What I Read in April and May

 Well, I finally fell into the Fourth Wing hype, and with that, Iron Flame took up most of my reading time in April. I got back into reading a few physical books, with Funny Story (I like to pre-order from my favorite authors to support them!) and Just for the Summer (a Mother's Day gift from my husband. He also got me a reading light for bed - ha! To be known is to be loved.)

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros: Just as captivating as the first, with some strong character development and (I thought) an unexpected twist. Definitely longer than the books I normally read, so took me a while to get through - but worth it! Fun fact from my SIL: they rushed to print this book, so many of the physical copies have typos, missing pages, etc. Would recommend (although maybe get yourself a digital copy just in case)!

Funny Story by Emily Henry: Emily Henry is one of my favorites, so I was so excited when this new book came out. I loved the setting - Emily brought us back to northern Michigan. Her character development and dialogue was strong as always, and was fun to watch the main couple fall in love. Would recommend! (And planning to attend a Book Club / Meet Up through Volumes at Whiskey Business in Chicago if anyone local wants to join!)

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez: My husband got me this one for Mother's Day. I was worried since it was part of a trilogy I would need to read the others first, but that was not the case. I TORE through this book. Absolutely loved it. Can't wait to read more from Abby Jimenez! Would recommend!

Build the Life You Want by Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah: While I was reading fiction in physical form, I was reading non-fiction on my Kindle. I can't remember where I heard this recommendation, but I thought I'd give it a try. It was fine - nothing revelatory in here, and a few things that did make me scratch my head a bit. (Art and Oprah do not like online dating, apparently.) It was quick, so if you're looking for a way to reflect a bit on your own life, could fit the bill. Would maybe recommend.

Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy: Again, I don't remember how this was recommended to me, but thought it would be worth a read. I really appreciated much of what Dr. Becky has to say - respecting children as individuals, creating appropriate boundaries, and acknowledging feelings and reactions are normal. I have heard it has been known to enable permissive parenting - so be wary while reading! Would recommend.

Argylle by Elly Conway: I had started this one a while ago, but my Libby library loan ran out before I was able to finish. I got back on the waitlist, and was able to finish this time around. It was not my typical genre (action) and I thought it was just ok, and somewhat predictable. I have heard the movie does not have great reviews either, although will probably make my husband watch with me. Would maybe recommend.

Outside of reading, I have been working on trusting my instincts and not feeling like I'm overreacting to situations. One thing that sparked this was needing to advocate for myself following some birth complications, but has continued as a theme in other areas of my life. With that, I am taking a big leap in trusting my gut and leaving my current job to dive into fractional/freelance/contractor work, entrepreneurship, and writing. One of the things I've wrestled with in this decision is the ability to articulate exactly why it's time to leave. It seems to be many little reasons that all add up to: I'm just not happy in my job anymore. Easier to share a complicated and vague answer with friends, and much harder to "defend" on the reason for leaving. But, that is reason enough. So to quote Elsa (who has of course been playing quite frequently at our house these days), "Into the unknown!"

xoxo,

Emma