January Shelved
A month of reads and reviews.
Each month, I’ll put together a list of the books I’ve read and provide a high level overview in addition to my feelings about the book. Enjoy!
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
This is an honorary mention as I read this on the plane home for the holidays but I couldn’t leave it off the list. Small Things Like These is a wonderful meditation on the human experience, delving into the moral dilemmas we face when the wellbeing of others is on the line. Bill Furlong is a coal-man in 1980’s Ireland, supporting his family during Christmastime. In the midst of performing his duties, he comes across a young girl in distress at the town’s convent, a Magdalen laundry. This book is perfect to read in one sitting, and the movie adaptation with Cillian Murphy is a must-see. The NYT Book Review podcast covered this book in their book club earlier this month and NPR chose it for their “Book of the Day”, including an interview with the author.
A Bit Much by Lyndsay Rush
I was itching to read a collection of poetry, and as I was browsing the aisles looking for holiday gifts I stumbled across this book which made me laugh out loud. Lyndsay Rush (@maryoliversdrunkcousin on Instagram) has put together a collage of inspirational passages and reflective phrases. She has created the perfect collection of poetry for women to reflect on what it means to age in a time of vanity while embracing ourselves with grace. I have so many tabs throughout this book on poems which made me laugh, cry, or want to call my mom. This would be a great pick for someone looking for their next subway read or gift for a friend.
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
Joan Didion is an author I have been wanting to delve into for a while now, and I picked up this work knowing it was acclaimed and highly recommended. Didion’s memoir on her husband’s sudden passing in the midst of her daughter’s health struggles is a beautiful meditation on grief. She explores the multitude of thoughts and feelings one goes through when a loved one passes, highlighting themes of self-pity and retroactive regret. I admired her writing on every page and would definitely pick this book up again, but in a time where these reflections would be relevant to my personal life. I am looking forward to reading more of Didion’s work this year.
The Most by Jessica Anthony
I first saw The Most when one of my favorite bookstores was setting up for its release event, and I couldn’t get it out of my head. Recently I picked it up and I am so happy I did. This novella was gripping and immersive, with just the right amount of emotional appeal. Kathleen is a former tennis player turned 1950’s housewife. One day, while her husband is out golfing, she enters her apartment complex’s swimming pool and refuses to get out. This book would be perfect for a poolside read or thrown in a tote for a beach trip. It can easily be read in one sitting, and artfully reveals what can be hidden behind the mirage of a “perfect” marriage.
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman
I received this book through a book exchange and had heard nothing but praise for this pocket-sized powerhouse. I Who Have Never Known Men follows a young woman who is the 40th and final member of a group of women trapped in an underground bunker. She remembers nothing other than concrete walls and artificial light, but her companions mourn their lost lives on the outside. When a turn of events leads to their escape, the women not only grapple with their new surroundings but also whether their newfound environment is better (or worse) than the prison they left behind. This book was surprising, entertaining, and allowed for reflection. I Who Have Never Known Men is perfect for fans of The Handmaid’s Tail and dystopian fiction.
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
My most anticipated read of January! I attended a book release party at Book Club Bar in the East Village to celebrate Onyx Storm, and couldn’t wait to read the first few chapters after they passed out the book at midnight. This action-packed, dragon-filled romantasy is the third installment in The Empyrean series (Fourth Wing) and absolutely delivered. As soon as I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down and read this book in one day. There was tension, romance, iconic battle scenes, and Yarros provides answers to the questions she has teased in the first two books in her series. If you are a fan of books like A Court of Thrones and Roses or Divergent definitely check out The Empyrean and Onyx Storm!
And that concludes the books I shelved in January! Thank you for reading and keep an eye out for the February newsletter for our first book club announcement, book events to attend next month, and more!