January 2022 Wrap Up and TBR

First wrap up of 2022! This month has felt really long for me. Getting sick (which sucks more than I remember since it’s been so long) and slow days at work (which is fine since I’m getting my full strength back) just make the days feel different, you know?

There were things to celebrate though so I have to be thankful for that. My birthday passed and it was quiet and lovely with my family. We are also celebrating Lunar New Year this weekend. A little less festive than non-pandemic years but I can only be grateful we’re all well.

With regards to reading, as part of my 2022 reading goals, I’ve been trying to diversify my reading a little bit more whether in genre or medium. So this is what I’ve been up to this month.

What did I read this month?

Most outstanding: I normally don’t love sad stories but there’s just something about You’ve Reached Sam (review here) that gripped me from the start to give it a try. I listened to this as an audiobook and that probably made the experience even better, although tears were just sporadically coming out while I was working.

ARC shoutout: These Deadly Games (review here) releasing SO soon on February 1st was thrilling with its edge-of-your-seat games that had the protagonist making the hardest decisions. I was so lucky to have gotten an ARC and I’m glad it didn’t disappoint.

New genre: I’m not much of a nonfiction reader but I said I wanted to try it out more. So I knew I had to start with the epic true crime compilation by the late Michelle McNamara, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark. While some don’t credit her enough for the capture of the Golden State Killer (a moniker she gave him), I think it wouldn’t have garnered the amount of attention into the investigation if it wasn’t for her. Full review on my thoughts coming out later this week!

Satisfactory expectations: While not all sequels or books from authors we love are what we expect them to be, You’ll Be the Death of Me (review here) and Aurora’s End definitely worked out for the better. I enjoyed them both in different ways. It may not have been LOVE but it was definitely a very strong like to have met the high bar I set for both.

Graphics!: I so rarely read graphic novels or mangas but I want to get back into it. I love good art, especially ‘cause I can’t draw at all, and appreciate those who do this for a living. Since I haven’t done a re-read in forever, Graceling the graphic novel was the perfect venture into this medium and it was beautiful. It captured the story even if it was rather fast-paced. What a wonderful way to revisit a story I loved.

Unrequited love trope: Is it bad that I really enjoy this trope? I love the angst of it, but I do hope it will end well eventually. Unbreak My Heart was a good one that filled the niche I was in the mood for while I was sick. Perfect comfort read – though I can’t say I absolutely love the guy after all he put our protagonist through.

Ratings

4.5 Drink Me Potions

• You’ve Reached Sam by Dustin Thao

4 Drink Me Potions

• These Deadly Games by Diana Urban
• Unbreak My Heart by Nicole Jacquelyn
• I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara
• Graceling (graphic novel) by Kristin Cashore & Gareth Hinds
• Aurora’s End by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

3.5 Drink Me Potions

• You’ll Be the Death of Me by Karen M. McManus

2 Drink Me Potions

• A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Current reading list

• The Crown of Gilded Bones by Jennifer L. Armentrout
  • didn’t I mention I’m a sucker of punishment?
• Only a Monster by Vanessa Len
  • Blessed ARC!
• The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik

TBR list

• The Maid by Nita Prose
• Wires and Nerves (graphic novel) by Marissa Meyer

That’s my January! I hope you had a good start to the new year (or at least better than I did).

How are you doing with your reading goals for the year so far? Have you read any of these books I listed above? I’d love to chat with you below!