What I Read in January

 Was it just me, or was January quite a killer month? I had a cough I couldn't kick, traveled quite a bit for work, and was all around busy-busy-busy! And those absolutely freezing days there in the middle! Not sure that February will be calmer but at least a bit warmer.

One exciting things - Volumes Bookstore in Wicker Park is now carrying Poppy's Paints! All the Bookshop.org links will connect you to Volumes!

Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld: I have read a handful of her books over the past few years, and while they are all very different, I have really liked them! I had started this book in high school and never finished it, so thought it would be fun to pick back up. Tells the story of a girl from South Bend, Indiana who goes away to a fancy boarding school. I definitely brought a different perspective reading it now vs. reading it when I was in high school. A fun, unique coming-of-age story, where I was continuously frustrated with the main character but kept wanting to see what happened next. Would recommend!

The Forgotten Girls by Monica Potts: An interesting memoir about a woman and her high school best friend after their paths diverged when the author went to college. This was my book club book, which was perfect because there are so many nuances of the story to discuss. While the book felt the author was being opportunistic in writing this story at times, there were still quite a few interesting and important takeaways. Would recommend.

Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll: A serial killer story told in a journalistic vs. thriller style. (Although I did have a nightmare the night I finished it.) An interesting and important shift in perspective from the standard serial killer tale - told from the vantage point of the women who were spared (although still traumatized) rather than the killer himself. Would recommend (and am recommending as our next book club book)!

The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue: Technically I finished this one today, but I'll count it! Funny enough, another coming-of-age story where I wished the main character would just make some different decisions!! Always easy when it's not you. A heartfelt read about friendship and young love and trying to figure out your place in the world. Would recommend.

I have a few books that came out in January that I had pre-ordered, so they're waiting for me, in addition to a new book I found while perusing Volumes. Hoping to make a dent in my TBR in February!

xoxo,

Emma