January Reading Stats
Books Read: 7
Pages Read: 3,147
Genres Read: 1 Non-Fiction, 6 Fiction
Sub Genres Read: Biography, Memoir, Short Stories (2), Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance, Fantasy
Highest Rated Book: 4.5 stars (Onyx Storm)
The Best Minds
Author: Jonathan Rosen
Genre: Non-Fiction, Biography, Memoir
# of Pages: 576
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Why I Read It: Saw the book in a bookstore and it looked interesting, plus it was a Pulitzer Prize finalist
One Sentence Summary: The author examines his relationship with Michael Laudor—a childhood friend who struggled with paranoid schizophrenia yet managed to graduate Yale Law School before stabbing his pregnant fiancee to death.
Why 3.5 Stars? The gripping part is the relationship between Michael and Jonathan, but there is a lot of discussion of mental illness and legal issues that sometimes bogged down the narrative.
Would I Reread One Day? No
Normal Rules Don't Apply
Author: Kate Atkinson
Genre: Fiction, Short Stories
# of Pages: 224
My Rating: 4 stars
Why I Read It: Kate Atkinson is one of my favorite writers
One Sentence Summary: Interconnected short stories that have a bit of the unreal about them: a fairy tale that may or may not be happening in real life, a recurring worldwide extinction event that only affects those indoors, a budding goddess exploring her powers.
Why 4 Stars? Atkinson’s books are always a good read due to her sense of humor, imagination, and ability to inhabit her character’s inner lives.
Would I Reread One Day? Yes
Half of a Yellow Sun
Author: Chimamanada Ngozi Adichie
Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction
# of Pages: 543 pages
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Why I Read It: I’m exploring this author’s books after loving Americanah
One Sentence Summary: The novel chronicles Biafra’s struggle to become an independent republic from Nigeria during the 1960s as viewed by three different characters.
Why 3.5 Stars? I learned so much reading this book, but it was a challenging read and not as accessible as Americanah. I had to do a lot of Googling about Nigerian history to get a better grip on things.
Would I Reread One Day? No
Fates and Furies
Author: Lauren Groff
Genre: Fiction, Literary Fiction
# of Pages: 391
My Rating: 4 stars
Why I Read It: I’m exploring this author’s books after loving The Vaster Wilds
One Sentence Summary: The story of a marriage—told first from the husband’s perspective (Fates) and then the wife’s perspective (Furies)—that slowly reveals layers of secrets.
Why 4 Stars? I love when a book surprises by flipping the narrative so the “truth” is really quite different than you first thought. Plus Groff’s unique writing style.
Would I Reread One Day? Yes
Yours Truly
Author: Abby Jimenez
Genre: Fiction, Romance
# of Pages: 416
My Rating: 4 stars
Why I Read It: I enjoyed the first book in the series (Part of Your World) and was in the mood for a lighter read
One Sentence Summary: Two ER doctors (who’ve both recently gone through difficult breakups) fake a relationship to help them get over an awkward situation and then … well, you can guess.
Why 4 Stars? I’m not a big romance reader but this series won my heart. I also appreciate that the author addresses more serious issues (e.g., anxiety, chronic illness).
Would I Reread One Day? Probably not, but I’d read more Jimenez books.
Onyx Storm
Author: Rebecca Yarros
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy
# of Pages: 757 pages
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Why I Read It: This is Book 3 of a series I love
One Sentence Summary: Violet and Xaden’s relationship becomes complicated while war with the Dark Wielders threatens
Why 4.5 Stars? This is Book 3 of a planned 5-book series, and things are getting really good and complicated. The book ends on a cliffhanger, which just makes me want the 4th book ASAP. Sadly, it will probably be a few years until we get it. I will most likely have to reread the series to prep for Book 4, which cannot come soon enough!
Would I Reread One Day? YES!
The Thing Around Your Neck
Author: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Genre: Fiction, Short Stories
# of Pages: 240
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Why I Read It: I’m exploring this author’s books after loving Americanah
One Sentence Summary: Short stories taking place in Nigeria and America and describing different aspects of the Nigerian and immigrant experience—almost always from the female perspective.
Why 3.5 Stars? In general, I’m not a huge short story fan because they (almost) always leave me wanting more.
Would I Reread One Day? No
