I started my 2018 reading off with a bang, and made my way through 7 books. I honestly feel like I could have read more, but there were some life events that took me away from my to read list.
Earlier in the month, my dad went into the hospital for a while. He’s fine now and doing much better, but having him out of commission definitely took a tole on my focus levels last month. Getting things done was just harder because my mind was elsewhere. I let a lot of work and projects slip through, and didn’t really talk about it online.
As much as I share here and on social, there are some things that I have to keep private and process on my own before sharing with my audience. My dad and I are super close, and now that he’s better, everyone is doing better.
I was taking trains and Uber rides back and forth between Philly and Jersey, I had a lot of time to think and get through the occasional chapter. Thanks to some feedback from all of you, I’m adjusting how I write these wrap ups a bit.
Instead of just including my little mini review/synopsis and linking only to Goodreads, I’ll be sharing my star rating, a quick note on what I liked/disliked, a link to buy directly on Amazon and a link to the full Goodreads synopsis. I hope this will make these wrap ups easier to navigate, more impactful for you guys looking for good reads to add to your shelves and give you a better idea of my thoughts.
So, let’s jump into January reads!
Because You Love to Hate Me: 13 Tales of Villainy by Various Authors
Rating: 4/5 Stars
What I Liked/Disliked: I really enjoyed most of the stories in this anthology! I loved getting introduced to new authors who I haven’t read without having to commit to a full novel and loved the focus on villains. Some of the stories did not connect with me, and made it harder to push through to the next.
Buy on Amazon / Read more on Goodreads
Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seannan McGuire
Rating: 5/5 Stars
What I Liked/Disliked: The entire Wayward Children’s series is amazing and I cannot recommend it enough. I loved exploring new worlds with these characters! I disliked the focus on the weight of the main character. All of the characters in this series have diverse and explicit identities which don’t seem to be called out as much as the overweight main character was here.
Buy on Amazon / Read more on Goodreads
The Love that Split the World by Emily Henry
Rating: 3/5 Stars
What I Liked/Disliked: I wanted to love this book. While I thought it was decent and really enjoyed the characters and writing style, the plot was a little confusing (it involved time travel/parallel worlds) and could have been done better. Glad I read this author, and will read other books by her (I have one on my shelf now!).
Buy on Amazon / Read more on Goodreads
The Life Boat by Charlotte Rogan
Rating: 3/5 Stars
What I Liked/Disliked: The writing and plot concept saved this book. Those were really the only things I enjoyed. I listened to this on audio, and that’s probably the only way I made it through. I found the main character annoying and felt like we were constantly waiting to “get her” but never did. The plot of having shipwreck survivors in a lifeboat was super interesting, so I’m glad I found out how it ends.
Buy on Amazon / Read more on Goodreads
The Grown Up by Gillian Flynn
Rating: 4/5 Stars
What I Liked/Disliked: After reading this and Gone Girl, I am a fan of Gillian Flynn! I loved how she managed to pack so much into so few pages (it’s less than 70!) and kept me intrigued. I wish she had other short stories!
Buy on Amazon / Read more on Goodreads
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
Rating: 5/5 Stars
What I Liked/Disliked: I haven’t reread this since I was a teenager, but it’s always been one of my favorite books of all time. This is one of my favorite YA romances, favorite characters and a story that speaks to me so much. I always cry reading it because it hits so close to him for me in so many ways. One of my favorite Rainbow Rowell books!
Buy on Amazon / Read more on Goodreads
The Sun and her Flowers by Rupi Kaur
Rating: 4/5 Stars
What I Liked/Disliked: I loved that this collection focused on mother/daughter/parent relationships and immigrations. It was certainly timely! Kaur’s writing is gorgeous to me and I enjoy her take on poetry.
Buy on Amazon / Read more on Goodreads
As always, you can follow me on Goodreads to keep up with what I’m reading! What books did you read last month? Leave your upcoming reads and favorites in the comments!
So important to take the time that you and your family need! Glad to hear that he’s doing better <3 // Because You Love to Hate Me and the Wayward Children series intrigue me! Gone Girl was solid, although I had read it so late that it wasn't quite a surprise for me anymore because so many people were talking about both the novel and film 😛 Rainbow Rowell, gotta love her. And I haven't gotten around to Rupi Kaur yet, but I plan to eventually!! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
I am always looking for new things to read, so this was very appreciated. Was happy to discover that you enjoyed Eleanor & Park as much as I did years ago. Makes me want to reread this incredible story.
I really should work on reading more books. I do have the time, I just don’t dedicate much of it to reading anymore. These seem like some great selections and easy reads.
Also, praying for pops! Hope that he recovers well and doesn’t have to go back anytime soon!