jasmine Guy
Unlike other books that are on this list, I read this one based on a recommendation. My mother finished this book, and told me that I had to read it. A few summers ago I read The Autobiography of Malcom X and loved it, since the books had similar vibes my mom knew I’d like it. As the popular song goes, mother knows best!
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
I have two words to describe this book, plot twist. I’ve been trying to read more fantasy books and this hit the spot. I can’t wait to read the rest of the trilogy.
She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
This book is another romance! She Drives Me Crazy has the enemies to lovers trope, the fake dating trope, and the athlete dating the cheerleader trope. What more could you want in a romance that takes place in a high school?
February
The Code for Love and Heartbreak by Jillian Cantor
Have you ever seen a movie that follows a teen trying to find a mathematical formula that explains love? Well this book is the well executed version of that trope. As someone who will be a senior soon this book reminded that I’ll be applying to schools soon (SCARY).
The Sky Blues by Robbie Couch
This book was emotional in all the ways I was not expecting. The writing is very character driven which I love. It takes a talented author to have books with gut wrenching scenes, and funny scenes that go with the plot, Couch does it masterfully.
The Wrong Kind of Weird by James Ramos
I am a strong believer that characters should make human mistakes. The Wrong Kind of Weird has characters that make human mistakes. Although I love a good HEA (Happily Ever After), and OTP (One True Pairing) I can appreciate a semi-realistic ending.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
This book has been on my TBR (To Be Read) for a long time. However, I did not read it until this year for English class. Angelou has a very lyrical style of writing, which is beautiful.
March
The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar
The Henna Wars is another romance. While having a love story as one of its main plots, it also discusses cultural appropriation and family dynamics. Did I mention that this book takes place in Scotland! The romantic love story is amazing, but the stand out relationship to me, is the one that exists between the main character and her sister. It encapsulates the experience of sisterhood to a T.
As Far As You’ll Take Me by Phil Stamper
Another book that takes place in Europe, what can I say. This book was very character driven but still had a distinctive plot. Majority of the characters in As Far As You’ll Take Me are musicians, so if I had to compare this book to a song it would be “Why Am I Like This?” by Orla Gartland.
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
This is another book that I read for English class. It is a memoir that is written in a very flowy style with impactful insight on life. Kalanithi is amazingly vulnerable about his life as he fights cancer. This book is very sad, but worth the tears that may come.
You, Me, and Our Heartstrings by Melissa See
This is another YA romance! It is about two teenage musicians who perform together, and catch feelings. This takes place in NYC, and makes me wonder if I should go to school in the city.
Love is a Revolution by Renee Watson
Ending Q1 of the books I’ve read in 2024, is another YA romance. This book had a really good pace, and kept me interested throughout. The whole book is on the possibility of sustaining a relationship that is based on a lie.
So those were all the books I read in the first three months of 2024. My goal is to publish these lists monthly instead of quarterly. Happy Reading!