What I’ve read so far this year…

Hey everyone, Marlee Envy Anne here! I know my original post mentioned a 'mediocre' reading year so far, and honestly, it's been a journey. But even in a slower reading period, there are always some standout gems and lessons learned. I wanted to dive a bit deeper into what I've been picking up and what's truly resonated with me (or, let's be real, what hasn't!). Looking back at January and February, I had a real mix. Night Film by Marisha Pessl was definitely one of those immersive mystery experiences you just crave. I gave it a solid 4 stars, and if you love atmospheric, unsettling reads that pull you into their world, you really need to check that one out. It stuck with me for days! Another surprising favorite was Annie Bot by Sierra Greer. At 4.5 stars, it offered such a refreshing and disturbing take on AI narratives that I haven't stopped thinking about it. Truly unique and thought-provoking, it's a must-read for anyone interested in speculative fiction. Then we have The Idiot by Elif Batuman. This one was a 'lit fic dream' for me, earning a solid 4.5 stars. Yes, it can be a bit tedious at times, but the observations and internal monologues are just gold. If you appreciate character-driven literary fiction and don't mind a slower pace, give it a go; you might find yourself laughing out loud at the dry wit. On the flip side, some just didn't quite hit the mark for me. Sour Cherry by Natalia Theodoridou, which I rated 2.5 stars, was just a bit too dreamy and untethered to reality for my personal taste. Sometimes I'm in the mood for that, but this particular story didn't connect. Similarly, The Lamb by Lucy Rose was a struggle; I found it really hard to get into the story, which is always disappointing when you're hoping for a captivating read. It just never quite hooked me. Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix had potential, and I gave it 3 stars, but I honestly wished for more overt witchy elements. It felt like it held back a bit, and I was craving something more magical. And Wake Up and Open Your Eyes by Clay McLeod Chapman? Horrifyingly realistic and definitely left an impression, earning 3 stars for its unsettling depiction of everyday horror. For quick, fun reads when I need a break from darker themes, Strange Pictures by Uketsu was a delightful Japanese mystery with unique illustrations – a great palate cleanser! Speaking of palate cleansers, you know I love my psychological thrillers, especially by Freida McFadden. I often grab her books like The Housemaid or The Housemaid's Secret and The Crash as audiobooks for my commutes. They are just so entertaining and perfect for when you need a fast-paced, twisty story that keeps you guessing until the very end. If you haven't tried her, you're missing out on some seriously binge-worthy reads! So, while February might have had a few more meh moments, I'm optimistic for March! I'm always trying to diversify my reading and find new authors and genres to explore. What have you been reading lately? Any recent gems I should add to my TBR? Let me know in the comments – I'm always looking for my next five-star read!