When I was a kid, I used to read books all the time. I had a library card that I would wear out, with my parents taking my sister and I to the local library so often that I had memorized certain sections. I would borrow multiple books at a time, because I would spend all my time going through each one and immediately want to start another.
I have a distinct memory of running to the children's section and carrying a stack of books to the librarians dark brown desk that seemed to loom over my small body. I would tiptoe and peek over the counter as the librarian grabbed each book, opened it up to scan the barcode in the back, and waved her scanner until a small 'beep' would fill my ears.
However, now that I've gotten older I found that I drifted away from reading long form media like books in favor for short form media like articles, comment sections and forums. I found that I really missed reading, but it was surprisingly difficult to jump back into it the way I did as a kid.
Enter, the Libby App.
I found this app back in April while visiting New York with Guillaume, and since I was home I was able to dig through some boxes to find my New York library card. To give a brief summary, the Libby app is a free app where you can borrow copies of e-books on your phone, laptop or other electronic device. As long as you have a library card, you can access content without paying a cent. You can even add multiple cards to borrow from different libraries. Just as a disclaimer, this post is not sponsored in any way, I'm just making it because I love this app and want to share it with you all.
Since downloading the app in late April, I basically haven't put it down and at any given time I have a book downloaded on my phone for when I'd like to take a few minutes to read something.
In this post, I want to detail the books that I've read thanks to the Libby app, and give a short "review" on my favorites! I'm going to avoid spoilers as much as possible, but try to give enough information that I can paint a picture of what the book was about/made me feel.
My Favorite Books (so far!)
The Enchanted April - by Elizabeth Von Armin
5/5 stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a vintage novel written in 1922 by British author Elizabeth Von Armin, detailing the lives of 4 women from different social circles coming together to go on an Italian vacation together in Portofino. Set in the 15th century, the manner of speech is very fanciful and focused on politeness, and I love to see the "faux pas" some of the girls commit during their trip abroad. A fun and easy read that reminds you of summertime.
Carrie - by Steven King
4/5
I really enjoyed the unique inclusion of news and book articles that pop up at the beginning of each chapter that gives us a bit of a peek into how the events of the book will unfold. I have only seen a few snippets of the film, but this book is such a page turner that I can't imagine how they could one up such great and scary writing. If you're into thriller/horror with a religious fanatic twist, this is your dream novel.
This Time Tomorrow - by Emma Straub
4/5
I saw this book under the section 'Recommended by Librarians' and I was intrigued by the fact that the main character was named Alice. I'm usually not one for time traveling novels, but this one had the heart and soul of 'About Time' kind of weaved into it, which made it a really heartwarming read. I will say that the pages about the technicalities of time travel were lost on me, but it may be interesting for others who regularly read sci-fi and are looking for something new.
Bridgerton Collection, Volume One (Bridgertons #1-3) - by Julia Quinn
5/5
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Okay, so I feel like I'm in the minority of readers that watched one episode of the series, found out there was a book, then read the book before finishing the show, but I'm very glad I did it this way! This collection contained the first 3 books in the Bridgerton series, and I dare say that these three are the best (though I haven't read the last two yet). The first novel is a classic, if you've seen the Netflix show you essentially know the plot, but I recommend reading it regardless just to see more from the characters. I really enjoyed the second book, and I read this without seeing any media from the second season, so I was a little disappointed with how the new season didn't match that images I created in my head while reading. Despite it all, I loved this collection and would read it again.
Kitchen - by Banana Yoshimoto
5/5
The story of a created family, this was the novel that got me interested in the works of Banana Yoshimoto. I ended up borrowing everything I could find from Yoshimoto on the Libby app, which was a phase that lasted me about a month and a half. In Kitchen, the story is split into two stories, the first being about a created family dealing with loss with a sprinkle of light romance and darker elements. The second story has more of a ghost story vibe also dealing with loss. I think this book is a great encapsulation of the themes Yoshimoto likes working with, so if you like this you'll find some comfort in her other works as well.
A Gentleman in Moscow - by Amor Towles
5/5
One of the first books I fell hardest for at the beginning of my reading journey, A Gentleman in Moscow gave me everything I ever could have wanted: history, rich world building, elegant language and complex characters. Taking place in 1922 and spanning over several decades, the reader follows Count Alexander Rostov as he spends his days in the Metropol, a grand hotel located in Moscow. The Count is so elegant and particular, and seeing his different relationships in the hotel play out was so satisfying. Love this book, I may even buy a physical copy of it someday.
I hope my little review post helped you pick out a new book to read this month, and be sure to download the Libby app if you have a US library card to take advantage of free ebooks! I'll see you in the next post, thanks for reading~
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