Everything I read in January
award season style
I finished “14 books” in January. Inverted commas (as the brits say) because I decided to do the Graphic Audios of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame as my re-reads in preparation for Onyx Storm. [So these counted as 4 books when really it was the equivalent of 2 abridged novels.]
Keeping with the spirit of “abridged is good enough,” I thought creating “superlatives” or “awards” for each book would be a fun way to share my January reads. Let me know if you’ve read any of these or if you’re inclined to pick one up.
As always, I’ve linked the books through bookshop.org so you can scoop a copy for yourself while supporting an independent bookstore. (If you use my links I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.)
Most Unique
Shark Heart: A Love Story By Emily Habreck
4.5 stars | Audiobook
This is a love story, but it is NOT a romance.
This was a book club read and I truly recommend it to so many people. It’s slices of life with a touch of magical realism using creative mutations as a powerful metaphor for chronic illness.
Such a creative way to write about love, in all its forms. This is definitely one of those books I'll never forget and will think of often. It did make me cry twice which is kind of rude, but I am so glad I read it!
The book that should be a show by now
When the Sky Fell on Splendor By Emily Henry
4 stars | Audiobook
In what world was this not the first Emily Henry novel to be adapted for screen? It was such a fun and playful paranormal story with heart. I will be buying this for my 12 year old God Son ASAP!
Most likely to keep me up past bedtime
Caught Up (Windy City, #3) By Liz Tomforde
4 stars | Paperback
I love Liz Tomforde’s writing. With the first two in this series I found the female main characters SOOOO relatable and I loved that. In this one I found neither of the main characters remotely relatable, but I still had the time of my life and cried like a baby.
Most likely to push me down another Taylor and Travis rabbit hole
Night Shift (Daydreamers, #1) By Annie Crown
4 stars | Audiobook
If you are an avid consumer of romance novels, this book is written for you. We love when romcoms are self-aware, but still relatable, and Annie Crown nailed it with her debut NA romance.
This was a fun and fast paced, open-door college romance. It’s he reason I was able to stay up all night during the 24 hour read-a-thon (because I couldn’t stop listening). The introverted English major who’d rather pick up shifts in the library than go out with her classmates and the D1 basketball superstar are the unlikely pairing that I didn’t know I needed. (he knows how to ball and she knows Aristotle)
Also I just love when we get tall FMCs, and she’s TALL (and blonde) and he adores her and makes her feel dainty.
Most likely to be read by Papa Peed at the same time [without planning]
Close to Death (Hawthorne & Horowitz, #5) By Anthony Horowitz
3 stars | Audiobook
An interesting way for Anthony Horowitz to keep the storytelling fresh. Interested to see how he already has seven more of these plotted. He does like taking a bite of the grape ;)
I really appreciated the discussion of tropes in mystery writing and the history he provided. (The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino and The Inugami Curse by Seishi Yokomizo)
Like my dad, I found the ending a bit unsatisfying and for lack of a better word, dumb.
It was funny though because Dad called from a business trip in Colorado to see how far I was in Onyx Storm and said he was really into an audiobook right now but would read it next. Turns out we were listening to this at the same time by coincidence. He bought it on audible and I had it from the library! (I have the physical and audio from the library rn.)
I will say, this is forever an audiobook series for me.
Most likely to be recommended to Papa Peed
The Boyfriend By Freida McFadden
3 stars | Audiobook
Dumb leads don’t do it for me. But I did like the twist!
Most “is this f***ing play about us”
Left on Tenth: A Second Chance at Life By Delia Ephron
5 stars | Audiobook
This book is so great and hit close to home for so many reasons. The play on Broadway was incredible too!
If I had to describe my experience with "Left on Tenth" it'd be Beschert. Also worth noting the dog breed Havanese because Delia says they're "funny" (like have a fully hilarious personality) and I want to remember this for future reference.
Most likely to exceed expectations
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year By Ally Carter
3 stars | Audiobook
Really cute and cozy! The romance was super cheesy but kind of fun and matched well with the closed door mystery.
Most likely to scratch that itch
Viscount in Love (Accidental Brides, #1) By Eloisa James
4 stars | Audiobook
I loved this one! Mainly because of the shared love and appreciation for precocious children. Oh what a mind! Honestly it's such a Sweet Nothing love story. The dyslexia representation was so special and opening mind to intelligence beyond literacy. UGH!
Most forgettable
No Ordinary Duchess (Greycoat, #3) By Elizabeth Hoyt
3 stars | Audiobook
I enjoyed it but found the beginning a bit dull. The second half got kinky in a way I’ve never read (especially in a historical romance) so naturally I loved that! Plus you’ll never catch me complaining when Elizabeth Hoyt is putting out new novels.
Most likely to use up all my libro.fm credits
Fourth Wing & Iron Flame [Dramatized Adaptations] By Rebecca Yarros
[parts 1 and 2 of each] ratings range from 3-5 stars | Audiobooks (x4)
The graphic audio was a fun way to re-visit this world (and it went faster and counts twice in the reading goal) but I do think it detracts from the quality of the story.
On my third "read" (and first re-read after reading Onyx Storm) I realize Violet kind of sucks. She was one of my all time favorites in this book because watching her exceed expectations, out-smart competitors, and combat her chronic illness on the daily was BAD ASS! her compassion and ability to see through prejudice was also soooo exciting.
But on this re-read I realized how close-minded she can be in a lot of ways. The assumptions she jumps to regarding her mom are understandable because we all think we know our parents better than they know themselves (and are often way off), but that's why she behaves this way with Xaden. She's so dumb and irrational and I just don't think she's hero-worthy based on her reaction to the revelations in the end of the book.
Also this was the first time I tried to really remember that Xaden is just a 21 year old boy while reading and it does translate well. It helps with his imperfections and I wish they leaned a little more into that. He carries the weight of his world on his shoulders (literally) and I want to see more of the boyish fool.
Anyway, wish there was more angst in the build up and more critical thinking on Violet. I'm now dreading my Iron Flame re-read.
So in Fourth Wing I thought the graphic audio diminished the quality of the material, but in Onyx Storm is made it much more palatable and exciting and enjoyable!
Violet still sucks. But she sucks a little less when her non-sensical inner monologue is abridged and consumed at 2x speed.
Graphic Audio minimizes the experience. So for books I adore (Fourth Wing) I found it frustrating, but for books I detest (Iron Flame) I found it preferable.
What was your favorite AND least favorite read from January?
Hyper-fixation du jour: SNL 50th Anniversary Special
Literally the whole thing.
If you want to purchase any of the books mentioned in this article, please consider using my affiliate link with my favorite independent book store, The Ripped Bodice, or using my referral link to libro.fm for an audiobook!