May 2020 Books Roundup

May 2020 has come and gone. To tell you the truth, every month that had passed had felt that way, oh I don’t know, for the last ten years. Not sure what that says about me. Maybe I’m not “present” enough?

Enough ruminations. Discussing existential observations will perhaps only bore you. Or think I’m weird (which I can be). So, let’s move on to what the title of this post has promised!

In terms of reading, I have broken my personal best on the number of books I’ve read in a month. Seventeen books, y’all! 17!!!

Here are May 2020’s stats:

And these are the books I’ve read:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Ratings Guide

1 star - never finished or finished but absolutely hate.

2 stars - finished and did not like the book.

3 stars - liked the book, but not emotionally involving.

4 stars - loved the book —- gripped my emotions or the writing style was excellent.

5 stars - loved the book —- gripped my emotions, AND has an excellent writing style

Once Upon A Sunset by Tif Marcelo – 3/5

This book was part of my Asian Readathon challenge for May, and I was excited to read from another Filipino author. The promise of being transported back to the Philippines lured me into picking this up to read. Marcelo touches on themes on family, the bond between mothers and daughters, sacrifice for love, forgiveness. I would recommend this to those who would want to read more about Filipino culture and a different immigrant experience from the past.

The Bone Witch (The Bone Witch, #1) by Rin Chupeco – 3/5 

Another part of my Asian Readathon Challenge, I was also excited to read this book especially since I’ve heard great things about Rin Chupeco. Although I enjoyed her writing style, world-building and premise, I guess my really high expectation somewhat deflated my reading experience. Being that this just the first book of a trilogy, I can understand why the ending is not satisfying. I have the impression that this book probably serves more as setup for the next ones. Perhaps if I pursue this series, my opinion will change.

Wicked Fox (Gumiho #1) by Kat Cho – 3/5

Booktubers who mentioned this book talked about the monster mythology based on East Asian culture, which intrigued me. It’s refreshing to read about new creatures other than the ones we’re familiar with (vampires, werewolves, etc.). I really think that the female main character at the beginning of the story is a badass, and appreciated the fact that the romance part is not instalove. This novel is entertaining enough to hold my attention but it isn’t heartwrenching enough for me to warrant 4 stars.

The Hazel Wood (The Hazel Wood, #1) by Melissa Albert – 3/5 

I want to rate this book higher. It has rhythmic prose that is so, so wonderful to read aloud unique magical characters I’ve never encountered in my readings. I just can’t connect with the characters. I’m sure this book has plenty of symbolism which is beyond my literary literacy. I don’t hate it so it’s a 3 for me.

Adults by Emma Jane Unsworth – 3.5/5

As an audiobook, I found myself smiling a lot hearing Unsworth’s funny observations on the human condition and effects of social media. The situational exaggerations she crafts is realistic enough that I can see it happening IRL (this use of acronym is me holding on to the idea of still being on top of what’s cool). And the discussion on loneliness and the perils of society’s obsession of curating the perfect IG presence is very much relevant. I did find the book drags on a bit in the middle, which is why I can’t give it the full 4 stars.

Bossypants by Tina Fey – 3.5/5

Female empowerment? Tina Fey? Yes, please! I love her funny anecdotes and examples of women being badasses. It’s a fun read and inspirational if you ask me. My rating is a reflection based on other memoirs I’ve read that have rated higher. Still, this is a great book nevertheless.

All Systems Red (The Murderbot Diaries, #1) by Martha Wells – 3.75/5

I love characters with a funny sense of humour. A protagonist named Murderbot is one of those. Maybe because Murderbot (I imagine her as a “she”, but technically, I think she’s meant to be binary) reminds me of a friend of mine. Like my friend, she may have dark thoughts in her head towards the job in hand but she gets things done. I just wish there was more of the story to devour — in fairness, it is a novella — that’s why I have it rated it as such.

Atomic Habits by James Clear – 4/5

If you ever want to break a habit, form a new habit, or help someone to either of the first two, this is a great book for you. Clear’s writing is well, clear. Straight to the point and gives you actionable assignments to help you.

The Jetsetters by Amanda Eyre Ward – 4/5

My favourite character here is the mother. Never have I ever read unexpected inner dialogues from a horny senior. She’s hilarious! I also enjoyed being transported to Greece and experience being on a cruise. In the end, it’s all about a story of healing and personal growth. It’s nice to read uplifting stories like this.

Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella – 4/5

My relationship with Kinsella’s writing goes way back. Twenty years ago with her Shopaholic series? Wow. Now that’s quite a while back. I can always rely on her to Kinsella knows how to tie in what may seem like a shallow premise into an endearing story about families and relationships. This novel does not disappoint!

Dread Nation (Dread Nation #1) by Justina Ireland – 4/5

The first in the series, it’s perhaps the most creative premise from last month’s books. Imagine zombies emerging out of the battle on Gettysburg. The Civil War was never won because two sides had to come together to fight the undead. Instead of the demolishing slavery, negro children have to be enrolled in combat schools to learn how to fight the dead. To protect the white population.

With the current situation, this is not a book that will appease. It will fire any anger you have against racial injustice. Even if the book is set in an alternate 1800’s America, the issues black Americans face remain the same.

The stakes are high and the main characters are the kinds you would want to cheer on. I am very much looking forward to the rest of the series.

Circe by Madeline Miller – 4/5

Kudos to Miller for writing a book based on Greek mythology from a woman’s perspective. Something about her style captivates and her descriptions vivid that I felt like I was there in Circe’s island, watching, experiencing everything.

Miller makes it so real that she has made me feel grateful not to have children. Because babies will turn into teenagers one day and will be pains in the butt, she captures the agonies of motherhood quite well. If the gods can barely deal with rearing children, what chance does a mere mortal like me even have?

The Rationing by Charles Wheelan – 4/5

Think House of Cards meets Veep in the midst of a looming viral epidemic in America. This book was published a year ago and I find it amusing how the story parallels that of what we’ve been going through in the last few months. If you’re going to read anything pandemic related, I would start with this one. It’s smart and you will catch yourself smiling, if not laughing out loud.

The Mermaid, the Witch and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall – 4/5

I can imagine this book being adapted by Disney. It’s like Pirates of the Carribean infused with pure, innocent love. Great writing style, unique magic and worldbuilding. AND LGBTQ and black representation to boot. You find yourself rooting for the main characters. And the ending, let me tell you. Satisfying. Pretend you’re a kid again and just heard the princess lived happily every after. That sort of feeling.

With this being a debut novel, I am excited to read more from Koguda-Hall in the future!

Shadow of the Fox (Shadow of the Fox, #1) by Julie Kagawa – 5/5

Part of my Asian Heritage Month Readathon, this one’s a winner! I originally rated it as 4/5, but I’m still thinking about it, and I’m still excited about reading the other two books in the series. That means, it has made a huge impact on me, deserving of a 5/5 rating.

I was entertained by the Japanese myths Kagawa used which makes the world she creates in the book refreshing to read. The novel has the classic Japanese adventure trope where a samurai goes to an adventure picking up characters to join their cause along the way.

I particularly love how the writer shows the two main characters falling for each other. They are just kids and they don’t know exactly why they are feeling the way they do, but we as readers know what really is going on. That takes skills to execute.

A great read!

When We Were Vikings by Andrew David MacDonald – 5/5

I pored over this novel in just two days. The main character’s feistiness and determination, adorable! Written in a first-person narrative, her viewpoint brings a fresh perspective to what it is like to live as a cognitively handicapped person. Endearing reflections of the main character embedded throughout the book, in addition to really funny moments, provide a nice contrast to a harsh conflict she has to overcome (not gonna spoil it for ya!). The author’s storytelling here works.

Also, I love how MacDonald articulates the female voice very well. The whole time I was reading the book, I thought the author was female. That’s impressive!

The Dragon Republic (The Poppy War, #2) by R.F. Kuang – 5/5

Sequel to The Poppy War, this book does not disappoint. R.F. Kuang makes military/political/fantasy story easily devourable to someone like me who typically doesn’t find affinity to that particular genre. It was soooo good!

The unexpected plot twists got my heart pacing, and the tension between the main character and her possible love interest kept me guessing. If there is one book I’m so eager to get a hold of right now, it’s the third and last of the series coming out in November, The Burning God. You bet I’ll be reading that one!

Where, now that’s a long post! What have you read last month that I should check out? Let me know!