What I Read: April 2026
I only read two books this month. While I typically read more than that, it is what it is. And really, it’s okay. While I would have liked to have gotten through more books, it’s not a contest. I haven’t been sleeping well, and that definitely impacted how much I read. Back in January I read 8 or 9 books. Reading seasons ebb and flow, and that’s okay. This month wasn’t about quantity. It was about enjoying the books that I read.
What I Read This Month
Both of the books I read this month were YA – one paranormal and one mystery. They were comforting, familiar, and easy reads, which was exactly what I needed.
The Vampire Diaries: Dark Reunion
This is the fourth book in The Vampire Diaries series. I don’t want to give any spoilers, so I won’t go too much into what actually happens in the story.
While I really enjoyed watching the TV show, the books themselves aren’t my favorite. The main reason I ended up reading four of them is because I bought a bundle of the first four books on my Kindle. Overall, I find them not as well written as I’d hoped, and since I’ve already seen the show, that’s what I picture whenever the characters are described.
I don’t think I’ll be continuing with the rest of the book series, but I did just restart the TV show. It originally premiered in 2009 and ran for eight seasons, and I watched it for years when it first aired on cable. This time around, I’m rewatching it on Prime.
If you’re interested in The Vampire Diaries, I’d definitely recommend the TV show over the books. The show does a great job of taking the bones of the characters and storylines and turning them into something really engaging.
Nancy Drew: Stop the Clock
This book is part of the early 2000s Nancy Drew series. Nancy, along with her friends Bess and George and her boyfriend Ned, comes together to solve the mystery of a stolen clock from their local library.
Even though it’s from the newer series, the characters still feel very nostalgic to me. It had that cozy mystery vibe that I always love. It was also such an easy, quick read – I finished it in just two nights, reading before bed.
I’ve always loved Nancy Drew books, and this one was no exception. It was light, fun, and completely low-pressure, which made it the perfect wind-down read.
Reading Reflections for April
I think the biggest reason I didn’t read as much as I usually do this month comes down to my sleep.
I’ve been so tired during the day, but when it’s actually time to go to bed, my brain just won’t shut off. Some nights I end up skipping reading altogether because I’m so exhausted, but then I still don’t fall asleep until 1 or 2 a.m.
That said, I’ve had two pretty good nights of sleep (at least for me) in a row, so I’m feeling hopeful. I’d really like to get back into my routine of reading before bed, because it’s something I genuinely enjoy and miss when I fall out of the habit.
Fingers crossed May ends up being a better reading month.
What I’m Currently Reading
Right now, I’m reading Sense and Sensibility. It’s part of a “couple chapters per week” kind of pace, so I’m taking my time with it and really letting it soak in.
I’m also in the middle of My Darling Girl by Jennifer McMahon. I’ve read quite a few of her books and loved all of them, and so far this one is no different. It’s a psychological thriller about a woman caring for her estranged mother at the end of her life, who she begins to suspect might be possessed. It sounds a little unusual, but it’s been really good so far.
What I Want to Read in May
I have a couple more Nancy Drew books lined up for this month, which I’m really looking forward to.
I’ve also started listening to Cue the Sun! The Invention of Reality TV by Emily Nussbaum on Spotify. I’m only about a chapter and a half in so far, but it’s already been so interesting. It goes into the origins of reality TV, which I was surprised to learn dates all the way back to the 1940s and 50s.
Have you read anything nostalgic lately? Do you find yourself reaching for lighter or heavier books this time of year?
