The 6 Books I read in January

I normally read a lot in January. This month, I think I did a fair amount, but I feel I was reading less than I normally do. However, I'm not looking at it as a race or a goal I have to meet, that takes all the fun out of it. I read to go on a journey with the characters and leave changed, enlightened, captivated, and maybe even a little more cultured and knowledgeable. It's kind of fantastic the amount you can get out of a book. You can travel the world, and be so far deep into your imagination and the authors, all while being where ever you'd like. In case you've forgotten, books are magic.

I think that this year, I will reread books that moved me previously. Maybe even pick up a Harry Potter book or two.

#1. A New Earth - Eckhart Tole ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This man was on Oprah‘s book club for a reason! Honestly I feel that whenever I can’t read something or like can read it but it’s not being understood it just means that it’s not my time to read it. I have tried to read this book and the power of now many times. This time, I was ready and open to it and I found it to be very powerful, and its messages were very aligned with the stuff I was learning about last year. It talks all about consciousness which is pretty life-changing. I won’t spoil it for you go ahead and read it.

#2 After I Do - Taylor Jenkins Reid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Goodness I loved that story every second of it. I guess she’s my favorite writer for a reason. It’s a sweet love story. What I love about her stories is that they're always so different from anything else I've ever read and I can never accurately guess what's going to happen next. I wasn’t sure where it was going, but was happily enjoying the ride. The characters were likable it was unpredictable, and the story was so enjoyable.

#3 In a Holidaze - Christina Lauren ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

UM SO CUTE! Very fun chick lit though I found it a tad slow in the beginning. Once it picked up, I couldn't put it down. I loved all the twists, and unexpected realities. The author may have won me over to start reading all her books. Keep reading if you want to read more about the story structure: It's set up in a Ground Hogs' Day/Russian Doll type of story. I love playing with that sort of inexplicable circumstance that gives you that "second chance" at learning your lesson and getting it right. It was fun, and cute. The characters were all different and lovable, felt like a place you wanted to join yourself and witness.

#4. Forever, Interrupted -Taylor Jenkins Reid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I've officially read all of her books. I tend to do this with authors I love. I want to read everything they've ever done. It was devastating and a story about death and grieving,

and though it wasn't very plot heavy, it was nice to

go through this unexpected story with the characters.

#5. The Beauty of Living Twice by Sharon Stone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I picked this up because the title called me since it sounds like the author had gone through some things, and came out, alive and well or else she wouldn’t be writing this book. I didn't pick it up because of who the author was, but I think the part that it was an actress everyone in the world knows, it piqued my interest. Also, going through somewhat of a hard time in my life right now, the title resonated. I’m not really a memoir reader, but as I started reading, I because super interested in the story Sharon Stone wanted to share about her life. She was so down to Earth and super badass. Totally the type of woman I like having in my life. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her movies, except for Casino because Scorsese and DiNiro (need I say more?). I found her story enchanting, and hard, and compassionate, and oh so empowering. It was such a lovely, heartbreaking, thought-provoking read. And I feel like she’s such an incredible role model, and philanthropist. My favorite books are the ones that make you feel something. The ones that leave you changed. Or give you a glimpse into a world or life you had no idea about. And she did that throughout the book. Her learnings about life and her family were just so captivating, eye opening, devastating, and healing. She talked about all the stuff that mattered, none of the he said she said or useless Hollywood gossip, it was great.

#6. Sabrina & Corina by Kali Fajardo-Anstine ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was a collection of powerful short stories. Each tale was captivating, yet, heart wrenching, where you're left both broken and somehow still moved. I couldn't put down these 11 profound stories, all set against the backdrop of Colorado, about different indigenous Latinx women in various situations they found themselves in and their tireless feminine force to navigate universal experiences. I always love a book that keeps me thinking about the characters, books that stay with me. This book is just that. A must read.

Star Key:

⭐️ 1 star means it was okay, and I wouldn't read it again.

⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars means it was good but not my cup of tea.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 means I enjoyed it and recommend it for fun.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 stars means it was powerful and you should read it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5 stars means it was life changing, I loved it, and you must read it.