# of Books Read- 8
# of Pages Read- 2,550
Favourite Book(s)- Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, Wonder by R.J. Palacio, & The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer
I read Annihilation within the first few days of January and it is still on my mind. It was so weird but in a really great way. I have such mixed feelings about it because it left me with many unanswered questions. If you are looking for something completely original with elements of SciFi, dystopia, and horror then I would recommend looking in to this one. I am so curious to see how the rest of the series plays out, and apparently it is being made in to a movie as well.
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
The Underground Railroad is a book that everyone talks about, and for good reason. It is speculative fiction, and I thought that the take of having the underground railroad being a real train was interesting but it could have been more fleshed out. That said, this book was beautifully written, heart wrenching, and so important. I can not wait to see what Colson Whitehead writes next.
Uncommon Type by Tom Hanks
I was reluctant to read this collection of short stories because I am always wary about books written by celebrities. In my opinion, I was worried for nothing. It was well-written and I loved the focus on everyday people with the occasional elements of SciFi. I had a few issues with the way he wrote women but I will definitely read his next collection, if he ever comes out with one!
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
I will be surprised if this book does not make it in my top ten books of the year! It was brilliant! I have a feeling that this is a book that will stick with me for many years to come. It is one of the most thought-provoking novels that I have read in a long time. I was so connected and invested in the characters, and it was frustrating trying to unravel what was happening to them.
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
Jesmyn Ward is a truly talented writer. I now want to read all of her books! This book was so hard to read at times, and mad me so angry! I love a book that can bring out those emotions. The first chapter was a bit graphic and I was not prepared for it (animal slaughter.) I just want to mention that so if you decide to pick it up, you are aware of it. Sing, Unburied, Sing talks about important topics and handles them in a way that I felt was realistic and had a big impact. I can see why this book is so well loved.
Gunslinger Girl by Lyndsay Ely
As you can see, I have read a lot of heavy and dark books this month. I decided to read Gunslinger Girl because I was looking for something more fun and action-packed. This book definitely delivered. It was really fast-paced and I could not put it down. A lot of it was predictable, but there were a few twists that I did not see coming. It was really the characters and the setting that were the highlights for me!
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Wonder was an emotional roller-coaster. I felt every single emotion while reading this book, and by the end of the ride I had fallen deeply in love with it and with Auggie. It is not often that I come across a novel that I think every single person should read, but this is one of those books. It is so insightful and there are many lesson that can be learned and/or reinforced. It deserves every ounce of love that it receives.
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
I have been talking about wanting to read The Bear and the Nightingale for months now, and I am happy to say that it has surpassed my expectations! It starts off a little bit confusing and it takes awhile to get all of the characters sorted out, but once you do it is absolutely beautiful and captivating. I really reads like a fairy tale for adults, and I did not want it to end. I am looking forward to picking up the next book!
This has been one of the best reading months I have had in a long time. Every single book that I read was unique and amazing in it’s own way! I am hoping that this is a sign that I will have an incredible reading year.
What was the best book that you read this month?
Great January, Kristin!! I really want to read Arden’s book, since I’ve seen it everywhere and you loved books that I loved as well ^^
My favorite read this month was “Beauty and the Beast” by KD Shea, since it was sweet and a lot of fun, full of witty talk, grumpy characters ♥ It just warmed my heart ^^
Cheers to a better February… if that’s possible 😉
Sing, Unburied Sing sounds so intriguing! I’ve already added it to my wishlist. 😋 And I’ve been meaning to get Wonder for so long, but it hasn’t happened yet.
Sing, Unburied, Sing is really great but hard to read. I definitely recommend it. Wonder is so amazing! I couldn’t put it down!
This reminds me to put Gunslinger Girl on my wishlist when I go bookshopping next month, whoop! Thank you, haha. 😀
Haha awesome! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!
Awesome job reading eight books in January! 🙂 I’ve been really wanting to read The Underground Railroad and Wonder.
Thank you! They are both excellent!
Wow, I wish I could read that much each month! I have had my eye on The Underground Railroad for a long time but have never gotten around to it yet. I did just download Annihilation this month in preparation for the movie, I am looking forward to reading that one soon.
The Underground Railroad is definitely worth reading! Just so heartbreaking! Annihilation might be the weirdest book I have ever read but that is kind of what I like about it!
I for sure like weird. I also like the science aspect…I am a big science nerd 🤓
Then you are going to love this one!!
I really want to read Annihilation! I saw the trailer for the film and it looks like something I’d love. Gotta get my hands on a copy of the book prior to seeing the movie.
I wish I had bought the bind up of all three books! I need to know what happens but I can’t find the other books. It’s driving me crazy!
Glad you enjoyed Never Let Me Go! Though I read the novel years and years ago, I still love it until now. Have you watched the movie as well? It’s a great adaptation <3 Uncommon Type has been on my TBR for a long time, but I never really hear people's thoughts about it! I might give it a try in the near future 🙂
I have a feeling Never Let Me Go will be a favourite forever! I haven’t seen the movie but I really want to. I adore everyone who is in it! Uncommon Type is worth reading. He is talented in many ways!
Great month! I also loved Wonder and have had my eye on The Bear and The Nightingale for some time. I really must bump that one up and read it soon.
Thank you! The Bear and the Nightingale is wonderful!
I got that first book you mention… Annihilation!… But my BF took got it from the shipping courrier and doesn’t want to give them to me 🙁 It sounds so good and I like the combination a LOT!
You need to get your hands on it!! It is so strange but really good. You need to read it before the movie comes out! 🙂
That is why I bought it but he has taken it hostage xD hahaha I’ve read somewhere that the author is part of a new wave of “weird” literature as a new genre, so I am super excited to read it and understand it ! :3
Hahah well he picked a good one to steal! That is kind of awesome. I would definitely read more from that genre!
Totally, I saw his name on the article and someone else but I don’t remember xD
Very curious about Underground Railway and Sing Unburied Sing! Really agree about Wonder and glad you liked Bear and the Nightingale overall!! 😀
Both of those books are incredible but heavy and hard to read some times! I highly recommend them!
Wonder and The Bear and the Nightingale were both better than I was even expecting!
Fair enough- I imagine so- thanks for the tip!
Awesome!!
The cover of Gunslinger Girl is so cool!
I’m now reading Sing Unburied Sing and am really liking it. I’ve only completed the first chapter/part so far.
Gunslinger Girl is so fun!! The cover makes it look like more of a Western than I really though it was! Glad you are enjoying Sing Unburied Sing!
I love love loved Wonder! I’ve read it multiple times. Have you seen the movie- it was great!
It was so good! I haven’t seen it yet! I wanted to read the book first!
SO MANY GOOD BOOKS!!
I know! It was an awesome month!
Wow, what an excellent January! 🙂 The Bear and the Nightingale looks so enchanting –
I’m definitely adding it to my TBR. This month was a good reading month for me too, and since I can’t choose just one favorite, I’ll say that I’m glad I finally read Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman.
Enchanting is a perfect word for The Bear and the Nightingale! I have had my eye on Norse Mythology since it came out. I love his writing!
this sounds like such an amazing reading month!! also i’m now officially adding The Bear and the Nightingale to my tbr
It really was. It is such a good book. I think you will love it!
This is the second or third time I’ve heard positive things about ‘The Bear and the Nightingale’ so I think it’s maybe time I checked it out for myself! Looks like you’ve had a productive month in regards to reading…I wish I could say the same for myself 😛
It was surprisingly productive! The Bear and the Nightingale is beautiful! Highly recommend it!
I’ve been hearing a lot of good things about Gunslinger girl lately so I’m glad you liked it too! I have Underground railway and The bear and the nightingale on my tbr and cant wait to read them 😀 You had such a great month, hope feb is just as good <3
Thank you so much! Gunslinger Girl was really fun. I think you will like it! The Underground Railroad and the Bear and the Nightingale are must reads for sure!
Some great book choices to start off the year!
The Bear and the Nightingale keeps coming up so I might have to add that one to my TBR!
Really want to read Never Let me Go but I saw the movie a few years ago so I know the big spoiler… do you think the book will still be as effective if you know the plot?
https://justjensreviews.wordpress.com/2018/01/31/january-movies-tv-wrap-up/
The Bear and the Nightingale is beautiful. I highly recommend it.
I think Never Let Me Go is still worth reading. The character’s are what shine more than the plot but I think you will be way less frustrated than I was reading it!
So many great books that I have on my list – thanks for sharing your thoughts!
That’s awesome. I really loved them all!
The Hearts Invisible Furies – favorite read in January!
Ah I want to read that one!! I loved The Boys in the Striped Pajamas!
ooo i’m just about to start the Tom Hanks book, good to hear it’s legit — need to read annihilation before the movie comes out!
I hope you enjoy The Uncommon Type!! I am interested to see what the Annihilation movie will be like. It’s such a weird book that I’m having a hard time picturing it as a movie!
So glad to hear you had such a great reading month and happy to see Never Let Me Go on here! This book was brilliant, I loved it so much and didn’t expect the end, at all. It was amazing. So happy you loved it, too 🙂
Hope you’ll have a great February! xx
It really was brilliant. I am tempted to reread it soon! I was blown away by it. I hope you have a great month as well!
Looks like you had a great month, Kristin 🌸
I’m so happy you finally got round to reading The Bear and The Nightingale this month; I also started it but it was a bit confusing and I don’t think I was in the right mindset, I’m hoping to read it soon and I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Wonder is also on my TBR, I know it’s going to be a sad book but I really want to read it before going to see the movie.
I hope you have a lovely February 🌸
I really did! The Bear and the Nightingale blew me away. It is as good as everyone said it was but it does take awhile to really get in to it. I hope you enjoy it the next time knowing that it is confusing at first! Wonder is sad but really sweet at the same time. I think you will love it!
you did great and i am so happy that you loved “wonder” 😍😍😍😍
Thanks! Wonder was beautiful!