April and May 2019 Reads

I've decided to combine my April and May posts together this time.  My reasoning is vague... things got busy with school and with life, I guess.  Reading (and other things) kind of fell to the wayside in April.  But May was much better!

So, over April and May, I read these books:

• I Am Alfonso Jones by Tony Medina
• To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
• Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki
• Swing by Kwame Alexander
• The Call of the Wild by Jack London
• The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll

As wonderful as these reads were, these were some of my favorites:

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki

This book came to my attention because my best friend from second grade is the illustrator for this graphic novel.  So I was alright super psyched for this book for that reason, but once I actually cracked it open and read the story that Mariko Tamaki wrote, I fell in love.  Mariko Tamaki is one of those authors that I've just figured out that I will either not like what they make or be really enthusiastic about what they make.  Not that I've felt passionate hate for her work, I just haven't been as enthralled with some of her works.  But I liked this one because it draws attention to unhealthy relationships and a character that is trying to separate herself from one.  I love that the characters are quite intersectional as well-- many characters are people of color and are part of the LGBT+ community.  I think there's a powerful message about aligning yourself with the people who will bring you up and help you be your best self.  I think this is something that young people need to read.  I can't tell you how many conversations I've had with students who were struggling with unhealthy relationships (not dangerous, just not the greatest) this past year.  There was so much guilt about wanting to separate themselves from someone because they had a history with that person.  People of any age need to know that if someone isn't treating you with respect or is being kind to you when it's convenient for them, it's time to move on.  I think there need to be more voices spreading this message.  I'm happy this book can be one of those voices.

The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll

I've posted about the fact that I bullet journal a few times on this blog.  It's a system that has honestly changed my life for the better.  It helps me stay organized for everything that life throws at me and it helps me be reflective.  When I heard from bullet journals who influenced me that the creator of the system had written a book about how to bullet journal, I was a little skeptical.  Especially since he has a website.  But I was assured that this book was worth the read whether you are just getting started with bullet journaling or you've been doing it for a while already.  

If you go on YouTube and search for bullet journal videos, you're likely to find hundreds of very fancy spreads-- beautiful spreads!  If you're not a particularly artistic person, you may feel simultaneously in awe and intimidated because there's the impression that your bullet journal HAS to be beautiful.  But it doesn't.  It just has to help you be productive.  So this book is a nice way to remind everyone of the basics and to help you think about why you include the things you decide to include in your bullet journal.  I love that there are tons of examples about how to plan for and break down your goals to get them accomplished and also completed examples from people who come from a variety of backgrounds that have found success using the bullet journal method.  It's a wonderful book and well worth a read if you're even remotely curious about this system!

We'll keep it short and simple this time around.  See you again at the end of June!  There are already many great reads brewing that I can't wait to tell you about!

--Jude