It may have taken me until the last day of May to get this up, but it’s been a busy month! I’m hoping to get back into the groove of blogging more consistently in June. That said, April was still a strong month — I wrapped up several books I’d started in March, which helped my numbers quite a bit.
I finished six books in April, bringing my yearly total to 24 books, nearly halfway to my goal of reading 50 in 2025. Here’s what I read:
Carrie by Stephen King
Format: Digital
Platform: Kobo Bookstore
Device: Kobo Libra Color
This was Blake and my pick for our April read in the Blake and Cole Read a Book Club on Fable. We’ve been focusing on horror, and since Blake mentioned not being a big Stephen King fan, we decided to go back to where it all began.
For King’s debut novel, Carrie holds up remarkably well. I loved how the story shifts between perspectives, combining character narratives with news clippings, book excerpts, and interviews. It makes for a dynamic and layered reading experience. We’re hoping to record a podcast episode about it soon, so stay tuned for that!
Dolores Claiborne by Stephen King
Format: Audiobook
Platform: Libby (via my public library)
Device: Pixel 9 Pro
This one came recommended by my buddy Josiah Furcinitti, author of The Number Room, which I reviewed. I asked for some good audiobook suggestions on threads, and this was a fantastic pick.
The story centers around a housekeeper being investigated for the murder of her employer. What makes this audiobook stand out is the stellar production — complete with immersive sound effects. It was my second King book of the month, and a standout.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Format: Audiobook
Platform: Libby (via my public library)
Device: Pixel 9 Pro
Since I was attending a local author event where John Green was speaking, I wanted to read some of his work. This one is probably his most famous — and for good reason.
It follows Hazel Grace (fun fact: I have a daughter named Hazel), a teenager with cancer who falls in love in the midst of her struggle. It’s heartbreaking, beautifully written, and full of emotion. I plan to watch the movie adaptation soon — currently available on Disney+ and Hulu if you’re curious.
Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green
Format: Audiobook
Platform: Libby (via my public library)
Device: Pixel 9 Pro
Originally, this event was supposed to feature Tommy Orange, but he had to step back for personal reasons. John Green stepped in, so I decided to also give his new release a try.
Green turns the lens on tuberculosis — a disease that still kills over 1.5 million people each year — and zooms in on individual stories to humanize the impact. The writing is thoughtful and informative, though not everyone may connect with the subject. That said, the audiobook is a great way to experience it.
Saving Emma by Allen Eskens
Format: Digital
Platform: Libby (via my public library)
Device: Kobo Libra Color
With Eskens’ newest release, The Quiet Librarian, out now, I’ve been working my way through his backlist. Saving Emma features Boady Sanden, a recurring character in Eskens’ world, as he works both a legal case through the Innocence Project and navigates a personal battle to keep his foster daughter.
Eskens continues to weave emotional depth and legal drama seamlessly. If you’re new to his work, I always recommend starting with The Life We Bury — it really sets the foundation for this universe.
There There by Tommy Orange
Format: Physical copy
Since Tommy Orange was originally scheduled for my library’s “On the Same Page” event, I wanted to read his work anyway — and I’m so glad I did.
There There is an unforgettable novel following several Native American characters living in Oakland. Their stories intertwine in profound and sometimes devastating ways. Orange set out to write about the modern Native experience, and he delivered something powerful and lasting. I’m definitely picking up Wandering Stars soon to check out more from Orange.
📚 Best Book of the Month
There There by Tommy Orange
Tough choice this month — everything I read was strong — but There There takes the top spot. It’s the kind of novel that will be talked about for years to come, and I think it’s accessible to just about any reader.
👀 What I’m Reading in May
- Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare
This is our May pick for the book club. I reviewed it a while back , and with the sequel out and a movie on the way, I’m excited to revisit it. - The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens
This is Eskens’ latest, and while it’s not tied to his previous novels, I wanted to read everything before jumping in. Looking forward to seeing how it stands apart.
That’s it for April! What did you read last month — and what are you diving into for May? Drop your recommendations below or send them my way. I’m always looking for something new to check out.
Cole Talks Books 
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