January Reads

Am I book influencer now?!

Over the last few years, I didn’t spend as much time reading other works as I’ve done in the past. Partly because I was writing, editing, and re-reading my own novel. (It still feels awesome to say that I wrote a novel! Ahhhh!) Now, I’m working a bit harder at striking a better balance between writing new things and reading works by other writers. I should add querying to that pile, since that takes up some time. Anyway, I figured it might be fun to share with you all what I’m reading this year, so this will be the first digest of what made it off the bookshelf and into my hands (or ears) this month.

Oh, and I keep track of what I’m reading on Goodreads. Feel free to follow me there!

Sidenote (potential “hack”?): I found I am enjoying more nonfiction/memoir works if I listen via audiobook. I use the Libby app (connected with my local library) for the most part. I absolutely recommend trying this if you have trouble getting more works of nonfiction on your shelf like I sometimes do. Another plus of doing this? The author tends to be the narrator, so you get to hear their story straight from the source.

Also… These posts will never contain spoilers. Enjoy!

In no particular order, here are the books I smashed in January — a mix of fiction and nonfiction:

FICTION

ONE OF US IS DEAD, by Jeneva Rose

Every time I read a book by Jeneva Rose, it makes me want to be a better writer. Especially her thriller/suspense novels. I devoured this in one day! It gave me a touch of dark Real Housewives drama, which is something I always appreciate. A masterclass in how you can successfully alternate between several points of view to unravel a tale that will leave you wondering “okay, so what really happened?” the entire time you’re reading. A thoroughly entertaining, devious, gossipy thrill-ride.

I’LL BE YOU, by Janelle Brown

Just when I thought it didn’t get better than Pretty Things, whewww was I wrong. This might be one of Janelle Brown’s best yet. This is a compelling mystery centered on twin sisters who were former child stars, one of which is a recovering addict. When one of the sisters disappears, the other sets out to find her. Their complicated bond plays out as you get the story from both of their points of view. More of a suspense read than a thriller, this was definitely a page turner that I sailed through on a lazy Sunday.

THE PERFECT RUIN, by Shanora Williams

I’ll be honest, I was excited about this one based on the synopsis but was kind of let down. Not by the story though, which was a classic tale of revenge. That was good. I enjoyed the plot and how it played out, but personally I felt the writing left something to be desired. That’s literally my only complaint. I can see this being a Lifetime movie, which is absolutely not a slight because… I love Lifetime movies! I sailed through it, didn’t hate it, and still might check out other work by this author later.

NONFICTION

I’M GLAD MY MOM DIED, by Jennette McCurdy

Heartbreaking. Absolutely heartbreaking. McCurdy found major fame as a child actor on Nickelodeon being forced into industry by her mother at an early age. Through therapy after, her mom has dies, she realizes she was actually raised by an abusive stage parent. Extremely well-written, her humor absolutely shines out of the darkness of her adolescence. I am thrilled she is finally doing what she wants to do with her life. I look forward to reading more of her writing in the future!

STARRY MESSENGER, by Neil deGrasse Tyson

Loved this one. I really enjoyed listening to Tyson’s narration of his latest book, as well as the subject matter. Touted as Tyson’s “cosmic perspective to civilization on Earth”, he does a wonderful of job of playing devil’s advocate for many of the polarizing topics presented in the spirit of (and to relay the importance of) debate. The scientific point of view is what I came for and I was not disappointed.

RUN TOWARDS THE DANGER, by Sarah Polley

Sarah Polley, an award winning Canadian actor/writer/director who some of us might recognize from her work on-screen as a child actor (Road to Avonlea!) puts forth this very impressive collection of essays about her life. Polley’s prose is tight and eloquent — I enjoyed listening to her read her experiences of acting on stage and screen to confronting the devastating effects of suffering from both scoliosis and having a concussion. Highly recommend!

All the links for the books reviewed go to Bookshop.org, a wonderful site where you can purchase your books and support your local independent bookstore(s). 📚