2018 - January’s Book List

Last year I read 31 books.  My goal was 24.  This year I decided to double it.  A bunch of articles came out saying top executives read 60 books a year - I’m not a top executive yet but I’ll start getting in the habit.  I figured if I can read 30 books then I can also listen to 30 audiobooks making up my 60.  Well, I got off to a great start for January and read 12!  
​(Two of them I actually finished in February but I’m going by start date here)  

1. You Don’t Look Your Age...and Other Fairy Tales - by Sheila Nevins (audiobook)
   ​I rated this book 3 stars on Goodreads.  I enjoyed a lot of the stories and loved all the different voices that told the stories on the audiobook.  I struggled with the fact that a bunch of stories I just couldn’t relate to.  Until I can afford that Manhattan lifestyle, my first world problems are a whole other set of first world problems then those told.
2. A Gentleman in Moscow - by Amor Towles
   4 stars on Goodreads but really more a 4.5-4.8.  I LOVED this story.  For someone who grew up reading Eloise and dreaming of living in the Plaza, this story became the more sophisticated grown up version.  Beautifully written and told, picturesque and the slightest bit of whimsical.  A story I will recommend to all and one that will have a permanent spot on my bookshelf.
3. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind - by Yuval Noah Harari (audiobook)
   5 stars on Goodreads and highly recommended everyone should read.  I was never a history person but this explained things to me in a way I understood and was actually interested.  Made me laugh out loud on occasion, made me think about life and our world’s future, made me go “huh, that’s interesting, I never knew that”.  This is a book I might even re-read just in case I missed something.  (Bonus-Harry Potter references were used for explanations)
4. When Breath Becomes Air - by Paul Kalanithi (audiobook)
   4 stars on Goodreads.  I cried through this whole book.  I cried everywhere I listened to it - walking the dog passing parents pushing strollers, driving the car while commuting home from work, and tears streaming down while cooking dinner.  Brilliance and beauty are sometimes found in the unlikely places as was the case with this book, and his portrayal of his story.
5. Quiet:  The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking - by Susan Cain (audiobook)
   3 stars on Goodreads.  Parts of this read as promotional, like I was trying to be sold something (another book, an idea, a theory, etc.).  I didn’t like that.  But I did learn more about my introvert and sensitivity and how that interplays with relationships of others like myself and not like myself.  I had some good takeaways from the book but I could have done without all the marketing (I’m not even sure I know all that was even being marketed).
6. The Dog Stars - by Peter Heller
   3 stars on Goodreads.  This was the hardest book for me to get into in a while.  It wasn’t until I was through the first part that I actually got interested in it and I felt like I really forced myself to get there.  So I did not enjoy the beginning, but from the middle to the end I found the story a lot more engaging.  I did enjoy the local references and imagining the scenery as it was being told.  
7. Undermajordomo Minor - by Patrick deWitt
   3 stars on Goodreads but felt it was actually 3.5.  I read this because I enjoyed the author’s book The Sisters Brothers and boy was I surprised to find this book written with a completely different style.  But captivating nonetheless. The book read like a Wes Anderson movie.  Somewhat bizarre and oddly entertaining.  It takes a certain kind of person to appreciate this book.
8. Everything I Never Told You - by Celeste Ng (audiobook)
   3 stars on Goodreads.  Very well written but extremely depressing.  I struggled with the back and forth of time but appreciated the stories being told from each individual’s perspectives.  Definitely would recommend to people who are open to the content and discussion it provokes and to those who wouldn’t be triggered by the context.
9. Bright Spots & Landmines:  The Diabetes Guide I Wish Someone Had Handed Me - by Adam Brown
   4 stars on Goodreads.  As diabetes books go, this is one of the top choices.  It was like a diabetes mindfulness book and since mindfulness is all the rage right now it was right on.  My favorite quote from the book, “I cannot control everything in my life, but I can always control my response to it.”  I think it will be highly motivating for diabetics when they are in the place to drive that motivation.  It could be a bit discouraging to those that are not ready for that.  I will definitely apply the Bright Spots/Landmines mentality to other areas of my life too though so the theory does not just apply to diabetics.  
10. The Mothers - Brit Bennett (audiobook)
    3 stars on Goodreads but felt it was actually 3.5. For some reason, I expected this story to be different before I started reading it.  That took me a while to adjust to.  I really wanted to rate this book higher because I felt in ways it deserved it.  But I hate when I hate the main characters.  I loved Nadia’s strength and perseverance and independence but hated how she treated the people who cared for her.  All the love/hate feelings I had going on while reading this book became frustrating and distracting from the enjoyment.
11. Talking as Fast as I Can:  From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls, and Everything in Between - by Lauren Graham (audiobook and book)
    4 stars on Goodreads but as a Gilmore Girls fan 5 stars.  Brilliant.  First, Lauren reads on the audiobook and it is amazing hearing the story from her voice.  Feeling she is reading the story to you personally.  Laughing with her, and shedding a tear here and there.  It’s so enjoyable. BUT, she shares pictures.  So you have to read along to the audiobook and enjoy the personal photos she shares.  While the book is heavily focused on the legacy of the Gilmores, she tells her story from the very beginning.  She talks about growing up, struggling to decide to become an actor, taking a chance on being an actor, making it, and becoming an author.  No spoilers but I may be rewatching some Gilmore Girl episodes this week now I have some insider information to look for.  
12. Lamb:  The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal - by Christopher Moore
    4 stars on Goodreads.  I finally took my mom’s advice and didn’t read another depressing book but picked something with a bit of humor.  I’m not a very religious person so I don’t know if that would have interfered with my ability to enjoy this book.  A good reminder to not take everything so seriously in life.

I’d like to point out that I listened to all audiobooks on the OverDrive app with library loans.  I LOVE my library card!