Books I Read in February 2023
As the year progresses, I find myself delving deeper into my love for reading. February 2023 was a month filled with books that transported me to different worlds and left me with a sense of satisfaction on completion. In this blog post, I will be sharing some of the amazing books I read in February 2023.
1. The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
H2: The Storyline
The Four Winds is a gripping tale of resilience set in the Great Depression era of America. The story revolves around Elsa Martinelli, who lives on a failing farm in Texas with her parents. When the Dust Bowl phenomenon hits, the situation worsens, and the family decides to move to California in search of better prospects. Along the way, Elsa faces several challenges and is forced to make decisions that could change the course of her life.
H2: What I Loved About It
The Four Winds is undoubtedly one of the best books I read in February 2023. Kristin Hannah’s writing style is simply captivating; she paints a vivid picture of the challenges Elsa and her family face. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the storyline is emotionally moving. The book is a great reminder of the struggles our protagonists had back then, and how they survived even in the toughest of circumstances.
2. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
H2: The Storyline
The Vanishing Half is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of twin sisters, Desiree and Stella Vignes. The sisters grow up in a small town in Louisiana, where they experience discrimination and prejudice as they are biracial. As they grow older, Stella moves to California and “passes” as white, leaving behind her sister and her old life. Several years later, the sisters’ lives intersect once again, and they are forced to confront their past.
H2: What I Loved About It
I loved everything about The Vanishing Half. The characters were well-crafted, and the storyline was engrossing. Brit Bennett tackled issues of race, identity, and self-acceptance beautifully in this book. The way she wove the storylines together was impressive, and I was left impressed with how well all the pieces of the puzzle fit together.
3. The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse
H2: The Storyline
The Sanatorium is a chilling thriller set in the Swiss Alps. Elin Warner, a police detective, is on leave following a traumatic incident that occurred on the job. Her boyfriend takes her to a luxury hotel to recuperate, only to find out that it was once a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients. When strange things start happening at the hotel, including a snowstorm that leaves them trapped, Elin is forced to confront her past and solve a mystery that threatens her life.
H2: What I Loved About It
The Sanatorium was an impressive debut novel by Sarah Pearse. I loved the atmospheric setting of the Swiss Alps, which added to the tension and suspense of the story. The characters were well-developed, and the plot kept me guessing until the very end. Pearse’s writing style was easy to follow, and I was able to picture the scene in my mind’s eye.
4. The Push by Ashley Audrain
H2: The Storyline
The Push is a psychological thriller that delves into the complex relationship between mothers and daughters. Blythe Connor has always wanted to be a good mother, but she is plagued by doubts and fears that she will end up like her own mother, who abandoned her. When she has her first child, Violet, things start to unravel, and Blythe starts to question whether her daughter is inherently evil.
H2: What I Loved About It
The Push was a gripping and disturbing read. Ashley Audrain expertly explored the nuances of mother-daughter relationships, and the impact of past traumas on current behavior. The characters were flawed, and their motives were not always clear, which added to the suspense of the story. I was left thinking about this book long after I finished reading it.
Before the Conclusion
If you’re looking to broaden your reading horizons, here is a comprehensive guide on how to choose your next book:
1. Read reviews – Check out the reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, and other book review sites to see if a book is worth your time and money.
2. Follow book bloggers/booktubers – Follow book bloggers or booktubers that share your taste in books for recommendations.
3. Browse bookstores – Visit your local bookstores to see what books are popular or to discover new releases.
4. Join book clubs – Join a book club with people who share your interests to discover new books and have in-depth discussions.
5. Read diversely – Make a conscious effort to read books by authors of different genders, races, and nationalities to broaden your perspective.
Conclusion
February 2023 was indeed a month filled with amazing books. Whether you’re into historical fiction, thrillers, or want to dive into a psychological drama, these books have something for everyone. As always, I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings in terms of reading material. Don’t forget to check out Books I Read in February 2023 for some great book recommendations.
Source: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/10-ways-to-choose-your-ne_b_7194558