As I mentioned last week, I decided to upend my March TBR and focus on ARCs this month. I made some great progress. I finished one and possibly two by the time this post goes live. (But I had to schedule this early since I went to a comedy show last night.)
WWW Wednesday was revived and hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. The idea is to answer the three questions below and leave a link to your post in the comments for others to look at. No blog? No problem! Just leave a comment with your responses.
What are you currently reading?
What have you just finished reading?
What are you going to read next?
Currently Reading
ISABELLA NAGG AND THE POT OF BASIL by Oliver Darkshire: I’m having mixed feelings about this one. It could be that I just don’t quite get the humor, that it might be a little too “British humor” for me to fully grasp. It could also be that, since I haven’t read the Decameron, I’m missing out on Easter egg elements. Regardless, the dry humor and grouchy characters are somewhat amusing, but at 60% in I’m waiting for the shoe to drop. I also now realize I’m not a big fan of this newer trend of footnotes in fiction books that provide extra context or snark. It takes me out of the story and it’s too much to pay attention to.
WHITEOUT by Dhonielle Clayton: This YA book appears to be written by multiple authors. It tells the stories of various teens as they try to complete special tasks during a surprise blizzard in Atlanta. They’re all on a mission to help their friend Stevie win her girlfriend back. It’s cute enough, but I’m looking forward to finishing it; it’s not quite holding my attention as solidly as THE HATE U GIVE. “Atlanta is blanketed with snow just before Christmas, but the warmth of young love just might melt the ice in this novel of Black joy, and cozy, sparkling romance…”
Recently Finished
THE HATE U GIVE by Angie Thomas: This is a fantastic YA book. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it. I listened to it via audiobook and loved the narrator.
THE TRAITOR OF SHERWOOD FOREST by Amy Kaufman: I finished this a few days ago. It’s a dark reimagining of the Robin Hood ballads. Overall, I liked it, even thought I found it a little slow. I’m not sure why the reviews on Goodreads have a low rating. From what I gather some readers didn’t think it would be so dark. If that’s the case, I’m not sure why they thought that because the synopsis indicates it’s not a bubbly tale. Anyway, I have to write my review, so keep an eye out for it later this month.
Reading Next
I plan to continue on with another ARC. This time I’ll either choose ONCE WITH WILLEM or TIDEBORN. To be honest, I might read TIDEBORN next so I can finish a series. I also should read a couple more novellas for the SFINCS contest. So I’ve got my work cut out for me! Then I plan to mood read in April.
I’m definitely not a fan of footnotes in fiction either. I don’t see the point and as you say, it takes you out of the story. I look forward to reading your review of The Traitor of Sherwood Forest. I’m only about 30 miles away so it’s almost local 😃
I know two books doesn’t make a trend, but the snarky humor in villain/dark-ish fantasy being extended to footnotes irks me. I didn’t know you’re so close to Sherwood Forest…that’s pretty cool!
I read a crime/mystery novel that had footnotes and they really irritated me. You either need something in the story or you don’t. Not some halfway footnote ☹️
I’m looking forward to your review of The Traitor of Sherwood Forest, especially if it’s on the dark side😁
Just a couple more days!
So glad you enjoyed THUG! I have seen Once Was Willem around. I hope you enjoy it! Great job on making ARC progress. 🙂
Me too! And thanks! Feels good to mark ARC progress.
I’ve been doing my best to get through a bunch of ARCs this month, too. It’s going okay as I’ve managed to finish all of my March ARCs but one. April is going to be rough, though. I’ve got so many ARCs that I don’t think I’ll be able to keep up… I hope you have a great week and enjoy whatever you pick up next.
You seem to be reading a lot all at once! April is my quiet month…I already read and reviewed the one ARC I have there. I wish you luck in your April ARC reading spree!
Footnotes in a fiction book sound awful! Hard pass.
I’m not sure yet if it’s becoming a niche trend…I hope not!
Ooh I hope you enjoyed your comedy show. I’m sorry to hear you’re having mixed feelings about Isabella Nagg. I didn’t realise it was linked to anything else so maybe I should look into that first 🤔 I’m glad you enjoyed The Traitor Of Sherwood Forest over all, besides finding it a little slow. I’ll definitely be watching out for your review on it. Btw do you know if it’s Amie Kaufman spelling her first name slightly differently? 🤔
Ooh enjoy your other two arcs. Both sound intriguing.
I’m not sure if Amy Kaufman is Amie Kaufman, but I do know that Amy Kaufman (author of The Traitor of Sherwood Forest) is an expert or so in medieval history. When I looked her up on Goodreads a while ago she has a lot of nonfiction books under her belt. I think this is her first fiction book.
Ah i just looked and it describes it as her fiction debut so I guess it isn’t. I just know she writes retellings too and sometimes authors use slightly different names. I imagine that kind of knowledge helped shape the book a lot and I look forward to discovering it myself.
THE TRAITOR OF SHERWOOD FOREST has caught my eye. Good to know it’s a fairly dark read.