One of my big personal goals for 2020 is to dramatically cut down on my TV time and swap that for even more reading. I know that, compared to some others, it seems like I read a lot. But over the past year, I’ve spent way more time spiraling down YouTube black holes that I have reading and discovering new books.
I’m ready to get back to that! Reading really is my favorite simple form of self care. It helps me relax, helps me quiet the voice in my own head and definitely decreases my anxiety.
On the flip side, one of my biggest professional goals this year is to finish a rough draft of my first novel! If you’re a writer, you know the biggest piece of advice given to new and experienced authors is to read, read and read some more! Especially in the genre that you want to write, which for me is contemporary adult fiction. I’m excited to pick up even more of the books I love in the name of working on my craft.
I started this year reading and rereading a bit of everything. Some fantasy, some romance, and even some non fiction! In all, I ended up finishing 6 books, and making dents in a few others. My to be read pile isn’t shrinking anytime soon…
How to Break Up with your Phone by Catherine Price.
Rating: 5/5
What I liked/disliked: This was a great little book with some really practical and actionable tips! I loved that the first half of the book really broke down the science of our phone addiction, while the second half focused on how to shift our habits. I wrote a full review in a previous post and definitely recommend it! Makes a great gift for the person sitting across from you doing emails over brunch 🙂
Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
Rating: 5/5 stars
What I liked/disliked: This fantasy series is one of my favorites of all time. The books are all short, more novellas than true novels, but the characters and writing are so lovely you won’t be able to put them down. I started rereading the series in anticipation of picking up book 5, which released last month. The series follows children who have gone off to other worlds (Narnia, Wonderland, etc) and are now at a school for wayward children learning to cope with life in our world, and maybe get back home.
Down Among the Sticks & Bones by Seanan McGuire
Rating: 5/5 stars
What I liked/disliked: This is the second book in the Wayward children’s series, and probably one of my favorites of the 4 I’ve read so far! We follow Jack and Jill, who’s story is one of the darker and more twisted stories in the series. I won’t say much to avoid spoilers!
The Idea of You by Robinne Lee
Rating: 4/5 stars
What I liked/disliked: I’ve had this book on my radar for a while, as a few of my favorite bloggers and podcasters are obsessed with it! Now that I’ve read it, I totally get the hype! The book follows a woman who ends up entering into a relationship with a guy from her daughter’s favorite boy band. It sounds so cliche, but it is really well done! I love the way the main character is written to be strong and polished and so confident. This book was a good time and a great vacation read.
The Bucket List by Georgia Clark
Rating: 4/5 stars
What I liked/disliked: I loved The Regulars by Georgia Clark and decided to pick this one up on audio to listen to throughout the week. I wish I was able to find more attachment to the side characters in this one, but they all still fit really well into the story. The book follows Lacey, a young woman who’s just found out the has the BRCA1 breast cancer gene mutation. As she tries to figure out her life, health and career, she develops a bucket list of things she wants to do before possibly undergoing a double mastectomy. I love the way this book blended a very real life reality with moments of humor, sadness and fun. The love triangle stressed me out, but was very well done!
Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
Rating: 5/5
What I liked and disliked: This book has been so incredibly helpful on my novel writing journey! It breaks down the 15 beats of a well done novel in any genre. It also takes some popular titles across genres and breaks down their beat sheets. Definitely a must read for any aspiring novelists.
What did you read last month? Any new favorites?! If you’re still searching for a good read, I definitely recommend our book club pick Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid! I’m slowly working my way through it because it’s so good I don’t want it to end! You still have time to join us for the live show on February 10th!