February felt like a really busy month, but I'm also not entirely sure where the month went or what I even did--anyone else feel that way??
In personal news, there's not much to share! I'm still feeling a bit stuck on the job front. I have a few things I do for work currently, but I've still yet to find something a bit more stable/rewarding and (as a bonus) that I actually want to do, so... that journey continues. I'm fortunate to be able to pay all my bills with my husband, but I'd like to do a bit more so I can do more things I love, like aerial!
I've also still been working my way through learning the ins and outs of Blender for CGI purposes (and surprisingly I've been having almost more fun with 2D? the 2D/3D mix has been really neat to learn) and it's truly been a lot of fun to have as a side project. One positive to the month is that I had my jury duty summons for February and I called in every day, but never had to actually report and make my way down to the courthouse, so I'm taking that as a win because yes, I know jury duty is important, but I also lose money when I go, so... I would prefer not to (yes, this is a Bartleby reference). This is probably the first time I've ever not had to go in or gotten picked, so it's pretty thrilling.
In reading news, February was a great month. Highlights were The Raven Scholar, which is definitely a new favorite, An Indigenous People's History of the United States, which provided a really well executed history, and the final Emily Wilde book! I managed to get up a few more reviews this month, which was a goal of mine to get back on track, and I still managed to read a decent amount of books, so I'm calling it a good overall reading month.
# books read: 11
Thoughts: I loved this! This was such an interesting new fantasy with a really unique narrative voice that really captivated me. Definitely put this one your TBRs, it comes out in April and I will have my review for it up closer to its publication!
Thoughts: This was a really solid conclusion to the Emily Wilde series and I think it provided a really satisfying and fitting ending. It wasn't my favorite book of the series, but that's okay. My review is linked below.
Thoughts: This is a nonfiction history of the US from the point of view of the indigenous population and it is a really great read. I think this is a perfect starting off point for anyone who wants to know more about the history of the United States that isn't as readily taught.
Thoughts: I was so taken by the premise of this book--what would happen if the moon just... turned to cheese!?--and even though I don't tend to gravitate towards books with a more humorous premise, I'm glad I did this time because it was a pretty fun read. Definitely a bit thought-provoking at times with regards to life's meaning, etc. My review will be up soon!
Thoughts: These were rather hit or miss overall, with the hits being pretty good and the misses just, well, missing. I'm glad I gave it a shot and will certainly have a look at more from this author in the future.
Thoughts: Generally, I'm not a big time travel fan, but I don't mind giving time travel stories a go now and again, and I thought this one was pretty well done. I liked the approach to time travel in a scientific manner and the different ideas the author played with regarding it and its implications/consequences. My review will be up soon!
Thoughts: This was a bit of a so-so horror for me. My review is already up where you can read my full thoughts, but I would say it's an interesting horror story with some supernatural aspects, it just didn't fully work for me.
Thoughts: This was a nice coming of age sort of story about an Ojibwe teen as he navigates a variety of struggles and learns more about his culture. My review is linked below!
Thoughts: I've read bits and pieces from this book over the years, but I don't think I'd ever actually read the whole thing through, so it felt like it was finally time. I think there are a number of criticisms about this book, some valid and some that I think are valid differences in opinions, but overall I think it gives a pretty good entry point into understanding different types of trauma, how they affect people, etc., so anyone who has experienced trauma, knows someone who has experienced trauma, or would simply like to learn more about the topic could benefit from this.
Thoughts: I appreciated Dave's focus on women and the struggles of being a new mother and maintaining a career, all the while having to act like you have everything under control and know what you're doing. I thought some aspects of this book required some suspension of disbelief, but overall I think this book will resonate with the audience its meant to find.
Thoughts: This book actually irritated me, and overall I've considered it a bit of a waste of my time, which feels horrible to say, but it was just so frustrating. There's an audience for this one out there, but I don't think it's me. I'll probably post a shorter review closer to its publication with more of my thoughts. It's a two star instead of a one star because the writing itself was good and I feel like this author has potential.
Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales (Emily Wilde, #3) by Heather Fawcett
The Dollhouse Academy by Margarita Montimore
Symbiote by Michael Nayak
Upon a Starlit Tide by Kell Woods
Something in the Walls by Daisy Pearce
Where Wolves Don't Die by Anton Treuer
Blog Tour + Review: Symbiote by Michael Nayak
Anticipated March 2025 Releases
2/5: The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones, Guatemalan Rhapsody by Jared Lemus, & Let Only Red Flowers Bloom by Emily Feng
2/12: The Unworthy by Agustina Bazterrica, Motherland by Julia Ioffe, & Luminous by Silvia Park
2/19: Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy & The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar
2/26: The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami, Rose of Jericho by Alex Grecian, & The Mesopotamian Riddle by Joshua Hammer
