What I Read in February!

I know it is not the end of the month just yet but I am certain I won’t be reading any more books before the end of the month. I normally discuss what I have read in the month in my monthly wrap-up post but I just include titles and ratings. I thought I would start a new post series for each month where I write mini reviews for the books I have read that month so that these books are talked about more rather than just quickly passed over. I have read 8 books in February which I am surprised about given that I only read one book last month! Here is what I read in February!

Sheets by Brenna Thummler

“Marjorie Glatt feels like a ghost. A practical thirteen year old in charge of the family laundry business, her daily routine features unforgiving customers, unbearable P.E. classes, and the fastidious Mr. Saubertuck who is committed to destroying everything she’s worked for.

Wendell is a ghost. A boy who lost his life much too young, his daily routine features ineffective death therapy, a sheet-dependent identity, and a dangerous need to seek purpose in the forbidden human world.”

I read this graphic novel right at the beginning of the month in the hope that it would kick start my reading motivation again. It certainly did. This novel is cute, thought-provoking and beautifully written and drawn. I am hoping Brenna releases more graphic novels in the future as I will concertina be picking them up!

★★★★

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The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers

“When Rosemary Harper joins the crew of the Wayfarer, she isn’t expecting much. The Wayfarer, a patched-up ship that’s seen better days, offers her everything she could possibly want: a small, quiet spot to call home for a while, adventure in far-off corners of the galaxy, and distance from her troubled past.

But Rosemary gets more than she bargained for with the Wayfarer. The crew is a mishmash of species and personalities, from Sissix, the friendly reptilian pilot, to Kizzy and Jenks, the constantly sparring engineers who keep the ship running. Life on board is chaotic, but more or less peaceful – exactly what Rosemary wants.”

I started this book way back at the beginning of January and it took me over a month to read. This has nothing to do with the book, I was just not in the right mood to read in January. This book is excellent, inclusive and has excellent world-building. I will certainly be reading more of the series soon!

★★★★

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The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

“Sixteen-year-old Starr lives in two worlds: the poor neighbourhood where she was born and raised and her posh high school in the suburbs. The uneasy balance between them is shattered when Starr is the only witness to the fatal shooting of her unarmed best friend, Khalil, by a police officer. Now what Starr says could destroy her community. It could also get her killed.”

I loved this book so much! It is so powerful, heart-breaking and heart-warming. I loved this book so much that I actually wrote a full review of it because I had so many thoughts I wanted to write down. You can find that review here.

★★★★★

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I Hate Myselfie: A Collection of Essays by Shane Dawson

“See the real Shane through personal stories that are at once humorous and heartwarming, self-deprecating and totally inspiring. Highlighting key moments of his childhood and adolescence, through his phenomenal success on YouTube, and continuing on to his more recent experiences as an actor and director, Shane’s memoir will feature the silliness and satire his fans already enjoy, but it will be even more in depth, more real, and more portable.”

I decided to listen to this audio book in the run up to the release of Shane’s new YouTube video. It got me excited for the series and also let me learn more about Shane. This book is funny and brought many smiles to my face. I also really enjoyed that the audio book was narrated by Shane as it really added to the experience!

★★★★

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Proud by Juno Dawson (Editor) and Various Authors

“A stirring, bold and moving anthology of stories and poetry by top LGBTQ+ YA authors and new talent, giving their unique responses to the broad theme of pride. Each story has an illustration by an artist identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Compiled by Juno Dawson, author of THIS BOOK IS GAY and CLEAN.”

I was incredibly lucky to be gifted an early copy of Proud and incredibly excited to read it. This book lives up to all expectations. It fills your heart with joy and hope. I cannot wait to read this again for Sarah and Sophie’s Proud Readalong from 11th to 22nd March! I will be reviewing this book in full closer to the release date!

★★★★★

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The Quiet at the End of the World by Lauren James

“Lowrie and Shen are the youngest people on the planet after a virus caused global infertility. Closeted in a pocket of London and doted upon by a small, ageing community, the pair spend their days mudlarking for artefacts from history and looking for treasure in their once-opulent mansion. 

Their idyllic life is torn apart when a secret is uncovered that threatens not only their family but humanity’s entire existence. Lowrie and Shen face an impossible choice: in the quiet at the end of the world, they must decide who to save and who to sacrifice . . .”

I am not going to go into detail about how I feel about this book here as this book is going to get a lengthy review nearer release date. All I will say is that Lauren James has done it again and continues to be my favourite author. I devoured this book and didn’t want to put it down. It is out 7th March so look out for my review and pre-order this book!

★★★★★

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George by Alex Gino

“When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she’s not a boy. She knows she’s a girl.

George thinks she’ll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte’s Web. George really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can’t even try out for the part . . . because she’s a boy. “

I read this book in preparation for Sarah and Sophie’s LGBTQ+ book club at the end of the month. It is an incredibly quick read that warms your heart. I loved reading this book and I’m glad it was brought to my attention because I wouldn’t have found it otherwise!

★★★★

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Space Boy: Volume One by Stephen McCranie

“Amy lives on a mining colony in out in deep space, but when her dad loses his job the entire family is forced to move back to Earth. Amy says goodbye to her best friend Jemmah and climbs into a cryotube where she will spend the next 30 years frozen in a state of suspended animation, hurtling in a rocket toward her new home. Her life will never be the same, but all she can think about is how when she gets to Earth, Jemmah will have grown up without her.

When Amy arrives on Earth, she feels like an alien in a strange land. The sky is beautiful but gravity is heavy and the people are weird. Stranger still is the boy she meets at her new school–a boy who has no flavor.”

I bought this book after seeing it recommended on Goodreads and I am so glad I picked it up! It was like this graphic novel was made for me. Space girl moving back to earth. I flew through this graphic novel and will be buying volume two very soon! If you like space, sci-fi and graphic novels I really recommend this!

★★★★

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That is all of the books I have read in February! I have had a good reading month and I am quite proud of myself! What have you read this month? Let me know in the comments below!