My January 2019 Reading List
January 1, a day that some would say is the first page in a book that has 365 pages to fill. While I love this comparison, I think of my life as one epic novel, rather than a series of volumes. Either way, a new year brings with it new possibilities and of course, new books to read.
In 2018 I set a goal to read 52 books, and I am sad to say I did not achieve my goal.
I was only able to read 43 books, but I'm actually very happy with this number. Of those 43 there were quite a few classics rather than my normal YA or popular fiction titles. <em>
The Scarlett Letter, Cold Blood, Sense and Sensibility, The Hound of the Baskervilles, and Pride and Prejudice(duhhhhh) were just a handful of the slow reads I gave myself this past year. It takes a bit more time to read these novels due to the language difference and complexity of the writing, but I think every minute spent reading one of these was a moment well spent. In fact, it has set the tone for the first few books of 2019.
I love my popular fiction and YA books. So much so that multiple areas of my bookshelf are dedicated to these genres. Cassandra Clare, Celeste Ng, Raindow Rowell, and Libba Bray are just a handful of my favorite authors, and anytime Amazon alerts me to a new novel of theirs I am pretty quick to snag it. However, I felt that my reading regime was missing a very important piece, and with the addition of some classics, I believe I was able to fill that void.
This year I am starting with a variety of titles I have been excited about reading, and I'll take some time to explain why I felt drawn to these texts in particular.
In this next year I want to focus on a lot of self-development and discovery, so some of the titles I have chosen are a reflection of those goals. For my goal setters, I suggest taking a look at what you want to achieve for 2019 and finding some books that will help get you there!
Becoming: Michelle Obama
This is probably the book I am most excited about diving into. For me, this has absolutely nothing to do with politics and has everything to do with learning from a strong, confident, and focused woman. I remember being so impressed with this woman while she represented the country in the White House, and as a former teacher, I was deeply appreciative of the work she did for our children. Again, this is not a political read for me, but one for learning and growing from an amazing woman.
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike: Phil Knight
As an aspiring entrepreneur, this book is especially interesting to me. Rachel Hollis speaks very highly of this book, but so do many other life coaches that I follow and learn from. Phil Knight's drive and business savvy interest me to the nth degree, and I am excited to see what knowledge and inspiration I will be able to glean from these pages. Plus, as a self-certified Nike snob, I think it's only fair to do a little research on how the brand I have spent thousands of dollars on got its start. Thank you Phil for Norts, I and every other sorority girl are forever indebted.
Valley of the Dolls: Jacqueline Susann
This is a book I remember first wanting to read when I was in high school and being thoroughly disappointed when Mom shut that one down real quick. It was very rare that Paula ever told me I could not read something, so I knew whatever was in this book must have been intense. Throughout the years I have thought of this book many times, and it seemed that every time I tried to find it in the library it had been checked out. Nevertheless, on a recent trip to the Amazon book store (Yes, Amazon has physical bookstores and they are the most amazing place in the world. Thank you Amazon, I love you.) this text happened to literally jump out at me from an end cap advertising interesting fiction. Of course, I snapped it right up and was thrilled to see it was the 50th-anniversary edition that sported beautiful pink pages. If that didn't scream my name, I don't know what would. While my journey to this novel is a long one, I think this book about women breaking the mold in a time when it was unheard of is more than perfect for my goals this upcoming year. Also, the thrill of reading something Mom told me not too is a little exciting in and of itself!
Lolita: Vladamir Nabokov
This is a book that has been on my "Must Read" list for at least four years, and I am ready to finally get into it. The dark and controversial content of this novel is one that draws me in, and the contrasting reviews also increase its appeal. I believe this may require its own follow-up post, but I will let you know if that happens. However, this writing style is one I am nervous to tackle, but I know it will only make me a stronger reader. Also, any novel with Stanley Kubrick as the film adaptation's director is probably pretty dang good.
The Old Man and the Sea: Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway is an English literature professor's dream, and I am slightly embarrassed to say I have not read any of his works in their entirety. While I did not major in English, I did teach it for four years, and part of me feels as if I did my profession a disservice. I chose this novel to begin my Hemingway journey, even though I already own A Farewell to Arms, because of its size. It's a smaller text and is renowned for being written in a more simplistic language. I'm not trying to take away the struggle and beauty that is reading Hemingway, I am simply trying to find a text that helps me appreciate that beauty and crave more of it. I have high hopes for this book, and I am sure it will not disappoint.
Game of Thrones: A Song of Fire and Ice: George Martin
While I was a little late to the game, I did finish GOT in November, and I am just as ready for the final season as the rest of the world. Throughout the show, Lee mentioned several times there were many characters and storylines that are not even present in the on-screen version. I find George Martin's character development to be one of the most amazing pieces of art I have ever beheld, and I am so ready to see how it translates to paper. To create characters that can literally be loathed, and then ultimately redeemed and loved is not an easy feat, and it is done so beautifully in the show, to the point that I am still in awe how I came to respect and love Jaime Lannister. I am aware that by beginning this book I am setting myself up for many many weeks of the same story so it may be one I put off for a couple of months. I want to make sure I finish up some other novels before diving into such a long and time-consuming series. I am just hoping I don't get bored with the books knowing what will happen. I doubt it, but it could happen.
This upcoming year holds so much hope and possibility, and I am excited that I have found books that fit so well with my goals.
I would love to hear your reviews if you have read any of these titles, or even some of your book recommendations!
If you haven't found a book to start your year with, I would suggest taking a look at Amazon's list of 100 Books to Read in a Lifetime. It incorporates not only classics but also contemporary pieces, so I feel that there is something for everyone on there!
No matter your choice, I hope you find yourself wrapped up in the pages (or Audible reading) of a book this New Year.
Love,
Lilly
