As it turns out, the secret to reading while simultaneously breastfeeding a baby is swapping out hard covers for a kindle. And here we are, seven books clocked in the first month of 2021. This is what I read, and of course a few thoughts.
What I Read in January
White Ivy by Susie Yang
Very raw, very real, and very addicting. A bit of a slow burn but every bit that was unfolded made me feel even more invested in the story. The only real negative was the story arc, it didn’t really seem to resolve or have a satisfying ending. Would still recommend. 4 out of 5 stars.
The Lost Girls of Devon by Barbara O’Neal
I probably would have enjoyed this a lot more had I read it rather than listened to it on Audible. I absolutely loathed each of the four narrators, which in turn made me loath each of the four main characters. It was a decent story, and I can see why it has such glowing reviews, but it was deeply unsatisfying and it left me a bit angry. Waiting, waiting waiting for clues to solve the mystery and boom! out of no where the entire whodunit gets wrapped up in like half a chapter. Plus the narration just ground my nerves to a pulp. Do not recommend. 2 out of 5 stars.
This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens
So cute. Last year I read a handful of romances that I really enjoyed (The Unhoneymooners, Beach Read, One to Watch, Red, White & Royal Blue), so figured why not to another one. It was really cute, did I already say that? I can totally see Netflix adapting, it would be a fun movie. 4 out of 5 stars.
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
TW: rape and abuse. Deep exhale. This was a tough subject to tackle and it needs to be noted that the author did a fantastic job with such a heavy and controversial topic. Almost impossible to put down at night and impossible not to route for Vanessa. Sidebar: I forced myself to read Lolita a couple of years ago, and very glad I did. Nearly every other page of My Dark Vanessa references Lolita, so it was nice to actually understand fully what was being expressed between the lines. 4 out of 5 stars.
The Boys Club by Erica Katz
I really, really enjoyed this! But but but I have to say I absolutely hated the ending on several levels and I kind of hated our main character. It was a very interesting and very realistic peek into the lives of first years at a White Shoe firm. 4 out of 5 stars.
The Home Edit: A Guide to Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals by Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin
I definitely understand why there’s a lot of hate out there for THE, I really do. With that said, we just moved into a new home we spent the last 6 months renovating, and reading through this book was helpful. Not a huge amount, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t take away a few things I love and implement regularly. 3 out of 5 stars.
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
Favorite book I read this month. It was a beautifully written, perfectly told story. Not a single paragraph was out of place between past and present. I loved Gyasi’s Homegoing and had a feeling I would enjoy her second novel. I would recommend Homegoing over Transcendent Kingdom but that’s not to say TK isn’t a fabulous, wonderful book. 4 out of 5 stars.
Our Toddler Series of the Month goes to Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel. Sadly, there are only four short books in the collection. We purchased all four in a cute little box set and our girl is obsessed. She loves each and every story and will frequently recite lines, sometimes entire paragraphs, at random. The stories are cute, fun, and usually have a little lesson in them. Also, bonus points for same sex love between pant wearing amphibians. ADORABLE. They’ve been the #1 Bedtime Book of the Month for January.
Our Baby Book of the Month is…. whatever his big sister is reading. Because second child. But in all seriousness, I’m trying to read Little Owl’s Night by Divya Srinivasan on a daily basis, at least once. It was a huge hit for Nomesie.