Movies

15 Must-Read April Books to Stay Indoors This Spring

BBG News

In April, rainy days may encourage us to stay indoors and enjoy some fresh literature. Among the most eagerly awaited publications this month is Jasmine Guillory’s debut in sapphic romance, “The Wedding Date,” as well as Laura Day’s new self-help book for those seeking guidance from a renowned psychic and healer. Last but not least, Kate Folk presents a humorous yet heartwarming depiction of a woman with dreams of marrying an airplane – believe it or not!

1. Some other essential reads for this month (April) involve Michael Luo’s insightful and personal exploration of the history of Chinese exclusion in the United States, published by The New Yorker. Additionally, Morgan Jerkins has released her second book following the success of her 2021 fiction debut, Caul Baby.

2. Other must-reads this month (April) include a deeply researched and personal account on Chinese exclusion in the U.S. by The New Yorker’s Michael Luo, as well as Morgan Jerkins’ follow-up to her 2021 novel Caul Baby. French bestselling author Anne Berest and her sister Claire have also published a newly translated novel that honors their great-grandmother, the esteemed French art critic Gabriële Buffet-Picabia. Lastly, Joan Didion’s new posthumous release, Notes to John, features fresh material from the legendary author since her 2021 essay collection, Let Me Tell You What I Mean.

3. In April, some not-to-be-missed books include: Michael Luo’s in-depth and personal examination of Chinese exclusion history for The New Yorker; Morgan Jerkins’ second book, following her 2021 fiction debut Caul Baby; a newly translated novel by French bestselling author Anne Berest and her sister Claire, paying tribute to their great-grandmother, Gabriële Buffet-Picabia; and Joan Didion’s posthumous release, Notes to John, which presents new material from the iconic author since her 2021 essay collection, Let Me Tell You What I Mean.

4. For this month (April), some must-read books include: Michael Luo’s deeply researched and personal account on Chinese exclusion in the United States; Morgan Jerkins’ follow-up to her 2021 fiction debut, Caul Baby; a newly translated novel by French bestselling author Anne Berest and her sister Claire, celebrating their great-grandmother, Gabriële Buffet-Picabia; and Joan Didion’s posthumous release, Notes to John, marking the first publication of new material from the iconic author since her 2021 essay collection, Let Me Tell You What I Mean.

Below, the 15 books you should read in April. 

I See You’ve Called in Dead, John Kenney (April 1)

In John Kenney’s third book, titled “I See You’ve Called in Dead“, we encounter the character Bud Stanley, a 40-something obituary writer who, metaphorically speaking, takes his own life by posting a fake obituary online following a disastrous blind date. This near-death experience sparks a journey within him as he decides to attend the funerals of strangers in search of understanding what truly gives life meaning.

Boat Baby, Vicky Nguyen (April 1)

Vicky Nguyen, an anchor and correspondent at NBC News, has released her first work which is essentially a heartfelt tribute to her refugee parents. The documentary titled Boat Baby recounts the thrilling escape of Nguyen’s family from communist Vietnam to the United States in 1979 when she was eight months old. She recounts their harrowing voyage across the South China Sea, where they encountered pirate attacks, and their stay at a Malaysian refugee camp for several months while waiting to be resettled in California. After settling in the U.S., Nguyen shares her journey of finding her footing in an alien land as the child of immigrant parents, which ultimately sparked her passion for journalism.

Sky Daddy, Kate Folk (April 8)

Kate Folk’s debut novel, titled “Sky Daddy“, offers an unusual blend of romance and comedy, revolving around a woman with an extraordinary fascination for airplanes. Living in a windowless apartment in San Francisco, Linda, who works as a content moderator for an online video platform, dedicates the last Friday of every month to flying out from her garage dwelling to a nearby regional airport. Her aim is to unite with her ideal commercial airliner and consummate their bond through a fateful crash landing; a secret passion she harbors due to its taboo nature. As she inches closer to finding her perfect match, Linda ponders whether her unique love is worth sacrificing her ordinary life for a devotion that may remain incomprehensible to others.

Exit Wounds, Peter Godwin (April 8)

In his new book, ex-war reporter Peter Godwin highlights the pivotal roles played by the three women who had significant impacts on his life. As his mother, aged 90, was passing away in England, he shares their tumultuous lifelong relationship, along with the tragic loss of his older sister during the Rhodesian Bush War – a prolonged conflict in modern-day Zimbabwe. Moreover, he discusses his recent separation from media executive Joanna Coles.

Flirting Lessons, Jasmine Guillory (April 8)

In Jasmine Guillory’s newest romance novel, “Flirting Lessons,” we find event planner Avery Jensen, who is quietly competent but finds herself needing guidance in the delicate dance of seduction. Fortunately, she crosses paths with Taylor Cameron, a known charmer with a reputation for breaking hearts, seeking a pure diversion after her friend wagers she can’t abstain from romance during the summer. As Avery starts to develop genuine emotions, she must weigh whether to apply Taylor’s lessons in this passionate tale of unrequited love.

Audition, Katie Kitamura (April 8)

Katie Kitamura’s fifth novel, titled “Audition,” opens with an intense lunch meeting in Manhattan between a distinguished middle-aged theater actor and a puzzling younger man. Throughout the 197 unsettling pages that follow, Kitamura weaves a thought-provoking tale that explores the boundaries between reality and acting.

Hellions, Julia Elliott (April 15)

Julia Elliott’s recently published short story collection, titled “Hellions“, is brimming with dark, feral fairy tales that carry a gothic undertone. The 11 stories, which are set across the Southern United States, present mystical nuns in a medieval convent afflicted by plague, a feisty 12-year-old who keeps a pet alligator, an amorous middle-aged professor who metamorphoses into a centaur at night, and a band of mothers whose children have acquired supernatural abilities from two enigmatic orphans living in the forest. The boundaries between reality and fantasy become blurred in this collection, offering a disquieting perspective on the feeling of isolation in our technology-dominated society.

Fish Tales, Nettie Jones (April 15)

4 decades after its initial release, Nettie Jones’ groundbreaking debut novel, “Fish Tales,” still exudes the same raw edge it did back then. This reissued cult classic takes us on a journey through the 1970s with Lewis Jones, a self-assured yet troubled party girl navigating New York and Detroit. As the story unfolds, we see her indulging in alcohol, drugs, and casual relationships. Remarkably, this slender book, edited by the esteemed Toni Morrison, was loosely based on Nettie’s own experiences. The pursuit of freedom for Lewis takes a turn when she encounters Brook, a good-looking but cruel quadriplegic who seeks to subdue her at all costs. In my perspective, this novel continues to resonate powerfully with readers even today due to its unapologetic portrayal of a woman’s struggle for independence and self-discovery amidst the challenges life throws at her.

Gabriële, Anne Berest & Claire Berest (April 22)

The novel “Gabriële” by sisters Anne and Claire Berest, recently translated from French by Tina Kover, provides a largely factual portrayal of the life of their late great-grandmother Gabriële Buffet-Picabia, a renowned French musician-turned-art critic, and her groundbreaking love affair that sparked an art revolution. The story unfolds during the Belle Époque’s peak, with focus on the authors’ namesake relative and her relationships with her husband, Spanish painter Francis Picabia, and her lover, Marcel Duchamp, a significant artist of the 20th century. This book serves as a heartfelt homage to a nearly forgotten pioneer of the avant-garde art movement.

Notes to John, Joan Didion (April 22)

The notes written to John provide a deeply personal insight into the mind of the late Joan Didion, who passed away in 2021 at 87. This posthumous release is a collection of diaries she kept from November 1999, when she started seeing a psychiatrist. These post-therapy session notes, spanning several months, were often addressed to her late husband, John Gregory Dunne, who died in 2003. Similar to her other work, these entries delve into sensitive personal matters such as alcoholism, depression, anxiety, guilt, and her intricate bond with her daughter, Quintana. These topics were also prevalent in her 2011 memoir, Blue Nights, which focused on Quintana’s death and the grief that ensued.

The Pretender, Jo Harkin (April 22)

If you’re a fan of Hilary Mantel, here’s a novel that might interest you: Jo Harkin’s “The Pretender” is a lively tale set in medieval times, offering an unheard-of story about Lambert Simnel, a 10-year-old peasant who unexpectedly learns he’s the secret heir to Richard III’s throne. This book follows the young man, thought to be the son of the late Duke of Clarence, as he navigates his meteoric rise in the royal ranks during the early days of the Tudors’ ascent to power.

Zeal, Morgan Jerkins (April 22)

In this rephrased version, Morgan Jerkins’ second book, titled “Zeal,” is a sweeping romance that traverses over 150 years of African American history and explores multiple generations. This epic tale was sparked by a genuine love letter exchanged during the Civil War, which forms the basis of the story. The historical narrative centers around a Union Army soldier named Harrison who has just been discharged. His mission is to locate Tirzah, his beloved one. To reveal the strength of their relationship, the novel also delves into contemporary Harlem in 2019, where a doctor named Oliver and his fiancée come across a letter that Tirzah wrote to Harrison back in 1857. This correspondence significantly alters the perspective of the modern-day couple on their own love story.

On Muscle, Bonnie Tsui (April 22)

In her latest work, published in 2022, author and journalist Bonnie Tsui delves into the intriguing world of human resilience by investigating the muscular system. By combining scientific research, personal experiences, and detailed reporting, she embarks on a journey that includes running 50 miles across Nevada, retracing an escape route from a Native American boarding school, exploring modern recovery techniques in Oslo, and learning about mind-body coordination with a Double Dutch club in Washington D.C. Along the way, Tsui reflects on how her father’s rigorous exercise habits as a Chinese immigrant have impacted her own understanding of fitness and wellness.

The Prism, Laura Day (April 29)

Over the past ten years, renowned author and psychic Laura Day has been developing a seven-step method aimed at helping individuals overcome past traumas to achieve inner tranquility. This approach is encapsulated in her latest work, titled The Prism. This useful manual for living expands upon the central idea of her 1996 self-help book, Practical Intuition. By incorporating scientific findings, timeless wisdom from ancient philosophies, and insights gleaned from her upbringing with a mentally ill mother, Day provides practical tools that empower readers to accomplish their personal and professional aspirations.

Strangers in the Land, Michael Luo (April 29)

In his groundbreaking work, titled “Strangers in the Land“, journalist Michael Luo delves into the chronicles of Chinese exclusion in the United States. Over a span of approximately 600 pages, he investigates how the initial warm reception given to Chinese immigrants in mid-19th century America soon escalated into hostility, culminating in the enactment of a succession of exclusionary laws in 1889. He sheds light on the experiences of the Chinese American community as they endured over time, focusing particularly on those who were among the earliest targets of anti-Asian prejudice.

Read More

2025-04-01 15:06

Previous post Braless Beauty Brooks Nader Rocks Skintight Dress on Date Night
Next post 🚀 “Bitcoin Bonanza: Because Who Needs Rupees Anyway?”