January 2024 Reads
I absolutely love the start of a new year, if you couldn’t already tell by the types of posts on this blog. It’s a great time to start or revisit our goals, and that includes our reading adventures. Maybe you rediscovered a love of reading recently, like I did a few years ago, or maybe you’re joining us today with the intention of reading more in 2024. Whatever your situation, I’m so glad you’re here and ready to talk books. And hey, if you’re on Goodreads, let’s be friends! I’m always eager to see what friends are reading and recommendations are always appreciated.
With that said, let’s segue into the books that kept me company at the end of last year through January this year.
As always, I clarify in my reviews whether I listened to or physically read the book. I also link all of the book cover images to Goodreads so you can click on them to read more reviews if you’re so inclined.
wellness
Nathan Hill
Stats: Contemporary, 689 pages
Quick summary
Both trying to break free from their families, Jack and Elizabeth meet in the gritty Park Shore neighborhood of Chicago while attending college in the 90s. Spanning from their first meeting to twenty years of marriage, Wellness explores the ebbs and flow of long-term love through the web of career stagnation and parenthood.
What I thought:
This was utterly amazing. While it is a rather lengthy book, the story never seemed to drag and each chapter gave important context into Jack and Elizabeth’s way of dealing with the world and the problems they encountered. What I loved most about this book was how it delves into the complexities of self-deception and the impact it has on relationships. The fact that the characters' secrets are more about self-denial than deceit towards others adds a layer of depth to the story, driving home the challenges of long-term relationships and creating a highly relatable read.
Who should read it:
People who love a slow burn with deep character development. Fans of Ask Again, Yes and Lessons in Chemistry.
Lessons in chemistry
bonnie garmus
Stats: Fiction, 400 pages
Quick summary
In the 1960s, Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman, nor is she your average chemist. In a male-dominated field, she's a brilliant, defiant force, challenging norms with her sharp wit and unconventional approach. But when her career takes an unexpected turn, she finds herself hosting a TV cooking show. Once again, going against the grain, Elizabeth uses her platform to empower women, stand for equality, teach chemistry, and oh yeah, get a nutritious dinner ready by 6 p.m.
What I thought:
I had so many people recommend this book, that I finally added it to my list. I had initially avoided reading it because it was so popular on the internet and I thought it was another mindless romance book, and man, was I wrong. I hadn’t expected such a strong feminist undertone, yet it was so subtle that it never came through as preachy or inauthentic. I also typically don’t enjoy books centered on motherhood, but once again, it was done so well in this novel that it didn’t detract from the story.
Who should read it:
Honestly loved this book and I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t agree. Quit dragging your feet and read it.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being
Rick Rubin
Stats: Nonfiction, 5 hours and 45 minutes
Quick summary
Legendary music producer Rick Rubin delves into the essence of creativity, sharing insights and anecdotes from a lifetime of pushing artistic boundaries. This book isn't just a memoir; it's a manifesto on the creative process, blending philosophy, personal reflections, and practical advice. Rubin's wisdom challenges readers to explore their own creativity.
What I thought:
I’ll be honest, I don’t think I have ever read a book about the creative process that I haven’t loved. This book is just plain inspiring and I often found my thoughts running wild while listening to it. Each chapter gives a new way to think about the creative process, including exercises to try. I might need to own a hard copy of this one.
Who should read it:
I think everyone can get something out of this.
The Woman in Me
Britney Spears
Stats: Memoir, 5 hours and 31 minutes
Quick summary
Free from her conservatorship, Britney finally speaks out about everything that has happened in her life. From dating Justin Timberlake, having kids with K. Fed, shaving her head and the 13 years she spent as a prisoner in her own life.
What I thought:
Whoa, she went there. Straight out of the gate, I’ll acknowledge the writing is fairly simple and it does read a bit like a long journal entry. While it may not be the most eloquent of celebrity memoirs, it felt so raw, honest and authentic, and I think that’s exactly want Britney wanted. She wanted to be heard. She suffered for so many years by the hands of so many people that the fact she can still find joy today is remarkable. I finished the book feeling sad about who she might have been had her family not stolen the one thing that once brought her joy, music and performing.
Who should read it:
It’s good. It’s short. If you enjoyed her music in the early 2000s (don’t even act like you don’t know all the words to Baby One More Time), you should give it a listen.
The Housemaid
Sarah A. Denzil
Stats: Thriller, 296 pages
Quick summary
Fresh out of a rehab program, our protagonist interviews for a housemaid position at the the prestigious Highwood Hall, hoping to learn more about her mother who worked there more than 20 years ago before disappearing when she was an infant. On her first day, she receives a package that opens to reveal a small figurine that looks identical to her, laying dead at the bottom of a spiral staircase. The longer she stays at Highwood, the more suspicious she grows of the head housekeeper and the family living there.
What I thought:
Last year, I misunderstood a friend’s book recommendation and read The Maid, so this year I was determined to read the correct book… and failed again. This book has the same title as the recommendation, but it’s a different author. Either way, I enjoyed this creepy thriller. The characters weren’t overly developed and were a tad one-dimensional, but it was fast and enjoyable, so I can look the other way on that. It was exactly what I needed after reading a longer, richer story at the beginning of the month.
Who should read it:
Anyone who like a fast-paced domestic thriller.
Killers of the Flower Moon
David Grann
Stats: Nonfiction History, 9 hours and 4 minutes
Quick summary
During the 1920s, the Osage Native Americans were paid millions of dollars for the right to drill oil on their land. As their wealth grew, more and more tribe members met untimely deaths. A former Texas Ranger, Tom White, is recruited by the newly formed F.B.I. unit to investigate the murders, catch the killer, and bring justice to the Osage people.
What I thought:
I’m pretty sure everyone and their mom has recommended this book to me, and I have mixed thoughts on it. Let’s start with the positives. This was a dark part of our American history that I was unaware of, so I’m glad that I had the opportunity to better educate myself in my ever-continuing anti-racism quest. What I didn’t like about this book is that it felt unorganized. There was an extensive network of individuals involved in these crimes and the author at times went a little too in-depth into each of their histories, introducing even more names to remember. I know it’s part of the title, but the last section of the book focused more on the F.B.I. component and listed more victims in a rapid-fire manner which didn’t sit well with me. I’m sure it was written as such due to incomplete records of the victims, but if that was the case, it should have been addressed, much like The Legacy Museum has done.
Who should read it:
Despite having mixed feelings about this book, I do think it’s important for us to understand our abusive history of Native Americans.
Becoming Cliterate: Why Orgasm Equality Matters—And How to Get It
Dr. Laurie Mintz
Stats: Health, 7 hours and 47 minutes
Quick summary
Dr. Mintz challenges the pervasive myths and misunderstandings surrounding women's sexual experience. Through a blend of research, case studies, and practical advice, she advocates for a more clitoral-centric approach to female sexual satisfaction.
What I thought:
Okay, I already know just mentioning this book’s title is going to turn some of your cheeks pink and that is specifically why it is so important. This book, mentioned in Girls & Sex, delves deeper into topics that that book only briefly touched upon. What I enjoyed about this book is that it not only gave concrete instruction for both solo and partnered sex in how to reach orgasm through clitoral stimulation for those who have never explored their own bodies, it also walked through how societal shaming, sex education, and general anatomy have resulted in many women leading lives where they are never truly sexually satisfied. This is not something that is merely “nice to have,” it’s critical for our mental and physical wellbeing as humans.
Who should read it:
Girl, stop being embarrassed about it, put it in your cart. You deserve it.
The unmaking of June Farrow
Adrienne Young
Stats: Fantasy, 321 pages
Quick summary
The Farrow women are cursed. All known for their unraveling minds, June tries to ignore the apparitions she sees and the music she knows isn't actually playing in real life. One day, her recently deceased grandmother sends her a postcard with a photo of the mother she never knew, seemingly in love with the priest who was mysteriously murdered in her small village many years ago. As she goes searching for answers, she steps into the past and finds her life has already started to fray.
What I thought:
I probably should have DNFed this one, seeing as it wasn’t overly long and yet took me so long to finish. I think I reached that awkward point where I had invested too much time in it and felt the need to see it through. It wasn’t bad, it was just my least favorite type of book trope—the dramatic reveal. The main character spent the entire story just waiting for everyone else to clue her into what was happening. Not my bag, baby.
Who should read it:
I once again implore you to read Spells for Forgetting instead by the same author. It’s much better.