At the end of 2023 I fell in love with reading again. It was something I always enjoyed as a child and early adult. But when kids came into the picture in 2010, my preferred form of reading went from chick-lit fiction and memoirs, to board books and online parenting articles.
Looking back, it was one of the first things self care things I let go of when becoming a parent.
Now, nearly 14 years later, I’m ready to take that part of my life back.
I read a total of 8 books in 2023, most of them in the last quarter of the year.
Not wanting to set myself up for failure, I thought a reasonable goal for 2024 would be 20 books. I did what every good reading tracker does and downloaded the Goodreads app (you can follow me HERE).
I stated my yearly goal and filled my library with desired reads.
WELL, here we are at the end of January and I’m already seven books in. YES, S-E-V-E-N!!
Overachiever much?
Four of these books I read in the first two weeks of the year, before I officially started back to work. I was able to find a good routine and several times in my day to indulge.
With the regular ebb and flow of life, I definitely don’t expect my pace to stay the same each month, but here are a few things I have implemented to kick-start my love of reading again:
- I changed my perspective of what a book is. Instead of exclusively wanting a physical book in my hand, I have started listening to audio books as well.
- Instead of mindless social scrolling while I drink my morning coffee, I journal then have 15-20 minutes of scheduled reading time as a part of my morning routine.
- Tommy bought me a new pair of earbuds for Christmas last year. They are so comfortable that I have no problem leaving them in my ears for a good portion of my day. So whether I’m driving, getting ready for the day, working on a project or cooking dinner. Im always listening to a book!
- I implemented, a no screens after skincare rule. Which means when I get in bed at night, my phone is across the room and I am reading instead of checking DM’s.
- If I’m having trouble sleeping in the middle of the night, I grab my book instead of my phone. I find that I fall back asleep so much faster!
what i read in january
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THE GOOD PART ****
A cute kickstart to 2024, this book was about a woman in her early 20’s who wished to skip to the good part of her life. She woke up one day middle aged with a husband and kids and has to re-navigate her life and then decide if she wanted to stay there or go back.
It was a lighthearted, easy read and I enjoyed the fictional transport from one time in life to another.
FLY AWAY ****
I was so excited to dig into the sequel of FIREFLY LANE after reading the book and binging the Netflix series late in 2023.
Firefly Lane ended sadly and this book explored the different cycles of grief after the fact.
Though this book was dark in a lot of ways, it was real and raw and I loved digging more into characters that I already loved.
MAID: HARD WORK, LOW PAY AND A MOTHER’S WILL TO SURVIVE ****
I remember watching this series on Netflix several year ago and decided to dig into the book as well.
It is a raw and real depiction of a single mother who is working her tail off to break the cycle of abuse and poverty for herself and her young daughter.
THINGS WE NEVER GOT OVER *****
After a couple of heavier reads I was ready for something lighthearted again. This is the first of a 3 book series about a runaway bride and her life in a new town, with unexpected family drama and a new romance. I love this one and cant wait to read the next!
Fair Warning: this book contains a good amount of language and spice.
FRIENDS, LOVERS AND THE BIG TERRIBLE THING **
This book was intriguing because of the celebrity status and my love of the show Friends.
However, it was incredibly sad and dark as it shared Matthew Perry’s store of his severe, life-long addiction to drugs and alcohol. I also found his perspective of women and relationships to be a bit derogatory. I listened on audible, which may have skewed my perspective a little, but midway through the book I found myself bored from repetitiveness and ready for it to be over.
MALIBU RISING ****
After reading and loving The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo in the summer of 2023, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the books that tie into the story.
Malibu Rising was the invigorating story that I needed after a couple of heavier reads earlier in the month.
There is a heart wrenching relationship, siblings who are fiercely loyal, and the build up to a party that gets wildly out of control.
THE LAST FLIGHT ****
I started this one on audible sometime last year and realized I never finished it. It is about two women who decide to swap identities at an airport for a chance to disappear.
It is a page turner and kept me on the edge of my seat with each chapter. It was a great break from my usual chick-lit choices!
Let me know in the comments if you have read any of these books and if your thoughts are the same or different from mine!
If you would like to keep up with what I’m reading in real time follow me on the GOODREADS APP!
ALSO, I would absolutely LOVE to hear any and all of your book recommendations so I can add them to my list!
Chat soon!!
The Comments
Mary Jo Maughan
Kristen Hannah’s books are wonderful – particularly The Nightingale, The Four Winds, The Great Alone. She has a new one coming out in the next month, I think – titled The Women.
Check them out.