Spring TBR list

The  book on the top of my TBR list is a romance book that a few peoplehave told me to check out. Check & Mate is a contemporary romance novel by Ali Hazelwood. Sparks fly between Mallory Greenleaf and chess bad boy, Nolan “Kingkiller” Sawyer,who are both competing in chess tournaments. Amidst strategic battles on and off the board, they discover a deeper connection that challenges their perceptions of love and competition. I am so excited to read  it and I have heard some so many great things about it!

Hamnet is a historical novel that imagines the life of Shakespeare’s son, Hamnet, who passed away as a  child. Through rich prose and meticulous research, O’Farrell explores the grief and emotions of Shakespeare’s family, particularly his wife Agnes (Anne) Hathaway, shedding light on the inspirations behind one of literature’s most famous plays, Hamlet. Hamnet was a major sensation on BookTok a couple of years ago, and I’ve only now had the honour of getting my hands on it. As a Shakespeare enthusiast, I can’t wait to read this.

Giovanni’s Room is a groundbreaking novel exploring themes of identity, love, and societal expectations. Set in 1950s Paris, it follows the protagonist David as he navigates his sexuality and relationships, particularly his intense connection with Giovanni, amidst societal pressures and personal turmoil. Baldwin’s poignant prose delves deep into the complexities of human desire and alienation. As a reader of classics, I am keen to read this one as I have heard many good things about it and it’s only 160 pages long

Jane Austen’s least known novel and written when she was only 17, “Lady Susan” is an early epistolary novel by Jane Austen, featuring the manipulative and scheming widow Lady Susan Vernon. Through a series of letters, the novel portrays Lady Susan’s attempts to secure advantageous marriages for herself and her daughter, while navigating societal expectations and romantic entanglements with wit and cunning. I’m excited to read more of Austen’s work. I’ve heard that it showcases her genius, writing it at such a young age.

If He Had Been with Me is a contemporary young adult novel that tells the story of  Autumn and Finny, childhood friends who grow apart. The story follows their journey as they reunite during their senior year of high school. Told through Autumn’s perspective, the novel explores themes of love, friendship, grief, and self-discovery. I’m excited to read this as it is a little different from my usual reading material, and I’ve heard many good things about it.

Shatter Me is a dystopian young adult novel set in a world where the protagonist, Juliette, has a lethal touch. She is held captive due to her dangerous abilities until she meets Adam, igniting a forbidden romance and sparking a rebellion against the oppressive government. My friend read this whole  series very quickly and and said it was totally amazing. That, coupled with all the hype it’s gotten online, I can’t wait to read it and determine if it’s worth the buzz it’s been receiving.

1984 portrays a dystopian world controlled by a totalitarian regime led by Big Brother. Winston Smith rebels against the oppressive government but is eventually crushed by its surveillance and thought control. Themes of surveillance, propaganda, and individuality are explored in this cautionary tale against authoritarianism. I’m excited to delve into a world where clocks strike 13, thoughtcrimes exist and where Big Brother is always watching…

Animal Farm is a political allegory for Russian Communism after WWII that depicts a group of farm animals overthrowing their human farmer to establish a society based on equality and justice. However, the pigs, who assume leadership, become corrupt, betraying the original ideals, just like those in charge of the communist regime. Through satire, Orwell critiques totalitarianism and the abuse of power. I’m kind of cheating by adding it to the list as I’ve read it so many times before, but I need a refresher as a review on the book is coming soon! I cannot wait to delve back into Animal Farm, one of my favourite books!