What a great reading month this January was for me! I read 11 books. 6 digital (on my Kindle), 2 audio, and 3 physical. Astonishingly, a total of 7 books ranked 4 or 5 stars. This month I concentrated on mainly reading books that I already owned, something I need to do more of. All of these books except one (The Maid) are older books you can easily get from your library. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and settle in. This post is a long one!
Let's get the one's I didn't love out of the way first:
The Dark Lake by Sarah Bailey was a complete "meh" for me. It is the first book in the Gemma Woodstock series. The protagonist is extremely unlikable. Australian homicide detective Gemma Woodstock was so selfish I wanted to reach inside the pages and pinch her. I have absolutely no interest in pursuing the remaining books in the series because the time I spent with her in this first book was so thoroughly unpleasant. The book also really dragged until the last 20%. I came very close to DNFing this book at several points. I just didn't want my first book of 2022 to be a failure so I kept on reading. I also figured out "who done it" way early on, which isn't fun. 2 stars
The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny. I am a long-time fan of the Three Pines mysteries featuring Armand Gamache, but this eleventh effort in the series fell very flat for me. A tall-tale telling boy in the village is found dead after discovering a dark secret someone didn't want told. I found the story to be very far-fetched and honestly found the formerly amusing Three Pines residents to be tiresome and annoying in this book. 2.5 stars
Ok, things will really pick up from here on:
Code Name Helene by Ariel Lawhon, is a WWII novel, based on a real-life woman named Nancy Wake. Nancy was an Australian, living in Paris, who got involved deep in the French Resistance Movement. She took on various names and identities while smuggling people and documents across the border. She ultimately became one of the leaders in the Resistance, acting as a liaison between France and the Allied Forces. It was quite a thrilling tale, and by the end, I was enthralled with Nancy's bravery, indomitable wit, and signature red lipstick. There are multiple timelines in the story, which was somewhat confusing at times. 4 stars
The Rose Garden by Tracy Rees. Oh my gosh, I loved this book. If you love historical fiction and spunky female characters, you will really enjoy this book as I did. Set in Victorian England, young Mabs finds an escape from working on the docks when she is employed as the companion (more like "keeper") to Mrs. Finch, who is supposedly mentally fragile and must be kept to her room. Lots of secrets as to why Mr. and Mrs. Finch behave the way they do, and which Mabs begins to figure out. Great cast of characters, and a very interesting look at some of the social conventions of the time. 5 stars
A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus. This was one of those books I wanted to hug when I finished it. Set during WWII (1940), the story is about three siblings who are evacuated to the countryside to avoid the bombings in London. William, Edmund, and Anna are orphans, who had been raised by their cold uncaring grandmother, who has also recently passed away, leaving them a considerable fortune. Their family solicitor arranges their journey to stay with foster families until the war is over and a proper guardian can be found for them. What follows is the hair-raising tale of the different ghastly foster homes they find themselves in and the refuge they find in the town library. If you love heartwarming books about found family, you will love this one. Lots of great book references too. I could not put it down. 5 stars
Black Rabbit Hall by Eve Chase. The reviews say if you enjoy Kate Morton and Daphne du Maurier you will enjoy this book. There are similar comparisons I think, but I found this book to be rather overwrought. It was definitely gothic in feel, set in a falling down estate in Cornwall. This is a dual timeline book, where things come together in the end. The modern-day protagonist was kind of a wimpy mess, and her constant hand wringing and overthinking got old. I preferred the older timeline, which was set in the 60s, focusing on four children in a wealthy family who use the estate in the summer. Their naivety regarding their family's privilege was a bit unbelievable to me. Factor in an evil stepmother who was too wicked to be believed, and overall I was asked to accept too much as a reader. I listened to the audio version, which was well narrated, although the evil stepmother rendition was kind of hard to listen to. I only rated this one 3 stars, but I know there are lots of you who would love it more than I did. Give it a chance, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie. I read most (if not all) of Agatha Christie's novels when I was a young teenager. I remember loving them and binging on reading them as fast as I could get my hands on them. The last time my husband, son, and I were in London, we attended a performance of Mousetrap in the West End. It was amazing and made me want to revisit some Agatha Christie books. It has been so long since I read her books I don't recall any details, so a re-read is like reading her book for the first time. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is one of her most famous books, with a real surprise ending. Which I had completely forgotten. So I recommend re-reading it, as you may have forgotten as well! Still really good after all these years.
Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave. I don't know why I put off reading this book for so long. It's been on my Kindle since 2016! Guess I thought it was going to be just another WWII book. But it turns out this one is in a class of its own. The book is set in London from 1939-1942, and the story centers around three characters whose lives intersect. It was a compelling wartime story based on love letters the author found that his grandparents had written one another. I was completely immersed in this book the entire time I was reading it. A really well-written book. 5 stars
The Maid by Nita Prose. Oh my goodness, was this book ever different. It had a cozy mystery feel to it, while at the same time having a very contemporary writing style. The story is about Molly Gray, a maid in an upscale hotel. Molly is what they call "neurologically diverse", who I guessed was somewhere on the autism spectrum. She is different all right, and struggles to navigate the confusing world of interacting appropriately with others, but my gosh, she is the best darn maid you ever could imagine. Then one day, she discovers the body of one of the hotel guests in his bed when she came in to clean. One thing leads to another and it seems that someone is trying to set Molly up as the murderer. She decides to try to figure out what is going on and vindicate herself. It's a great story, told through the eyes of our Molly. 4 stars
The Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri. What on earth took me so long to read this book? It is a collection of short stories that won both the Pulitzer Prize and the Penn/Hemingway Prize in 2000. My words about this stunning masterpiece in no way will do it justice. The stories are about the Indian immigrant experience, marriage, and longing. The characters for the most part are very upper-class Indian people who have immigrated to the US to be doctors, college professors, and engineers in the Harvard/MIT/Boston area. Having worked at a prestigious world-class university for most of my career, I recognized people I knew very well in the stories. The author is a master at writing and this book will forever be in my memory. 5 stars
Say Goodbye For Now by Catherine Ryan Hyde. This author was a wonderful discovery. She wrote "Pay It Forward" and 32 other books! If you enjoy coming-of-age stories, as well as books that deal with found family, you will love this book as I did. Set in Texas in 1959, the plot revolves around Pete, a neglected 12-year-old who lives with his abusive father. The other main character is Dr. Lucy, a physician who treats both sketchy people and abandoned animals. When Pete befriends Justin Bell, an African American boy new to town, Pete's bigoted father and other townspeople take exception. The boys find refuge with Dr. Lucy, who also treats Prince, a wolf-dog cross who Pete rescues. All these characters come together in a powerful story I will not forget. This is an important book, which I highly recommend. I am eager to read my next book by this author. 5 stars.
Well, there you have it, if you stuck with me to the end. There are some terrific books discussed here and I hope you might enjoy them as much as I did. Let me know!
42 responses to “January 2022 Reading”
When I searched your archives, looking for your review of Lincoln Highway, I was given a message that I couldn’t view older content due to the fact that I wasn’t a subscriber. I am a subscriber! So can you tell me how to view older posts, please?
Thanks, Nicole. As usual, I added many to my Kobo wishlist!
When I searched your archives, looking for your review of Lincoln Highway, I was given a message that I couldn’t view older content due to the fact that I wasn’t a subscriber. I am a subscriber! So can you tell me how to view older posts, please?
Thanks, Nicole. As usual, I added many to my Kobo wishlist!
When I searched your archives, looking for your review of Lincoln Highway, I was given a message that I couldn’t view older content due to the fact that I wasn’t a subscriber. I am a subscriber! So can you tell me how to view older posts, please?
Thanks, Nicole. As usual, I added many to my Kobo wishlist!
I do enjoy the Louise Penny books, but I agree that this one was a little “out there”. I’ve recently been enjoying books about women in WWII so you gave some good titles to explore!
I do enjoy the Louise Penny books, but I agree that this one was a little “out there”. I’ve recently been enjoying books about women in WWII so you gave some good titles to explore!
I do enjoy the Louise Penny books, but I agree that this one was a little “out there”. I’ve recently been enjoying books about women in WWII so you gave some good titles to explore!
I really appreciate how you review the good the bad and the ugly of your monthly reading!
I really appreciate how you review the good the bad and the ugly of your monthly reading!
I really appreciate how you review the good the bad and the ugly of your monthly reading!
January was, indeed, a great reading month for you! 📚📚 Your reviews are appreciated & helpful when choosing a book I may not have otherwise thought about reading!
January was, indeed, a great reading month for you! 📚📚 Your reviews are appreciated & helpful when choosing a book I may not have otherwise thought about reading!
January was, indeed, a great reading month for you! 📚📚 Your reviews are appreciated & helpful when choosing a book I may not have otherwise thought about reading!
Jhumpa Lahiri Is a master storyteller. I love reading her. Another master storyteller that I love is Donna Tartt. I love how Donna Tartt trusts the reader, especially in The Little Friend.
Jhumpa Lahiri Is a master storyteller. I love reading her. Another master storyteller that I love is Donna Tartt. I love how Donna Tartt trusts the reader, especially in The Little Friend.
Jhumpa Lahiri Is a master storyteller. I love reading her. Another master storyteller that I love is Donna Tartt. I love how Donna Tartt trusts the reader, especially in The Little Friend.
A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus is in my library system in the juvenile section. Is that the correct one?
A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus is in my library system in the juvenile section. Is that the correct one?
A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus is in my library system in the juvenile section. Is that the correct one?
I was unable to reply to Cindy’s comment. A Place to Hang the moon is what I would categorize as a “middle grade” book.
I was unable to reply to Cindy’s comment. A Place to Hang the moon is what I would categorize as a “middle grade” book.
I was unable to reply to Cindy’s comment. A Place to Hang the moon is what I would categorize as a “middle grade” book.
Thank you for all of the great recommendations.
Another great book of individual essays is
These Precious Days by Ann Patchett.
I gave it 5 stars.
Thank you for all of the great recommendations.
Another great book of individual essays is
These Precious Days by Ann Patchett.
I gave it 5 stars.
Thank you for all of the great recommendations.
Another great book of individual essays is
These Precious Days by Ann Patchett.
I gave it 5 stars.
Thank you for all your book recommendations, they are so helpful when visiting my local library. Has been so warm here in New Zealand of late, that reading is a pleasure.
I am currently reading “The Girl They Left Behind” by Roxanne Veletzos, and really gripping.
January 1941 in Bucharest, a 4 year old is found on the steps of a building. Romania in the Nazi grip, she is left behind – unwillingly – by her parents.
This book is based on true events.
Thank you for all your book recommendations, they are so helpful when visiting my local library. Has been so warm here in New Zealand of late, that reading is a pleasure.
I am currently reading “The Girl They Left Behind” by Roxanne Veletzos, and really gripping.
January 1941 in Bucharest, a 4 year old is found on the steps of a building. Romania in the Nazi grip, she is left behind – unwillingly – by her parents.
This book is based on true events.
Thank you for all your book recommendations, they are so helpful when visiting my local library. Has been so warm here in New Zealand of late, that reading is a pleasure.
I am currently reading “The Girl They Left Behind” by Roxanne Veletzos, and really gripping.
January 1941 in Bucharest, a 4 year old is found on the steps of a building. Romania in the Nazi grip, she is left behind – unwillingly – by her parents.
This book is based on true events.
Thanks for the reminder about The Maid. That’s appeared on several book lists lately.
Thanks for the reminder about The Maid. That’s appeared on several book lists lately.
Thanks for the reminder about The Maid. That’s appeared on several book lists lately.
I LOVE your monthly reading recaps and constantly refer to them when it’s time to pick a new read.
Have you read “A Paris Apartment” by Kelly Brown. There are so many books with the same title but this one is one of those two different timelines type of books. A young woman inherits her grandmother’s previously unknown Paris apartment and discovers a stash of very famous art hidden in the walls. It flip flops between modern day, where the granddaughter, with the help of an art restorer, try to figure out where the paintings came from and Germany occupied Paris. Highly recommend.
I LOVE your monthly reading recaps and constantly refer to them when it’s time to pick a new read.
Have you read “A Paris Apartment” by Kelly Brown. There are so many books with the same title but this one is one of those two different timelines type of books. A young woman inherits her grandmother’s previously unknown Paris apartment and discovers a stash of very famous art hidden in the walls. It flip flops between modern day, where the granddaughter, with the help of an art restorer, try to figure out where the paintings came from and Germany occupied Paris. Highly recommend.
I LOVE your monthly reading recaps and constantly refer to them when it’s time to pick a new read.
Have you read “A Paris Apartment” by Kelly Brown. There are so many books with the same title but this one is one of those two different timelines type of books. A young woman inherits her grandmother’s previously unknown Paris apartment and discovers a stash of very famous art hidden in the walls. It flip flops between modern day, where the granddaughter, with the help of an art restorer, try to figure out where the paintings came from and Germany occupied Paris. Highly recommend.
Just curious, where do you get the recommendations for books? I usually add one or more of your list to my hold list at the library!
Just curious, where do you get the recommendations for books? I usually add one or more of your list to my hold list at the library!
Just curious, where do you get the recommendations for books? I usually add one or more of your list to my hold list at the library!
I love your book review posts!
I love your book review posts!
I love your book review posts!