Video: January Reading Wrap-Up

The new year brings even more opportunities for good books! Here is my January reading wrap-up:

One Day in December by Josie Silver

Two people catch sight of each other in a missed connection meet cute. That missed connection continues for a decade, as they weather relationships, job changes, moves, and friendship. For the ups and downs we weather, it wraps up a little too quickly and neatly. Nice ride, abrupt stop.

Still Lives by Maria Hummel

Reclusive artist Kim Lord has gone missing on the night of her big gallery opening. We follow Maggie as she mourns the loss, tries to find the culprit, and nurses her broken heart. While it gave an interesting look at art, I felt that I didn’t fully illustrate its characters, especially Kim, Maggie, and the man who completes their semi-love triangle, Greg.

A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne

Oh, this book! Maurice Swift is a climber, wanting to be recognized as an accomplished author. He goes to some extremes to make that dream come true. It’s similar to The Talented Mr. Ripley. And that is all I’ll tell you! I don’t want to spoil the surprises in this wonderful book. Just trust me. Read it.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Kya has grown up in the swamp, alone from a very young age. Her world is a socially-odd mix of animalistic and academic. The murder subplot is a bit imposing and Kya’s reality seems a little too unreal, but Where the Crawdads Sing is overall a compelling book.

Also check out my January booktube book reviews:
So Lucky by Nicola Griffith
The Chrysalis by Brendan Deneen
An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen