January was a slow reading month for me, which was reflected in the lack of reviews I posted. Thankfully, most of the few books I did read were enjoyable. I intend to catch up on some reviews this week.
- ‘The Serpent’s Tale’ (2008) by Ariana Franklin - Hist Myst – A-
- ‘Nine Coaches Waiting’ (1958) by Mary Stewart – Gothic Rom – A-
- ‘Lead Me On’ (2010) by Victoria Dahl – Contemporary Rom – B+
- ‘Shards of Honor’ (1986) by Lois McMaster Bujold – SciFi – B
- ‘The Sinful Life of Lucy Burns’ (2009) by Elizabeth Leiknes – Gen Fiction – B
- ‘Coming Undone’ (2010) by Lauren Dane Con Erotic Rom – B-
- ‘Midnight Resolutions’ (2010) by Kathleen O’Reilly – Harl Blaze – C+
How many books did you read in January? Which were your favourites?
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The one that really stands out for me was Mary Balogh’s Slightly Scandalous, which is the one where Freyja falls in love. It seemed particularly fresh and poignant in equal measure, and reinforced the idea that even if an early 19th century woman had independent means, she still was limited in what she could do to some extent. Plus I liked the hero.
The reality is, though, that I don’t keep track of what I read and when I read it. I figure if I read a better book in January but now can’t recall it, that’s hardly a ringing endorsement!
I managed to read 12 books in January. Probably the Julie James (out in March) is my favorite. She just has such a distinctive way of writing. It was a great read.
I was in a slump for most of the month, but managed to cram a lot of books in the last week + a bit. LOL
Highlights were some Shelly Laurenston and Moira Rogers books
I just read 5 books in Janaury of which I really loved Jennifer Estep’s SPDER’S BITE and Erica hayes – SHADOWFAE. I really hope to read more in February
I see you have BUTTERFLY TATTOO on your radar too, I’ve had it on mine since last summer with a review from AmyC I believe. I was riding on a yes/no but was adviced I would love it so bought it this month. I hope your february will be better as well Sarah!
I had a really good month and read 11 books, 5 of which were standouts, none of them romance. January is the only month I can do a re-cap because I track my books throughout the year – not designated by month:
THE GLASS CASTLE: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls was a re-read for a bookclub and is a phenomenal autobiography.
BLACKBIRD HOUSE by Alice Hoffman is a collection of short stories all centered on one house. It was the first Hoffman book I actually enjoyed.
AMERICAN BORN CHINESE by Gene Luen Yang is a graphic novel about a modern day boy with a bit of Chinese mythology thrown in.
MOLOKA’I by Alan Brennert follows a little girl in a leper colony on Hawaii.
PREP by Curtis Sittenfeld was the debut novel from the author of AMERICAN WIFE, set in a boarding school on the East coast of the US.
Andrea, ‘The Glass Castle’ was one of those books that just stayed with me. For me, it was also re-read for a book club and ended explosively as 2 of the members decided to implode with issues about their own childhoods that just derailed the whole thing. I thought the book was an extremely positive, humorous, life enhancing read and I would recommend it unreservedly. The Misery Sisters have since left the book club and it’s a lot better since then. Essentially, a book club is about the book but also about the group having some fun, intelligent insight and irreverent humor. Also liked ‘American Wife’ on your recommendation.
I only read four, and the one standing out for me was SOMETHING WONDERFUL by Judith McNaught, which I read for Kmont’s Year of the Historical challenge.
Oh, and FORTY-EIGHT X by Barry Pollack. Normally I am not a sci-fi fan (the only way I can classify this book), but this one stood out as well.
Trish, that is exactly what happened in my reading group. One woman dominated the conversation with a mild rant about her mother while the others in the group started to psycho-analyse it and finally tried to steer her away from it. Glad you got rid of your misery sisters. I’m hoping this one just goes away.
Glad you liked American Wife! I have since found out that the author comes from Cincinnati and my good friend worked with her father.
I managed 13 books, and two short stories in the Sookie Stackhouse series. I had a very pleasant reading month as none of the books ranked lower than a C+. I think that is a fantastic start to the new year. My favorite book was A Duke of Her Own by Eloisa James. It was a surprise because I had never read that author before and I am so glad I did. I have to go back and read the rest of the books in the series now.
@Magdalen: I remember enjoying Slightly Scandalous! I am anal about my book lists. I started keeping track of the books I read a few years ago. I was pretty good at ensuring that I didn’t buy the same book twice, but I did slip up on occasion. The impetus for my lists, though, was the All About Romance annual readers’ poll.
@Stacy ~: I loved your review of the new Julie James. You lucky duck! I’m delighted you enjoyed it. I’ve been looking forward to it and it’s good to know it’s worth waiting for.
@Leontine: I ordered my copy of Butterfly Tattoo from The Book Depository. It’s on it’s way to me as I type. I hope it will arrive tomorrow.
@Andrea: I must borrow The Glass Castle from my mother at some point. I also like the sound of Peep.
@Trish: Whoa! Is The Glass Castle an issues book?
@Amy: Something Wonderful…the title rings a bell. If I read it, it was probably years ago, though. One of the first romances I read was Judith McNaught’s Whitney, My Love. I adored it at the time but it didn’t stand up to a recent re-read.
@Jill D.: A Duke of Her Own is excellent. It’s my favourite book of Eloisa James. Thirteen books in a month is good going!
I can’t wait for your review of Nine Coaches Waiting! It’s been so long since I read that book, I should really do a re-read.
@heidenkind: Oh, do! I enjoyed it so much. I’m on a major Mary Stewart glom at the moment.
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