Sharing the books I read in January 2022 – with an asterisk ????
Last year wasn’t my best year for reading. I stopped looking at my Goodreads’ Reading Challenge tracker because the reminder of “You are this many books behind schedule” was more stressful than motivating.
I recommitted to making time for reading this year but also, as in other areas in my life, I’m being gentle on myself + not beating myself up for little things – like not reading a book a week. In years past, I would not have written a post about “Books I Read In” if the book pile didn’t look impressive.
Full disclosure: The asterisk in the title of this post? It’s because I’m only halfway through Chicken Sisters…I’m enjoying the story + it’s definitely right up my alley. But it’s been a busy month so finishing the book before the clock ran out didn’t happen. It’s okay. I’m happy that I was able to get in a few pages each night before hitting the lights + I thoroughly enjoyed the books I read in January.
So moral of the story: don’t be mean to yourself just because your “read” pile isn’t towering.
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (A+): This was a repeat read for me. I last read Big Magic a few years ago + when I came back to DC after being home for the holidays, it caught my eye sitting on my bookshelf. It felt like a sign + who am I to say no to the Universe? I’ve always considered myself a creative person. I am happiest when I feel like I can express my creativity + participate in a creative, collaborative process. In Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert explores the nature of inspiration + how to explore your sense of curiosity without fear or being stopped by your own insecurity in order to tap into your own innate creativity. Big Magic was definitely a re-read at the right moment for me as I return to blogging + content creation. Whether you’re starting a new project or looking for a boost, Big Magic will create a spark in you. A+
Braving The Wilderness by Brené Brown (A+): Braving The Wilderness was my book club’s January pick + I cannot express how much I loved this book. It’s incredible how much Brené packs into less than 200 pages. There were pages I read over and over again to really, fully understand + absorb everything she was saying. The subtitle of this book is “The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone.” Brené (because we’re on a first name basis at this point – in my mind at least) talks about what it means to truly belong as a human being, especially during an age of polarization. She challenges what we know about our communities + provides us tools to show up as our true selves. But to get there, we have to first brave the wilderness. I already know this book is going to be a repeat read for me. P.S. Over the weekend, listened to the Armchair Expert podcast (recommended on my DC Girl Guide podcast round-up!) episode with Reese Witherspoon + Reese talked about this book! It just felt like kismet.
The Chicken Sisters by K.J. Dell’Antonia: I won’t grade this book since I haven’t finished it yet! The Chicken Sisters so far has been a fun read, perfect for curling up with on those chilly winter weekends. In Merinac, Kansas, Chicken Mimi’s and Chicken Frannie’s have a long-standing family feud over who serves the best fried chicken. Widow Amanda Moore, who grew up working for her mom at Mimi’s before marrying Frank and changing sides to work at Frannie’s, is tired of being caught in the middle of this rivalry. She reaches out to Food Wars, a restaurant competition reality TV show. Food Wars not only brings Amanda’s sister Mae back into town but also digs up buried family secrets. I can’t wait to finish this book! And also get some fried chicken, this book will make you hungry for some serious comfort food.
