How are we already through another month?? I feel like I start all of these the same way LOL, but I genuinely don’t think I’ll ever be able to wrap my head around how fast time moves.
I wasn’t able to do a whole lot since April was such a busy month sadly, so this wrap up won’t be as content-packed as the others, but that’s okay. I don’t expect every month to be a 100%.
That being said, let’s dive into April! And stay tuned until the end for a small teaser of what’s to come this summer :))
As always, there will be spoilers in the book section so please feel free to scroll onto the next section! :))
Books
Ariadne – 4.75⭐
Yet another feminist Greek mythology retelling – is anyone surprised? LOL, I think it’s safe to say it’s my favourite niche genre. Every single one is just so good, I eat it up every single time. One of my mutuals on BlueSky actually recommended this book to me and after I looked into it further I decided to pick it up – and holy shit, I’m so glad I did.
I just remembered that I forgot to include this in my March highlights, but I actually got my library card set up again with the intention of borrowing ebooks from my local library. And they actually have a lot of audiobooks as well, more specifically they had Ariadne on audiobook. I bought the physical copy, but for some reason I was really struggling to get into the first chapter when I was physically reading it, so I borrowed my very first audiobook! :))
Anyways, I absolutely loved this book. I love the way Jennifer Saint wrote Ariadne and Dionysus’ dynamic, their relationship, and interactions. It felt very natural but didn’t take away from interacting with a literal god. The entire time their relationship was developing I was like “Get you a man like Dionysus” specifically when he stayed on Naxos to reassure Ariadne that he wasn’t going to leave her stranded as Thesus did. However, I think it was around the 3rd or 4th section in the book – whenever his cult started gaining more popularity – that I quickly rebuked that statement. Not that his character was “bad” per se, but more so because of how it started to impact their relationship and how they didn’t really have much quality time together anymore.
The only reason why I didn’t rate this a full five star is because I personally struggled in liking Ariadne’s character, specifically in the last section of the book. I don’t like how she’s quick to jump to conclusions without considering all possible sides first and then coming to a consensus. This one personality trait/character flaw really irked me, and while I understand that the author chose to write Ariadne this way for a reason, it made me so incredibly angry at Ariadne and some of the decisions she made as a result of her jumping to these conclusions.
Also, I’m so mad at the ending – not that Jennifer had any control over that, and it is a Greek mythology retelling so of course it’s going to be a tragedy – but I would love for one of these feminist retelling to feature a protagonist who wins. I don’t care that it’s not historically or mythologically accurate, I just need one of them to win for once to balance out all these losses.
Regardless, definitely add this to your TBR, you won’t regret it.
I actually started another book during April but I haven’t finished it yet since I’m in the tiniest of reading slumps, so that review will be posted in my May Wrap Up once the month is over.
It’s a really cute book so far from what I’ve read, I just haven’t gotten around to finishing it sadly.
Movies and Shows
I wasn’t able to watch as many shows or movies as I would’ve liked, but with the time I did have, I spent most of it on YouTube watching Smosh.
Princess and the Frog
I watched this after an emotionally intense day and needed something with a happy ending to make me feel better, and this absolutely did its job.
I haven’t seen this movie in such a long time and I genuinely forgot how great of a movie it is – dare I say it’s one of Disney’s best modern-day princess movies.
I listen to the soundtrack often, but for some reason always forget about the movie whenever I’m browsing.
Anyways, really glad I watched this and Naveen is one of the best Disney princes ever.
Music
Talk to Me by Belle Vista
I can’t remember how exactly I came upon this song but it’s been plaguing my life ever since – as it should be.
The chorus is super catchy and I find myself singing it back to myself as the day goes by and can’t seem to get enough of this song.
Wake Me by Bleachers
I’ve had this song in my reading playlist for a while but only recently did it grasp my undivided attention.
I love the chords of this song, and just how fun it is to listen to this.
The Crux by Djo
This album released earlier during the first few days of April and I’ve had it on repeat ever since – I even tuned in to the live listening party.
My favourites are Link, Delete Ya, Potion, and Gap Tooth Smile.
It’s such a great album for fans of Fleetwood Mac and The Beatles, especially the song Potion – you can definitely hear the Fleetwood Mac-inspired guitar riff and the overall vibe of the Beatles in this one.
Soft Office Playlist
I recently discovered this Spotify playlist on my homepage and it’s been amazing background music for when I’m reading.
The one thing I love about Spotify that Apple Music can’t seem to replicate exactly, is their ability to match your music taste so well. Like it’s kinda scary sometimes how amazing their recommendations are at reading your taste, then giving you a song or artist that has the exact vibe you’re going for.
I’ve even added a few of the songs from here into my own reading playlist.
Highlights
1. School is done!
Well, at least until September. But now I get to have a nice four month break to focus on some side projects of mine and I can’t wait to share them with you!
And there might even be a teaser in this post too 👀
Here’s to yet another month of 2025.
This wrap up isn’t nearly as long as my previous wrap-ups but finals season always kicks my ass, sadly. Since school is done though, I’m able to batch up a bunch of posts for you so I’ll be posting those over the summer. It’d be nice to batch into fall and winter, but please don’t hold me accountable to that LOL – I’ll try my best and see what I can get done :))
I will be announcing one of my side projects very soon though, so stay tuned for a post about that as well. I’m super excited to share it with everyone.
I’ll see you in the next!
– julzy
julzy 
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