I like to read. A lot. And the majority of my reading is done in my bed or on my walking pad. Since I spend so much time with this activity why not document it here, right? I’m always looking for new reads, so I figured I would share what I’ve been reading in case anyone else is on the constant search like I am. I also track everything over on StoryGraph (find me here) and I’m obsessed with the visual stats it provides.
Fourth Wing & Iron Flame – Rebecca Yarros
I’ve read a few fantasy series before (i.e. The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter) and quickly became absorbed in the Empyrean world. I mean, they had me at dragons so it wasn’t going to be a challenge for me to like these books. Are they the most eloquently written? No. Do they employ overused tropes that make me roll my eyes? Yes. But damn if they aren’t page turners packed with suspense, magic and some spicy scenes. I’m going to take a break and read something completely different in the next month, but I’ll circle back once I can get my hands on Onyx Storm.
101 Essays That Will Chang The Way You Think – Brianna West
I started this one off in December, and it proved to be a great way to end one year and start the next. Who doesn’t love a motivational get your ass in gear pep talk? Some of it is a little repetitive, but for the most part it made me consider a lot of things I never really take the time to think about. In a season where we are all wanting to let go and start anew, this delivers a great jumping off point to begin self-reflection. Note: I listened to this in audiobook form, but if I were to go back, I’d read this in physical form. Unless it’s plot driven, I have a hard time digesting audiobooks. Lesson learned.
Bel Canto – Ann Patchett
I started this one in 2023ish and only got about 30% of the way before losing interest. Normally, I devour Ann Patchett (i.e. The Dutch House, Commonwealth, Tom Lake) but for some reason I STRUGGLED. In an effort to tie up loose ends in my “Current Reads” folder, I decided to give it another try. I still struggled, but became invested about 80% of the way. Am I glad I finished it only to check it off my list? Absolutely. Will it be a repeat read? Most likely not. (I am curious about the 2018 movie starring Julianne Moore though. Maybe I’ll see the book in a different light after viewing.)
Big Summer – Jennifer Weiner
I remember my sister bringing this to my house when she came to visit a couple of summers ago, and when I saw it on her shelf over the holidays I asked if I could borrow it. She said she never got around to making much headway with it, so I didn’t have anything to go off of save for the jacket cover synopsis. I can safely say this book is not at all what I was expecting. I went in thinking it would be a light hearted rom-com, something of a palate cleanser. What I found was beaches, suspense and lots of plot twists. Delightfully unexpected!
I have a few books in queue at the library, but no definitive plans for the month of February. What ever I end up reading, I’m sure it will be light hearted and fun. It is still winter after all. Send me any recs you have my way!