As I was beginning to write this post on Sunday evening, I began to experience the first wave of nausea. Getting sick is never a welcome experience, but stomach issues are the most hated for me! I spent most of the night propped up in bed to see if that would help the situation. I finally got some sleep and things are more settled, but the nausea has not passed. So this is a very “to the point” post this week. I’ll plan to return with my witty opening (in my mind, at least!) next week.
What I Finished This Week
Bound for Canaan: The Underground Railroad and the War for the Soul of America by Fergus M. Bordewich. It might have taken a bit longer than a usual read for me, but I am so glad that I plowed through this one. I learned so much and really feel fulfilled and inspired. Bordewich wove together a lovely exploration of the people, places, and circumstances that fed the movement while honestly pulling back the curtain on the political, racial, and social scenes that were impacted. I never realized that the abolitionist movement gave rise to the earliest days of the women’s equality movement. I found it fascinating to see how fugitive slaves found that their liberty was still at risk once they arrived in the northern free states due to the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. The desperation of the escaping slaves came alive on the page and their willingness to choose death over returning to bondage was heart breaking. The fact that there were not major violent actions before those at Harper’s Ferry is unimaginable to me. As a Southerner, my public education failed to explain the complexity of the Underground Railroad. I thought it was strictly associated with Harriett Tubman! While she was an influential player, she really arrived relatively late in the movement. I will always be primarily a fiction reader, but this foray into non-fiction reminded me how fulfilling and invigorating these texts can be. 3.5 stars.
The Favorites by Layne Fargo. I love the Winter Olympics — especially figure skating. So give me a “romance” (I’m using that term loosely) set against the backdrop of competitive ice dancing and I’m all in! Kat and Heath have been skating together since they were children. Despite the odds, they made their way to the US Nationals and did quite well. While there, they caught the attention of Kat’s long time idol in the sport. The pair are invited to train with the legend and her twins — who just happen to be the favorites for gold in the upcoming Winter Games. This is a tale of intrigue, rivalry, betrayal, and corruption that was hard to put down. Definitely not a book that I would recommend missing! 4 stars.
How to Date a Prince by Hayden Stone. I wanted an easy audiobook for my recent trip to Dallas that would also fulfill prompt #41: A Guide to….. This cute romance features Auggie, the heir to the British throne, and Thomas, a successful American entrepreneur. The two find themselves on a reality show where the stakes are high. While on set, it becomes clear that not all of the British subjects adore their future king. The story explores ideas of duty, loyalty, and personal loss beautifully. The conversation between Auggie and his father as the book approaches its conclusion is a beautiful expression of advocacy and coming to terms with one’s sexuality. While there were moments that were rather cliche, I really did enjoy this read. 3.75 stars.
What I’m Currently Reading
Hidden in Plain View: A Secret Story of Quilts and the Underground Railroad by Jacqueline L. Tobin and Raymond G. Dobard, Ph.D (p. 95 of 192). My exploration of the Underground Railroad continues with a study of how quilts were used to assist fugitives to find their way to freedom. I have long been fascinated by patchwork quilts and the various patterns that were common throughout the South. Tying the symbols and images to their African roots, Tobin and Dobard explain how the visuals reminded escaping slaves of important things that would lead to their success while also providing maps of unknown plantations and directions to safe spaces along the way. The book is reading a little more like a thesis than a substantial work of non-fiction, but the ideas presented are interesting to consider.
April in Review
All in all, April was another busy month in my world. That impacted the amount of reading that I was able to complete each day. I’m not thrilled with April’s results, but I still managed to read at the equivalent of at least one book a week for the month.
- Books read in April: 5 (down 1 from March)
- Pages read in April: 2,136 pages (down 160 pages from March)
- Highest rated book: Chariot on the Mountain by Jack Ford – 5 stars
- Lowest rated book: The Leaving by Tara Altebrando – 3 stars
2026 Reading Challenge Progress – The 52 Book Club
With the work on the April mini as well as reading the non-fiction book, my overall progress in the main challenge is a little less than I would like — completing 13 of the 52 prompts so far.
I didn’t quite finish the April mini challenge either, but I know what book is going to take care of that prompt. I plan to read it this week so I can get to work on the May mini and resume work on the main challenge.
Despite my limited progress this month, I am very pleased with my overall reading in 2026. As of this posting, I have read 29 books this year.
Upcoming Plans
This week marks the final week of classes for the Spring semester. That should mean that I’ll have more time to devote to reading for pleasure. The only thing that I know for certain is that I’m going to read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak for the last of the April mini prompts. This will be a re-read for me; I first read the novel when it was published in 2005, but I don’t really remember a ton of the story. I’m looking forward to picking this one up again and diving into the pages. It appears that I enjoyed the read, giving it 4 stars at the time.
Reading for Me 