January reading roundup

As January comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to look back on the books that have enriched my reading this month. From thrilling mysteries to profound poetry, I've explored an intriguing mix of titles that sparked my curiosity and broadened my horizons. Grab your coffee, get cosy, and let’s dive into what I read this month!

The Boneyard by Mark Sennen

Kicking things off, The Boneyard by Mark Sennen is a gripping thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat from the very first page. This story masterfully blends suspense with dramatic twists, making it a delight for anyone who loves dark mysteries. Sennen intricately weaves crime with deeply buried secrets from the past, and his storytelling makes it difficult to set the book down. If you enjoy nail-biting suspense and complex plots, The Boneyard deserves a spot on your reading list this year!

Earth Prayers by Carol Ann Duffy

Switching gears, I found solace in Earth Prayers, curated by Carol Ann Duffy. This collection of poetic prayers speaks volumes about urgent environmental themes that have become increasingly significant. Featuring voices from diverse cultures worldwide, the collection reflects on nature, the universe, and our interconnectedness as humans. Duffy's compilation captures raw emotions tied to our planet's struggles.

Like Mother, Like Daughter by Elle Croft

Next up is Like Mother, Like Daughter by Elle Croft, a heartfelt drama exploring the intricate layers of family relationships. The novel takes a close look at the complex bond between a mother and her daughter, unravelling past secrets that challenge their connection. Croft delivers a poignant narrative that will have you grappling with the age-old nature versus nurture debate.

The Optician's Wife by Betsy Reavley

This story follows Deborah, a quiet girl who meets a trainee optician who sweeps her off her feet and offers an escape. The narrative, spanning several years, unveils a deeply disturbing marriage as the story unfolds. While the "twist" is predictable, it doesn't detract from the experience. The dark characters and deep dive into a deranged mind make for an intriguing read.

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

I revisited A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess. This dystopian novel remains as thought-provoking today as it was upon its release in 1962. Its unique language and investigation of free will and morality will intrigue anyone interested in philosophy and societal complexities.

Despite its notorious violence, what lurked in my mind were the moral dilemmas posed throughout the story. It prompts readers to consider tough questions: What does it truly mean to choose between good and evil?

Make Change That Lasts by Rangan Chatterjee

In the realm of self-help, Make Change That Lasts by Rangan Chatterjee offers practical strategies for creating lasting change in our daily lives. Chatterjee simplifies complex ideas into actionable steps, making his advice easy to understand and implement.

As I read this book, I felt inspired to reassess my daily habits. For example, Chatterjee suggests small changes like taking a five-minute walk daily or starting a gratitude journal. His mix of personal stories and scientific research provides a refreshing and empowering approach to self-improvement, making this a practical guide for anyone aiming for a transformative 2025.

Kairos by Jenny Erpenbeck

I then dove into Kairos by Jenny Erpenbeck, a novel that explores themes of love and betrayal. It also delves into how historical events shape our identities. The story centers on the affair between teenage Katharina and Hans, a married, middle-aged writer. Their unlikely attraction begins when they meet on a bus in East Germany just before the fall of the Berlin Wall. As their relationship, built on unstable ground, mirrors the decline of the East German state, it ultimately unravels alongside the collapse of the wall.

What captivated me the most was her ability to intertwine personal narratives with larger historical contexts, illustrating how our lives are interconnected with past events. This book encourages readers to contemplate the fluidity of time and its profound impact on our journeys.

A little peek into my reading nook...

The Woman in Coach D by Sarah A. Denzil

Moving on to The Woman in Coach D, this book was a delightful surprise that combines mystery with psychological drama. It pulls readers into the unsettling, intricate lives of its characters.

Denzil follows Jenny, haunted by the disappearance of her best friend, Susie, after a dare gone wrong in their youth. Jenny suffered a brain injury, and Susie was presumed dead, but sixteen years later, Jenny spots a woman on a commuter train who claims to be a stranger, though Jenny believes it's Susie. As Jenny navigates anxiety, interactions with the police, Susie’s mother, and members of a cult, she uncovers a web of hidden agendas and unexpected twists.

The Locked Door by Freida McFadden

Freida McFadden's The Locked Door plunges into the chilling world of psychological suspense. This engaging page-turner keeps you guessing with its electrifying twists and eerie atmosphere.

The plot follows Nora, the daughter of a serial killer, now a doctor trying to live a normal life. However, when a patient dies in the same manner as her father's murders, Nora starts investigating the copycat killings. The story alternates between flashbacks and the present as Nora uncovers the mystery. While the premise is intriguing, the book falls short, particularly in explaining how Nora transitioned from a budding serial killer to a responsible doctor.

The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden

Staying with McFadden’s works, I also picked up The Boyfriend. This tale offers a unique spin on suspense, focusing on romantic relationships and the unexpected turns that love can take.

The Boyfriend by Frieda McFadden is a chilling psychological thriller that delves into obsession and gaslighting. The story follows Sydney, whose life spirals out of control after she becomes involved with the enigmatic Dr. Tom, a man with a dark obsession with blood. As her friends begin turning up dead, Sydney starts to question whether her seemingly perfect boyfriend is hiding a sinister truth. McFadden's sharp, evocative writing and expertly built tension make this a fast-paced, addictive read, keeping readers hooked until the final pages, even if the conclusion is somewhat predictable.

The Book Club by C.J. Cooper

I was really looking forward to this one, but I might have built it up too much in my mind. The concept of a book club intrigued me since I’m in a few myself, but unfortunately, none of the characters were very likeable, and they didn’t seem to get along well even before Alice stirred up trouble. The book club itself didn’t seem fun at all, and I wouldn’t have returned after the first meeting. All the characters were hiding secrets, which Alice exploited, but part of me just wanted to shout at them to communicate. The ending was underwhelming, mainly because I didn’t care about any of the characters. It was a quick, easy read with nothing really wrong with it, but it didn’t live up to the expectations I had.

Wrapping Up

January has been a month rich with diverse stories and thought-provoking narratives.

As I look forward to February, I’m eager to uncover what new tales await me in my reading stack. Happy reading!