It’s past the middle of February now… but better late than never, right?
In the blog update I posted a couple of months ago, I mentioned not writing a full review for every book I read and not keeping to a strict posting schedule. I’ve noticed a big difference already in the way I approach reading. I wish I’d let myself take a breath a little sooner. I have a terrible habit of turning everything I enjoy into something extreme.
February started off busily (in the best possible way). I haven’t read nearly as much as I would have liked, but I must admit, it’s been a good break to do something different for a change of pace. Now that things are settling down again, I’m getting back into my regular reading and writing routines.
What I read in January:
Sisters of the Sky by Lana Kortchik ~ ★★★★★
So happy with my first read of the year! This is the second book by Lana Kortchik I’ve read and she’s quickly becoming a favorite author.
The Book of Giants: The Watchers, The Nephilim, and the Book of Enoch by Joseph B. Lumpkin ~ ★★
I learned of these lost books on an episode of Ancient Aliens and I was super intrigued. Maybe it’s on me for being surprised by this, but so much of The Book of Giants was illegible and unreadable. The author’s notes were an even worse distraction. I didn’t go into this with a plan as accepting it as scripture, but it felt like Bible fanfiction. Disappointing, as I am very intrigued by the Giants in the Bible and wanted to learn more.
The Sacrifice by Indrajit Garai ~ ★★★
Always happy to see an email from Estelle suggesting Indrajit Garai’s works to me! I can’t say this one was my favorite that I’ve read, but it was still worth the read.
War and Remembrance by Herman Wouk ~ ★★★★
This was a lot to take on at the start of the year, but I’m glad to have both volumes of The Winds of War behind me. I have mixed feelings about the series. The books informative and don’t read like modern-day World War II fiction, but both books are about 500 pages too long each.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot ~ ★★★★¾
Really interesting book! I was semi-familiar with HeLa cells and Henrietta Lacks’ story, however, not to the extent to which the book delves. Happy it was a group read with discussion about it!
The Third Wife of Faraday House by B.R. Myers ~ ★★★¾
So many vibes I like in this one! Thoroughly enjoyed my time reading it, though I wouldn’t claim it was a spectacular or memorable book as a whole.
The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry ~ ★★★¾
I read this in one sitting and enjoyed it while I was reading it. Ultimately, it didn’t stick with me and already the details are a bit murky. I enjoyed the setting immensely, and that’s what left any sort of lasting impression.
Happiness Falls by Angie Kim ~ ★★★¾
I hate to say it, but if I didn’t have non-verbal relatives, I don’t think I would have been all too interested in this book. There was just a lot going on in it. I’d say it’s more literary than mystery, but the mystery is the driving force of the story, so I don’t know.
Mercury by Amy Jo Burns ~ ★★★★½
Loved this book! I’m trying to be more mindful of my book purchases so I didn’t initially pick this as my Book of the Month selection, but a friend of mine started reading it and told me that she thought I would like it. How right she was! So far, this is my favorite read of the year.
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