Hi Reader,

It's that time again!

I'm excited to share my monthly batch of book reviews.

I read a whopping nine books in April. That's a lot for me.

If you've been around here for a while, then you'll notice that I've changed my book review format. Do not be alarmed. 😂 I'm in the process of making a new master list of book reviews. Every book review gets a dedicated page.

So, without further ado, here are the books I read in April:

• ​The War on the West by Douglas Murray. A political and cultural defense of the West
• ​Save the Cat Writes a Young Adult Novel by Jessica Brody. For story nerds!
• ​Seeking Persephone by Sarah M. Eden. Ultra-cute Regency romance
• ​Snowglobe by Soyoung Park. Korean YA dystopia with Hunger Games vibes
• ​Scythe by Neal Shusterman. High-octane YA dystopia with AI-tech overtones
• ​I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys. Heartbreaking YA novel about '80s communism in Romania
• ​The Ordinary Princess by M. M. Kaye. Gentle and sweet fairy tale concept
• ​A Question of Yams by Gloria Repp. Early reader novel dealing with missionary work in Africa
• ​The Big Wave by Pearl S. Buck. A problematic children's parable set in Japan.

I hope you find something worthy of your TBR.

Have you read any of these? Hit reply and tell me your thoughts.

Book Lover's Grab Bag

🗽 Read Across America picked a kids' book to represent every state in the U.S. Fun!

🤩 If I lived anywhere near the Rabbit Hole Museum in Kansas, I'd drop what I was doing and go there immediately. This museum (literally) brings classic picture books to life. This map of exhibits is pure emotions and memories.

🎥 This essay, along with the linked YouTube videos, had me all choked up remembering my high school days. Who would've thought I'd get teary-eyed over video footage of random teenagers acting like toolbags? But, seriously, I'm grateful that my coming of age happened before the smartphone era. I appreciate everything Jon Haidt is doing to save teens from toxic tech.

Library Binding debuts next week!

Last week, I introduced you to my brand-new Substack called Library Binding. It's a literary meet-'n'-greet in 10 pictures or less.

My goal is to introduce you to your next favorite author, book reviewer, or literary soul mate.

If you're not interested in getting these emails, you can opt out here, but you'll stay on my weekly Book Devotions list.

📚📚📚

As always, I'll leave you with one irresistible indulgence—for your phoney-baloney.

Your devoted,

Michelle

P.S. Don't miss this month's book reviews—especially if you enjoy YA.