January Reading Wrap Up

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January 31

As I get my energy back, I find the urge to write about books being met with the actual energy to do so. This month has found me very grateful for all the wonderful authors out there who write such lovely, or fascinating, books to keep me company.

THIS MONTH'S FICTION READING

MY THOUGHTS

I think I have entered the murder age of life. Maybe it is a murder phase? Only time will tell.

I started January trying to read a light-hearted romance by Janet Evanovich. Hoping to take my mind of things, this fell short. Don't get me wrong - Stephanie Plum is still a bookish bestie! This book just felt like it needed a stronger edit.

Then I did something I don't think I have done in years and years. I bought a book for my kindle. Typically, I use my kindle to borrow books and if I want to purchase one, I want the physical copy. Thank goodness I broke that old habit! I have been devouring the Thursday Murder Club Series and Elizabeth, Ibrahim, Ron and Joyce have kept me company all month. I am half way through the last one and torn between relishing it and finding out who done it.

Sangu Mindanao's excellent The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches was a delightful gift I received for Christmas. If you are seeking a story about found family - this one hit the spot for me. The only detraction was an awkward romance but, honestly, that may have just been me this month.

I read two Jesse Q. Sutanto books. While Dial A for Aunties fell flat, Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers soared! I love the whole group of characters and, again, the found family that formed.

I can hardly wait for the next Elie Cosimano's Finlay Donovan (March 5th!) so I picked up a short from the series, Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank. This story gave a little insight into Finlay's ride or die friend. I'm not sure why it is labelled "3.5" but, if you are interested, it is more of a ".5" and predates Finlay's first book.

I also read, and enjoyed, Kirstin Chen's Counterfeit but I didn't love it. This book would have felt revolutionary and nuanced in 2004 but, in 2024, it just felt like a lot of stereotypes. Still, love a good twist.

Finally, if you are ever having abdominal surgery, wait more than a week to read Heart and Brain. This book just tickles me every time I read it. The illustrations, the truth that you feel behind these comics cracks me up every time.

THIS MONTH'S NONFICTION READING

January's reading theme was personal growth. With that in mind, I tried to select books that would challenge me to develop and change as a person. I wanted to focus on what I put in my body and so many of my books were chosen to help me make better choices.

MY THOUGHTS

If you are looking to be inspired by a celebrity, pick up Geena Davis' book, Dying of Politeness. Smart, interesting, introspective - I would like to be more like her, please and thank you! Model, Actor, Olympic level archer and currently a sponsor studying gender inequality in television and films. She is so cool.

Unlimited Memory is my first reading on memory books. This is something I would like to delve into more this winter. It was a quick read with some helpful tips but, overall, was not very helpful for me.

One, Eat like the Animals, Ultra-Processed People and Gut are all books to support a better diet. This blog belongs to a candy-holic. If Wonka makes it, I love it. Happily, Ultra-Pocessed People is a balanced approach to eating in our current world that provided me with the science and insight into Ultra Processed Foods (UPF). This might be the book that changes me but I vow to not become obnoxious! Gut was a fascinating look at how our GI track takes in all that food. Eat Like an Animal was a little boring - I am not a bug person and there is a lot of bug stuff in here. But, I learned why so many diets emphasize protein consumption. Finally, One was a concrete cookbook to start cooking with health and environment in mind.

Bliss by Light Watkins may have done the impossible and convinced me to actually try meditation. Talk about a balanced approach! If you have ever wanted to, or tried unsuccessfully to meditate, this was an excellent primer on how to bring meditation into your life.

This is probably also me but Jenifer Lewis' Walking in my Joy just did not resonate with me. I am not one for short stories and this was really a collection of anecdotes - most enjoyable - but they needed an overriding theme. I was expecting each one to reflect how she reclaimed her joy but some were too sad for my state of mind at the time.