While scrolling through Facebook one day, I came across a post about a granny square book blanket. This immediately caught my attention because it combines two of my favorite hobbies: crocheting and reading. This concept is similar to a temperature blanket, but I find it much more interesting and exciting. Each month, I will share the books and audiobooks I have read or listened to, accompanied by their corresponding granny squares, with colors that match the book covers. I am using a basic granny square pattern found in Crochet Stitches: Step by Step by Claire Montgomerie. If you want to stay updated on my current reads and recommendations, feel free to connect with me on Goodreads. Now, let’s dive into my reads from January!
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The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren
Rating: 4 Stars
After reading Christina Lauren’s The Soulmate Equation, I knew I wanted more of Fizzy’s story, and I was not disappointed. Although I wasn’t as captivated by this sequel as I was by The Soulmate Equation, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. As an avid viewer of reality TV, I appreciated the premise of the story, which revolves around Fizzy’s experiences on a dating show in search of love. I particularly enjoyed the callbacks to the first book in the series and the inclusion of the original characters. However, I felt that Fizzy and Connor’s relationship lacked substance, as it seemed to focus more on physical attraction than on emotional connection. Nonetheless, their romance and story were still very enjoyable.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Rating: 5 Stars
Emily Henry has crafted yet another remarkable masterpiece! Right from the very first page, I was instantly captivated and found it impossible to set the book aside. The intricacies of the story and the depth of the characters were wonderfully developed. Daphne and Miles’ love story unfolded like a beautiful tapestry, leaving me with a warm smile and bursts of laughter. The slow burn of their romance was exquisite; the tension and chemistry between them sizzled off the pages, compelling me to cheer for them from the outset. Daphne herself was an incredibly relatable character, with her quirks and aspirations making her even more endearing. This enchanting tale is one I will eagerly revisit in the future!
Beach Read by Emily Henry
Rating: 4.5 Stars
This enchanting story is one that invites readers to dive in at any time of the year. It presents a delightful blend of charm and romance, centered around two characters who are both navigating their own personal struggles. As they forge a connection, they inspire each other to heal and grow in ways they never imagined. The character development is masterfully executed, allowing us to witness their transformation as the narrative unfolds. With each page, my affection for Gus and January deepened—two seemingly polar opposites who, beneath the surface, share more similarities than they initially acknowledge. While the plot may follow a somewhat predictable path, there’s an undeniable warmth and sincerity in the storytelling that captivated me from start to finish. It was an enjoyable escape that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a heartwarming read.
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
Rating: 5 Stars
This was my second time reading this book, and this time I experienced it in audiobook format. It has to be one of my favorite stories of all time, and the audio version made me feel truly immersed in the narrative. It was beautifully done! Everything about it is perfect: the characters and their development, the settings, the humor, and the pacing of the story. The love story between Elizabeth and Darcy keeps you engaged, and the evolution of their relationship is beautifully crafted. The banter between the two of them, as well as with the other characters, is expertly written. I am jealous of anyone who gets to read this story for the first time!
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Rating: 5 Stars
One of my favorite stories that I decided to experience in audio format is a shocking tale about a couple, Nick and Amy, who leave New York City to move to Missouri to help care for Nick’s dying mother. The plot takes a twist when Amy goes missing under suspicious circumstances, leading everyone to assume that her husband, Nick, must be responsible. This story kept me guessing at every turn, and I was both surprised and shocked by each twist as it unfolded. I found myself simultaneously hating and loving the characters as their stories developed. The narrative is told from both perspectives—Nick and Amy—which made the story more well-rounded and the characters more understandable. I loved knowing each of their thoughts and perspectives. The ending left me both screaming and thoroughly satisfied. It’s such a perfect thriller!
Happy Place by Emily Henry
Rating: 3 Stars
I really wanted to love this book, but I just couldn’t get into it the way I have with Emily Henry’s other novels. Some days, reading it felt like a chore. The characters genuinely annoyed me, and the love story between Harriet and Wyn just didn’t resonate with me. I questioned whether Harriet and Wyn even liked each other at all. How did their relationship last eight years? There was absolutely no communication between them, and they had very different goals in life. The fact that they lasted eight years didn’t make any sense to me. I was actually hoping they wouldn't end up together because it seemed like they weren't meant for each other. They appeared to be better suited as friends rather than lovers. Also, the friend group seemed so self-absorbed in their own issues that they couldn’t or wouldn’t prioritize their friend's problems. I do appreciate Emily Henry’s writing style; unfortunately, this story just wasn’t my favorite.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Rating: 5 Stars
I remember picking up this book for the first time when I was a small middle school girl, completely captivated by the story. I can honestly say it inspired my love for fiction, especially dystopian novels. This dystopian novel immerses readers in a broken, terrifying world while conveying humanity's hope and resilience against injustice. It has to be one of my favorite books of all time! This was another reread for me, but this time I experienced it in audio format. Even though I already knew what would happen, this page-turner kept me on the edge of my seat. The audio really enhanced my immersion in the story. The narrative is absolutely perfect, featuring exquisite character development, vivid imagery, and intense suspense. Katniss, the flawed protagonist, is not only relatable but also easy to cheer for. The story left me smiling, crying, and feeling angry about all the injustice portrayed. Highly recommend this series to anyone!
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Rating: 5 Stars
I enjoyed another audiobook and reread this month. This book is nearly as good as the first in the series, as we delve deeper into the story of this world. The development of Katniss and Peeta's characters is perfect, and we really begin to see their growth as the plot unfolds. The story kept me on the edge of my seat, with plenty of unexpected twists and turns. We also meet some new characters, with Finnick and Johanna becoming two of my favorites. This time, we return to the arena, which is filled with even more action and suspense. I vividly remember finishing the last chapter, which ended on a huge cliffhanger, and I found myself impatiently waiting for the next book.
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