Happy January Everyone!
I can’t believe that January has gone by so quickly! It seems crazy we’re already a month into 2020, with only 11 to go when it seems like Christmas was yesterday. I’ve read 26 books this month and I’ve definitely got lucky- I’ve enjoyed every single one of them! There’s been a good mixture of fiction from authors new and old as well as some nonfiction, mainly medical because that’s one of my favourite nonfiction genres.
I’ve also done some writing, by which I mean I realised that I needed to finish my first novel there and put the rest in a second novel, then realised that it’s now a bit limp because it doesn’t have the rest of the plot so I need to do something about that. And right as I was about to finish the novel I came up with a new idea for another novel and got side-tracked, so am now in a bit of a writing-related mess.
So, without further ado I am going to give my top 5 books of January 2020, in NO PARTICULAR ORDER because choosing an order might kill what’s left of my sanity and lead to me being a mad, reclusive bookworm. Or more accurately a madder, more reclusive bookworm.
Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
What I liked about it: the unique format, gripping action and fast pace
What I didn’t like about it: my local library does not have the sequel
My favourite character: Hanna, a rich girl turned badass
Position in series: 2/3
Genres: sci-fi, young adult, fiction
What I liked about it: well thought out world building, lots of plot twists, every detail enriches the story in some way
What I didn’t like about it: too big to easily carry around
My favourite character: Jules, an all around legend and mechanics genius
Position in series: 1/3
Genres: sci-fi, post-apocalyptic, fiction
Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi
What I liked about it: rich culture, awesome magic, vivid characters
What I didn’t like about it: the sequel hasn’t even been announced yet
My favourite character: Zelie, a magic wielding, realistic emotioned maji
Position in series: 1/3
Genres: young adult, fantasy, fiction
This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay
What I liked about it: genuinely funny, well explained, honest and emotional
What I didn’t like about it: the lack of funding to the NHS, which is amazing
My favourite character: Adam, an ex-doctor
Position in series: standalone
Genres: nonfiction, medical, autobiography
For the Winner by Emily Hauser
What I liked about it: stunning setting descriptions, epic depiction of Ancient Greece and mythology, strong female character
What I didn’t like about it: nothing. Please write more Emily Hauser.
My favourite character: Atalanta, a bow wielding, powerful princess of Ancient Greece
Position in series: 2/3
Genres: historical fiction, fantasy, ancient Greece
Honourable mentions go to The Deathless Girls by Kiran Millwood Hargrave for beautiful, lyrical writing, and to Renegades by Marissa Meyer for being fresh and all around excellent.
So that brings us to the end of my January top 5. It’s not a long read, but it certainly took me long enough to try and decide which five books to choose, and in the end I cheated by adding some honourable mentions at the end anyway! I hope your January reading has gone well and you’ve achieved any goals you wanted to! Get in contact and let me know or leave a comment below 😊
