What I read this winter
If you read my 19 for 2019 update, you already know I blew way past my reading goal and ended the year with 32 books read. You also know that I strayed pretty quickly from the reading list that I started with since I decided to start “free reading” in the first couple of months.
This year, I’m continuing to push myself and have a goal of 40 books. I’ve found Goodreads to be invaluably helpful and motivating with this quest. I enjoy that I have a space to track what I’ve read, what I’d like to read and how I’m doing on my goal.
Since I’m often asked for book recommendations, I thought I would put together more frequent posts about what I’ve recently read. Below is everything I read in January and February, along with a quick synopsis and general thoughts.
Five Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Night Circus
Erin Morgenstern
Stats: Fantasy, 391 pages
Quick summary
Two magicians, Celia and Marco, have been trained since childhood to duel a competitor they have not met for a competition with vague rules at The Night Circus. Love, death and magic all take center stage in a cruel game neither player wishes to play.
What I thought:
Full disclosure — I discovered I’m utterly spellbound by this niche genre. I loved Water for Elephants just as much as The Prestige and The Illusionist. That said, it is so rare to come across a book so wonderfully written that you can see, smell and taste each page. Reading this book was like being wrapped in a cozy blanket, steam from your hot cocoa curling around you as the snow gently falls outside. Did you like that sentence? Well it was a poor man’s version of this book.
Who should read it:
Read this book at all costs. Now. Do it.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking
Susan Cain
Stats: Nonfiction, 370 pages
Quick summary
An exploration of the American “Extroverted Ideal” and what we’re missing in undervaluing introversion, a trait one in three of us have.
What I thought:
As an introvert, this book made me feel not only heard but proud to be the way I am, something that is not common among introverts trying to fit into a world built for extroverts.
Who should read it:
Introverts, extroverts who know and love introverts and want to understand them better.
Never Split the Difference
Chris Voss
Stats: Nonfiction, 274 pages
Quick summary
Nine negotiation strategies that work from a former FBI hostage negotiator.
What I thought:
My husband recommended this book to me and I didn’t realize how much I needed it before I read it. Voss has concrete steps and scenarios to apply to literally any negotiation in an extremely easy-to-read, accessible style. I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes a reread in future years.
Who should read it:
Honestly, everyone. Whether you’re angling for a raise, sick of unanswered emails or ready to have bedtime be non-negotiable with your kids, this book has the strategy.
The Giver
Lois Lowry
Stats: Science fiction/dystopia, 99 pages
Quick summary
The story of a dystopian, seemingly perfect community told from the perspective of 12-year-old Jonas, who quickly discovers things aren’t as they seem once he receives his job assignment.
What I thought:
Allegedly this is now required reading at my grade school… which, good lord, is a lot to lay on a pre-teen. I’m a big fan of 1984 and A Handmaid’s Tale, so it’s not overly surprising I loved this too.
Who should read it:
If you’re like me and missed this classic, pick it up now — I literally read it on a flight.
Four Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine
Gail Honeyman
Stats: Fiction, 336 pages
Quick summary
Eleanor lives a routine, near hermit life until one day her and a coworker save a stranger having a medical emergency. This event opens her life to caring people, forcing her to face her past and demons deeply buried.
What I thought:
Beautifully written, I hated Eleanor, and then my heart was pulverized by the past she was unsuccessfully working to numb.
Who should read it:
People who want to remember why we can’t judge a book by its cover.
Circe
Madeline Miller
Stats: Fantasy, 393 pages
Quick summary
Circe is the daughter of Titan god Helios and a nymph. Not quite a goddess, she finds herself keeping the company of mortals and discovers she has the gift of witchcraft. Zeus banishes her to a life of solitude after she commits a few crimes. Here her story intertwines with some of the most famous characters in mythology — the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the Medea, and Odysseus.
What I thought:
Despite what my college transcript says, I’m fascinated by Greek and Roman mythology. What I loved about Circe was all of the famous myths you know are told from the first-person perspective.
Who should read it:
Fellow lovers of mythology.
Three Stars ⭐⭐⭐
The Warehouse
Rob Hart
Stats: Science fiction/dystopia, 368 pages
Quick summary
Cloud is where you work and live. This is the story of two employees, Zinnia and Paxton. As a spy, Zinnia gamed the system to get hired. Paxton has his own vendetta against the Cloud, mainly because it ruined his life.
What I thought:
As established, dystopian novels are my jam (hello, 1984 and Player Piano). This book was a solid 3.5. I love how it shifted perspective between Zinnia, Paxton and Gibson Wells (CEO of Cloud). With the rise of online retail, this one felt like looking into the (not-so-far-off) future.
Who should read it:
People (myself included) who buy almost everything from a mega online retailer.
Can’t Hurt Me
David Goggins
Stats: Nonfiction/self-help, 366 pages
Quick summary
Goggins survived a horrible childhood and overcomes the odds by developing a mentally tough mindset. Goes on to become a Navy SEAL, completes Army Ranger and Air Force Tactical Air Controller training, and finishes at the top for multiple grueling endurance events (ultra marathons, Guinness pull up record).
What I thought:
This was another recommendation from the husband. If you can wade through the hyper-masculine language of calling yourself/others “pussies,” there are some good nuggets in here. While most of his accomplishments are outright impressive, towards the end of the book I was annoyed by his under-preparation fueled by a massive ego.
Who should read it:
People wanting to push themselves further. People needing motivation to do the hard things in life.
They Both Die at the End
Adam Silvera
Stats: Young Adult, 373 pages
Quick summary
Every day at midnight, Death-Cast calls everyone who will die that day. Today is Mateo and Rufus’s day, even though they’re both only teenagers. Determined to make the most of their last day, they download the Last Friend app and find each other. This is the story of their last day.
What I thought:
It was an extremely interesting concept, and I loved both of the characters who came from completely different backgrounds. You know they’ll die at the end of the book (hello, it’s in the title), but getting there sent my heart on a journey.
Who should read it:
People who like fantasy and relationship books. Since it’s YA, this is a quick one.
Two Stars ⭐⭐
Machines Like Me
Ian McEwan
Stats: Science fiction, 306 pages
Quick summary
Charlie has little focus in his life and is in love with his upstairs neighbor, Miranda. When he inherits some money he buys Adam, a remarkably realistic human robot. Together the three navigate love, logic and morality.
What I thought:
It started off with a fairly interesting concept set in an alternative history for 80s London, but it unfortunately didn’t pick up much. By the end of it, I hated all of the characters… of which there were only a handful.
Who should read it:
People who like I, Robot. People who dislike Margaret Thatcher (yes, it’s a minor theme).
Gravity is the Thing
Jacyln Moriarty
Stats: Fiction, 416 pages
Quick summary
Abigail has received chapters of The Guidebook in the mail since her brother disappeared on her sixteenth birthday. As an adult, she is invited to an all-inclusive retreat to finally learn the truth about The Guidebook. This weekend changes her life in ways she hadn’t expected.
What I thought:
This was extremely well-written and lovely, but alas, it was more of a slow burn than I particularly care for.
Who should read it:
People on the hunt for the meaning of life.
One Star ⭐ or DNF (did not finish)
None this round! While the two stars weren’t some of my favorite books, I’ve definitely (sadly) finished worst.