What I Read in January 2021

 Hey y'all!


My Goodreads goal for 2021 is to read 52 books. So far I've read 9 books which means I'm 4 books ahead of schedule if I keep up with this pace! (PS add me as a friend on GR so I can see what you're reading!)


As always, I read all of these books on my Kindle Paperwhite which I cannot recommend enough. They're waterproof, have a dark mode, and have a glare-free screen so you can easily read in the sun. Totally not sponsored but a gal can dream!!



Another thing to check out if you're into e-books is the Libby app. You can link up your library card to rent e-books and even send them straight to your Kindle device. It's saved me tons of $$ because I don't have to buy the books myself. You may have to be more patient, especially with popular books, but to me, it's worth the wait!


The Versions of Us - 2/5

This one was haaaaard for me to get through. It's similar to the butterfly effect in that one small decision can alter the course of your life. In this book, a girl might or might not crash her bike after almost or almost not running into a dog. If she crashes, she meets a boy. It sounds interesting, right?


Well, it was honestly a chore to try to keep the timelines in place. It switched off every. single. chapter. between the 3 different storylines. They have similarities and obviously have the same-named characters, so I found myself having to go back and remind myself what was happening which on an e-reader isn't ideal.


So all in all, if you like books that make you think hard, then this one may be up your alley. But when I read novels, I want to be able to escape and enjoy, not feel like I'm suffering from brain fog. I was so close to putting it down, but I have yet to not finish a novel haha.


TLDR: Three different storylines featuring the same characters. 


How to Be an Antiracist - 5/5

Another part of my 2021 goal is to focus on reading more books about antiracism. Educating yourself is one of the most basic ways to change your thought patterns and make a difference. It really is the bare minimum of what you can do to be an ally to BIPOC. 


This book was really really good. The author encourages you to do research into the policies you support and explains that "racial inequity is a problem of bad policy, not bad people." When we blame others for their own problems instead of looking into the programs and laws that keep them down, we are denying racism.


One of my favorite quotes from the author: "Being an antiracist requires persistent self-awareness, constant self-criticism, and regular self-examination". It takes work and accountability but working towards equality is something we all must do. 


TLDR: Insightful about the policies and beliefs that keep BIPOC from being seen as equal.


The Girl on the Train - 5/5

I love a good thriller/mystery type book and this one did exactly that for me! It kind of has "Gone Girl" vibes, so if you liked that book, I'd add this one to your list for sure.


While commuting to work via train every day, Rachel is able to look onto a porch of an attractive couple. She lets her imagination run wild with the romantic perfect life they must have and even invents names for them. One day while passing by, she sees something she shouldn't have and gets involved in a whole new way.


I really had no idea what was going to happen and felt pretty satisfied with the ending.


TLDR: The girl on the train can't help but get involved when something goes wrong in a house she passes by every day.


Verity - 5/5

Another good and creepy book. This one had lots of uncomfortable moments and probably would not recommend it if you're currently pregnant. If you enjoy books where you love to hate characters, this is a good one.


A not-so-famous thriller author, Lowen Ashleigh, gets an offer to finish a popular series by a famous author, Verity Crowford. Verity was in a car accident and is unable to talk, let alone write, but has years' worth of notes in her office. Her husband offers Lowen to stay at their home so she can take her time combing through the pages of writing.


While looking through her files, Lowen stumbles upon an autobiography by Verity. What she uncovers will SHOCK you. (Sorry that was totally cheesy but also true)


I'm conflicted about the ending and I won't spoil anything, but WOW. It's also available for free with Kindle Unlimited. If you don't already have it, you can sign up here for a free month!


TLDR: A thriller author gets the deal of a lifetime to finish a famous author's series. But at what cost?




I didn't want to list out a review for every single book I read, so below is a list and rating of the other things I read in January. Some goodies and some baddies, but as always, I recommend checking them out for yourself!


Other books I read this month:



Have you read any good books lately? Or any really bad ones that I should avoid? Let me know down in the comments! I'd love to chat about it.

xo,
Sarah

2 comments

  1. I just got a new Kindle, and with it a trial of Kindle Unlimited - I'm excited to see recommendations from that!

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    1. I hope you love your Kindle as much as I love mine! Maybe I'll have to do a post on my favorite Kindle Unlimited reads soon. Thanks for the idea!

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