What I Read in January

 

Get cosy and maybe grab a pen for this one as i might just inspire you to pick up a book (or two) after you give this post a read.

After smashing my Goodreads goal of 50 books last year, I’ve set myself the same challenge for 2023. So far so..slow it seems as I’ve been quite busy doing anything but reading (Ed - I’ve been binge watching Below Deck Sailing Yacht and 90 Day Fiancé if you must know!). 

Whilst quantity wasn’t on my side in January, I did read a few quality reads in a variety of genres - it might be a small win but I’m taking it.

So, let’s get into what I read last month…

If you’ve read this post, you’ll know that the series based on this book was one of my favourite TV shows of last year and the book is even better.

The Channel 4 show just skimmed the surface of what Rooke explores in this: his memoir/ advice guide. It is not only the story of Jack’s life, it is also a story of the people in it and how a lot of us are going through stuff and a lot of us are helping people going through stuff. 

This is such a polarising book in that you’ll be laughing one minute and ready to cry the next. You’re never sure where Jack’s funny, awkward but self aware narrative will go but that’s what makes it such a good read. You’ll end the book wanting to be Rooke’s best mate and it’ll make you realise just how important it is to hold your nearest and dearest (and yourself) a bit closer.

I don’t tend to read mystery / thrillers but this was an unexpected hit for me. 

I thought I knew what to expect from this genre but McAllister presents a genre a lot of know which plenty of twists and turns along the way (plus it’s always pretty cool when a writer sets a book in/ around your home city).

It’s part mystery / thriller, part family drama / romance and can prove a little difficult remembering the details (especially if you’ve got a poor memory like me!). However, if you like this kind of read, I’d urge you to give it a go..and see if you solved the mystery as quick as I did!

Anyone who has followed my original blog (or has the pleasure of following me on social media when I was a book blogger and not much else) will know that I’m a sucker for a romance.

Initially, you think it’s one kind of book and then there’s bits of humour, sadder moments, tender moments and even a bit of honey trapping.

It’s by no means the most groundbreaking of romances but I loved how it wasn’t just a search for romantic love, it was also a celebration of friendship, of finding yourself and a reminder for readers to keep looking for love (if they can be bothered, anyway!).

My final read of the month was another romance, of sorts. Well, I initially assumed it was going to be at least.

I have a complicated relationship with dual point of view books but this one - a story of lives and death - is done well.

It’s a bit of everything- intriguing, heartbreaking, romantic and life affirming. It’s emotional but tender and definitely made me thankful for my friends and how they have-in part - made me the person I have become.

So, there we have it, the four books I read in January. Have you read any of these books? What did you read last month? 

Let me know on Twitter @jenrosewrites.

Stay tuned for more book reviews and recommendations, and don’t forget to keep checking the blog for more content. You can also keep up to date with all things Jen Rose Writes on Instagram, Twitter and Goodreads. 

J x