January-February Book Haul: “Birthday” Edition

First book haul of 2022! And it’s the birthday edition as my birthday was in early February!

What better way to treat myself than with new books! I am happy to report that I have cut way back on buying books (a book buying ban just doesn’t work for me) recently. I have been focused on really tackling all of my physical and digital bookshelves. It’s a great feeling to read some of these backlist titles and knock out some of my reading goals at the same time.

Not much to say except onto the book haul!

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Bought

Piece by Piece: The Story of Nisrin’s Hijab by Priya Huq – In this middle-grade graphic novel, Nisrin will have to rely on faith, friends, and family to help her recover after she is the target of a hate crime. I saw this novel while shopping at Vault of Midnight and wanted to pick it up. The cover caught my eye as well as the story.

Seen: Edmonia Lewis by Jasmine Wells – I remembered this graphic novel being reviewed over at the blog, Graphic Novelty, and decided to pick up a copy for myself. I love historical graphic novels.

Knight on Ice Vol. 1 by Yayoi Ogawa – This is a rom-com manga series set around the world of ice skating. I was sold on this premise as I gushed recently about how much I love the sport in one of my recent Reading Recommendation batches.

Manu by Kelly Fernandez – This is a heartwarming middle-grade graphic novel adventure about friendship, defying expectations, and finding your place. The story looks so cute and I can’t wait to read it soon!

Living Room Matsunaga-San Vol. 9 by Keiko Iwashita – Another book to add to the collection. I need to sit down and catch up with this series. I think Volume 10 is the last book to be released.

Skull-Faced Bookseller Honda-San Vol.2 by Honda – This series provides a hilarious firsthand account from the front lines of a bookstore! It’s funny and relatable to me from the days when I used to work in retail.

Spy Family Vol.1 by Tatsuya Endo – I have been trying to get Volume One of this series for months! It’s very popular so it’s always out of stock. I can finally start reading it before the anime adaptation starts this Spring.

My Real Fake Boyfriend by Amanda Browning – I have tried to buy some of these Harlequin Pink manga forever! They are no longer printed and they have pink-colored pages. I found it at 2nd & Charles for only $2!!!

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Septys – I enjoy all of Sepetys historical fiction novels that I’ve read so far. This one has been on my TBR for a while. If you enjoy this genre, I highly recommend her books.

BL Metamorphosis Vol. 1 by Kaori Tsurutani – I found a copy of this for only $4. I’ve heard this series is really sweet and heartwarming. It’s about the budding friendship of an older woman and a high school student as they bond over reading BL books.

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ARCs/Review Copies

Neruda On The Park by Cleyvis Natera – A debut novel following members of a Dominican family in New York City who take radically different paths when faced with encroaching gentrification. Review to come soon.

The Quarter Storm by Veronica G. Henry – In this novel, a practitioner of Vodou must test the boundaries of her powers to solve a ritual murder in New Orleans and protect everything she holds sacred. I can’t wait to read this exciting thriller. Review to come soon.

A Thousand Steps Into Night by Traci Chee – I’ve read Chee’s books in the past so I can’t wait to read this Japanese-inspired fantasy adventure. Review to come in March!

Out of No Way by Roje Augustin –Out of No Way is a poetry book about the life and legacy Of Madam CJ Walker and her legacy as an entrepreneur and her impact in the Black community. The book briefly summarizes Walker’s background and how she came to be a part of the hair industry and revolutionize black hair with her technique and products. (Review)

Open Play by JN Welsh – I received this book from Honey Magnolia PR and I can’t wait to read it! It follows a young physical therapist who plays a risky game with an Irish soccer player and his best friend. Sounds like a spicy romance! Review to come soon.

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That concludes my January-February book haul! What books did you buy these past months? What books have you recently added to your TBR? Tell me in the comment section below.