Normally, I’d be enthused about the number of books I read in April. But this time, I managed to get through so many books because I largely ignored reasonable bedtimes to carve out solo reading time. (Also, none of these books were tremendously long… and I technically finished the Edmund Fitzgerald book in March, but didn’t get around to writing it up in last month’s recap).
Still, it was a lot of books.
On one of my recent book recap posts, someone mentioned I seem to read a lot of depressing books. This is true!
I tend to be a melancholy person to begin with and gravitate toward fiction that mirrors that and, for the most part, memoirs (my favourite form of non-fiction) are typically written by people who have some level of trauma in their past.
True to form, there are plenty of depressing books on the list, but I enjoyed most of them!
- The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
I’m not quite sure what I think about this book. I think I liked it?
It’s a quasi-connected series of vignettes that forms a novella about a Latino girl living in a rough part of Chicago and the difficult lives of the people she interacts with from her neighbourhood. I feel like I’d enjoy it more if I read it a second time, but I also didn’t enjoy it enough to necessarily read it again?
Content warnings. Sexual assault, domestic violence.
- March by Geraldine Brooks
3.5 rounded down to 3. I don’t really know what to think of this book either; it’s definitely depressing! It’s my least favourite Geraldine Brooks book so far, but… I can also understand why it won the Pulitzer Prize.
It reminds me a bit of reading Little House on the Prairie books and then reading Prairie Fires (Caroline Fraser) and Bright Lights, Prairie Dust (Karen Grassle). What I’m trying to say is that it’s sad to pull back the curtain on a warm-hearted story (in this case, the fictionalized world of Little Women).
Sad, but also compelling.
Content warnings. Graphic descriptions of slavery and war. Some strong language. Sexual assault (not graphic descriptions).
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald
I’m not quite sure how to rate this book; I’ll opt for 3.5 stars rounded down to 3. I’m pretty sure I would have enjoyed it more if I hadn’t seen the film adaptation years before—knowing the “punchline” of what was going to happen did detract from the book (for me).
All the characters are sad in some way and there’s not much hope in the book. I liked it but didn’t love it. I also thought the movie had more emotional weight than the book.
I’m glad I read it, though, and since it’s a very short novella, it’s a quick one-sitting read.
A Guardian and a Thief by Megha Majumdar
This is a dystopian novel set in a future climate-ravaged India where people are trying to flee to America to escape famine and the breakdown of law and order. This book reminded me a lot of Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits by Laila Lalami. It’s a fascinating look at the ripple effects of people’s decisions.
The story is utterly heart-wrenching. I thought it had excellent character development and pacing. You’re made to both like and dislike almost every character which makes for interesting (if confusing) reading.
Depressing but impactful.
Content warnings. Occasional strong language. Some depictions of violence.
- The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald by John U. Bacon
I didn’t think a history of shipping and shipwrecks on the Great Lakes could be can’t-put-it-down reading, but Bacon accomplished that very thing. This book provides an excellent overview of the general history of shipping in this region, its importance to war efforts, the development of various cities around the lakes and, of course, an exhaustive (but fascinating) look at the fate of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Content warnings. Some strong language. Descriptions of peril.
- If Only Love: A memoir of second chances by Shelley Saywell
This was a compelling memoir and I really liked the back-and-forth storytelling (which isn’t always my favourite literary technique). That said, it was a bit repetitive in parts.
My biggest quibble is that I find excessive dialogue from past events (written as if it can be perfectly recalled word for word) a bit disingenuous, but that’s a matter of personal taste.
Content warnings. Occasional strong language. Sexual assault. Descriptions of substance abuse.
- Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden
I did not expect to appreciate (enjoy is the wrong word!) this memoir nearly as much as I did.
Yes, there are layers of privilege to the author’s past, but that doesn’t take away from the trauma she went through during the sudden breakdown of her marriage and the writing is phenomenal.
I couldn’t put this down.
Content warnings. Occasional strong language. Limited (non-graphic) references to infidelity.
- Sister Wife: A Memoir of Faith, Family, and Finding Freedom by Christine Brown Woolley
I’m not rating this memoir.
I had no context for the show Sister Wives (and didn’t even know this book was about someone who had been on a reality-TV show). I picked this book up because John and I just finished watching a documentary about FLDS polygamy (Trust Me: The False Prophet, on Netflix).
Christine’s story was not what I expected. I guess I would describe her situation as more “mainstream”. She left her husband (as did three of his other wives), but I never got the sense she is against polygamy as a practice. It was a bit jarring and unsettling to read, but mostly sad. Her husband was manipulative and the whole situation is upsetting, especially as it pertained to his treatment of his children.
But it is a very different take than you tend to get when reading a memoir of a wife who escaped from FLDS.
Content warnings. Occasional strong language.
- Raised by a Serial Killer: Discovering the Truth About My Father by April Balascio
I’m not rating this memoir.
What a horrendously sad situation. What the author endured as a child is deeply traumatic. Her father was abusive and manipulative and, it turns out, a serial killer.
There are a lot of questions left unanswered at the end of the book and the focus is mostly on her turbulent childhood, not specifics of his crimes.
It was all deeply unsettling and is yet another reminder of the impact of generational trauma (her father was a horrible abuser but was, tragically, horrifically abused himself).
All of it was SO SAD.
Content warnings. Strong language. Descriptions of domestic, sexual, and physical violence. References to miscarriage.
- Rescued: A Young Mother’s Memoir of Survival on Newfoundland’s Forgotten Coast by Dawn E. Neill
This was an incredible story about a young mother living with her wanderlust husband in an abandoned village along Newfoundland’s Forgotten Coast. No running water or electricity! No neighbours! Weather extremes! I found the book a bit long in places (it could have been trimmed by 100 pages and been just as impactful), but she painted a vivid picture of the isolation and mental strain of life in the wild.
I really wish there had been more pictures in the book as I think that would have made the book come to life.
This would make a tremendous movie with some incredible experiences and larger-than-life characters.
Content warnings. Occasional strong language. Peril. References to infidelity.
- Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins
I don’t know how this book came onto my radar.
It’s… intense. It’s depressing. I also couldn’t stop reading.
Goggins grew up suffering horrific domestic abuse at the hands of his father. When he and his mother escaped, he continued to have all sorts of odds stacked against him. His response was to go into the Navy SEALs program and tackle ultramarathons and all sorts of other endurance events (with mixed success).
I have a range of thoughts about the book. It makes for compelling reading, but it’s unbearably sad. Goggins is running from emotional pain and seems to think physical pain will be his saviour. He also seems incapable of caring properly for himself (or others, in many cases). I suspect some people would find the book inspiring, but I mostly found it heartbreaking.
Content warnings. Pervasive (every single page) strong language. References to domestic abuse. Graphic descriptions of physical injury.
- Sorry, Not Sorry: An Unapologetic Look at What Makes Canada Worth Fighting For by Mark Critch
This book is hilarious. I laughed out loud a lot. That said, if you’re not Canadian and/or you happen to be a fan of Donald Trump, this book is not for you. A few spots dragged for me, but it’s a short read and there were some really interesting history lessons. It was written in response to Trump’s comments about making Canada the 51st state.
Half the book is a rallying cry to Canadians to celebrate our nation; the other half is descriptions of how Canada came to be (AND WILL REMAIN) an independent nation.
Content warnings. Occasional strong language.
- The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir by Kelly Bishop
This was yet another compelling memoir. I really enjoy behind-the-scenes memoirs of people involved in the entertainment industry and Bishop’s writing was engaging the whole way through.
Content warnings. Very occasional language; discussions of infidelity and abortion.
TOP PICKS FOR APRIL
- Fiction: A Guardian and a Thief. It was a pretty weak month for fiction, so this book wins, though I didn’t love it and it is SAD.
- Non-fiction: Strangers. This is not a book for everyone, but I could not put it down.
Your turn:
- What was your favourite book read in April?
- Have you read any of the books I’ve mentioned above?
- Would anyone characterize your reading preferences as depressing? (To be clear, I happily acknowledge and embrace that this is the material I gravitate toward! I wasn’t in the least offended by this generalization.)
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Goggins running with broken bones. 😵💫
OH MY GOODNESS. I know. And when he was chasing the world record for pull-ups and the flesh on his hands was literally falling off. There is grit and then there is trying to avoid dealing with past trauma without destroying your physical body.
The book Rescued looks fascinating!
I loved The Third Gilmore Girl! Kelly Bishop is the best. I am very emotionally involved with Gilmore Girls anyway, but I thought the book was very good in general. I read The House On Mango Street several years ago and I remember enjoying it a lot, but I have little memory of it. I should read it again.
I reread The Testaments recently because the TV show just came out. It was harrowing, but a fantastic read. I’m currently reading Good For A Girl by Lauren Fleshman, which is a memoir by a professional runner. It’s more about becoming an athlete as a woman in a man’s world of sports though, and the invisible (and some highly visible) forms of discrimination. I’m enjoying it a lot so far.
Next on my list is Yesteryear by Claire Caro Burke!
I just reread The Testaments for the same reason! I couldn’t remember a lot and it was throwing me off for some reason. Now I know that the show just treats some things differently, it makes more sense. I especially like the chapters by Aunt Lydia.
The latest episode with her backstory was so grim! It doesn’t really correlate with the version of her on The Handmaid’s Tale, but The Testaments hadn’t been written at that point, so I’m okay with it. I’m enjoying the series a lot.
I haven’t watched Gilmore Girls in its entirety and was never really into the show; I should have watched some episodes before reading the book!
The House On Mango Street is a short read, for sure.
I feel like I’ve read Good For A Girl?? The title + subject combo sounds so familiar.
I am on the waitlist for Yesteryear!
Why yes, since you ask, I do like a depressing book once in a while. I’m pretty sure that this dates back to all of the Agatha Christie’s that I read in middle school.
Comments on your reads:
– I can’t remember if I read Benjamin Button or not. I saw the movie a long, long time ago.
– Team Strangers! Such a good book that was much appreciated (thanks for coming up with an alternative to “enjoy”)
– I listened to a podcast about the Sister Wives book some time ago. It was interesting, but sad.
– Rescued – going on the TBR!
– David Goggins tho…reading that book is a life experience.
– Heck yeah the Canada book is going on the TBR! I’m not Canadian, but I feel that I’ve spent enough time there to enjoy it.
My favorite read in April is a tie. As you know, I really, really liked Always Pack a Candle. The other contender is Follow the River by James Alexander Thom. It’s fiction but based on a true story of a woman who was kidnapped by Native Americans in the 1750s and escaped and walked hundreds of miles back home. It’s the perfect road trip audio book (though probably a touch graphic for a family car listen).
Currently: my Libby hold for Yesteryear came in so I’m getting caught up on the hype! So far it’s justified.
Strangers was so good!!!!
I think since you liked Always Pack a Candle, you will really like Rescued. A similar vibe.
Goggins—yikes. I’ve read quite a few books by ultrarunners, but this was next level. Not necessarily in a good way.
I think you’ll like the Canada book, too. I promise you’ll laugh.
I’m still waiting for Yesteryear, impatiently, I might add!
RAISED BY A SERIAL KILLER omg imagine. What a terrible thing, I will not be reading that book!
I loved House on Mango Street and of course Strangers. Strangers was one of two five star reads in April – my other one was This Is Not About Us. I’m reading a book called Is This A Cry For Help and I’m really enjoying it – and it’s a Canadian author! Speaking of which, I canNOT read books from Newfoundland, I find. Why are they all so sad? A friend of mine told me about Small Game Hunting at the Local Coward Gun Club (had to look up the title because wow, what a title), she said it was the BEST BOOK EVER. I would put it down as the most depressing book ever. Hey, maybe you’ll like it! Content warning for LITERALLY EVERYTHING. Just when I thought it was turning around, plot wise, someone got hit by a car and died, that was the kind of book it was. I never again took her recommendations to heart!
She doesn’t mince words in the title.
I half expected him to be this wonderful, doting father (like Dennis Rader, the BTK), but he was not. His abuse of his family was so utterly horrific. My heart just broke for everyone in his destructive path.
I have This Is Not About Us on my holds list.
Wasn’t Strangers just wonderfully written.
Hmm. I think I might steer clear of Small Game Hunting. It sounds ROUGH.
I’ve read a couple of these- The House on Mango Street. My feelings about it are just about the same as yours. I also read the David Goggins book. Interesting that you read it- how DID it come to be on your radar??? People have mixed feelings about it- a lot of ultrarunners cite his book as the inspiration that got them into the sport. Then there are people who think he’s insane and shouldn’t be abusing his body like that. He’s definitely an interesting guy!
I’m reading a book right now that might be right up your alley- The Current by Tim Johnston. It’s really well-written and interesting, but oof- so sad. So many sad things happening to people!
I have no idea how it ended up on my TBR, Jenny. I am admittedly HORRIBLE at keeping track of where I get book suggestions and ideas from.
Going to add The Current to my holds list right now!
Wow, you read so many sad books last month in particular it seems! I’ve read both of your favorites. I didn’t love A Guardian and a Thief quite as much as you did but I did appreciate it. She packed a lot into a short book as it was barely over 200 pages, I think?
I’ve heard about Goggins and have decided he is not for me… it all sounds so unhealthy and intense.
There were a lot of sad books last month.
Any other month, A Guardian and a Thief wouldn’t end up on top, but my fiction list was slim pickings this month! I need to up my fiction game in May.
DON’T READ THE GOGGINS book, Lisa. It is overwhelming and unrelenting!
That was quite a list for just one month, Elisabeth. I tend to gravitate toward the sad books too but I try to follow a sad one with something a little lighter. I read just five books in April. All 3- and 4-star ratings. Nothing that rocked my world this time 🙂
Strangers was the only book that rocketed to a 5-star rating; I’m pretty stingy with handing them out.
Oh, I loved March so much, I think it’s my favorite Brooks book. There is so much hype about Strangers right now, I think I need to get on that bandwagon. I enjoyed The Third Gilmore Girl quite a bit. I read House on Mango Street, but mostly I just found it sad.
The best book I read in April was perhaps Yesteryear, but I also really appreciated my rereads of The Testaments and An American Marriage. I’m currently reading a book called The Phoenix Pencil Company that is very good.
I’ll be curious what you think of Strangers; I suspect you’ll love it!!
House on Mango Street WAS sad. I do think I’d like it more a second time. I spent too much of the book trying to keep the different characters straight when really I needed to just read each little vignette as an independent story.
I have Yesteryear on my holds list, but I have a while to go…
Books I enjoyed this month were The Girls I’ve Been, The Outside Boy, Always the Last to Know and Tilly and the Crazy Eights, a book club pick. I just finished All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby – very gritty, and have Always Pack a Candle up next. I have The House on Mango Street on my TBR list.
Like you, I do tend to read more depressing books. I don’t think of them as depressing, rather realistic. I do like to throw in a more light-hearted read from time to time to break things up.
Can’t wait to hear what you think about Always Pack a Candle.
I have Always the Last to Know on my holds list already, and just added All the Sinners Bleed.
I love your reframe: they’re not depressing, they’re realistic!!!
I read Renarkably Bright Creatures. Loved it. It reminded me of All the Light We Cannot See for some reason. The Traveling Cat Chronicles.
I plowed through a lot of Mercedes Lackey-Valdemar- the later ones. Enjoyed some, got tired of them after a while. Lots of other random mysteries , non fiction, and rereads.
I did read Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary- meant to do it all Lent and finally read it on the Easter weekend. Any Catholics out there might enjoy it.
I need to get Strangers. Then I need to find a classic novel to read. Maybe Dickens?
Strangers was a great read for me.
Hmmm. Classic book. I loved A Tale of Two Cities. And enjoyed Great Expectations more than I expected to, re-reading it as an adult. The Picture of Dorian Grey is another one that I enjoyed more than anticipated.
I haven’t read any of those books, but do tend to like memoirs.
I finished Bearing God’s Name, excellent book, I learned so much!
And I scanned through All New Square Foot Gardening.
Longer reviews here: https://practicalwalk.com/2026/04/28/april-book-stack/
Thanks for this link, Katy!!
Usually I have zero of the books you’ve read, but I’m in on the House on Mango Street (beautiful but devastating), The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald (rad), and the Kelly Bishop memoir. We did a bit of book twinning!
I really don’t care for books that are overly depressing. This is why I gravitate towards romance and fantasy. But sometimes you need a good wallow, you know?
I got the Fitzgerald book after you recommendation and you knocked it out of the park!!!
I’ve heard of a few of these, but have only read Strangers, thanks to you, when you shared a snippet about it in a blog post. I did the audio version, and it took me only a few days to complete. Granted, I had two 2.5-hour drives in a row, so it was a great riding companion. It’s been a few weeks, and that story still pops into my brain, unannounced.
I don’t usually go for depressing books, but sometimes it just happens. 🤣
I found Strangers surprisingly impactful; glad you enjoyed it.