January 2014 Roundup

February 6, 2014 by 5eyedbookworm 6 Comments

Nine books. All new authors. That pretty sums up January for me. I liked most of the books I read in January but I haven’t found the book that would actually blow my socks off. But it doesn’t really matter, I have 11 months more to find a book that would make me say WOW! I did read books that I can recommend to almost any avid reader. More on that later. Meanwhile, here are the books I read in January 2014:

1. The Good Lord Bird by James McBride (REVIEW) – What a way to start the year! This is one book I enjoyed reading immensely. Endearing characters, humor and great writing made this an engaging read.

2. The Giver by Lois Lowry (REVIEW) – Reading this book was long overdue and I’m glad I read this book to start the year. Frequently challenged and banned, this book is a thought-provoking story about individuality and change.

3. Ring by Koji Suzuki (REVIEW) – Whoever thought I’d want to scare myself to begin the year? Beats me. But what a good read! No gore. Just plain creepy. If you’ve watched the movie before, pick up this book and read it. You won’t be disappointed.

4. Watchmen by Alan Moore (REVIEW) – Many claim that this is one of the most famous graphic novels of all time. I thought this was a great choice to start my participation in the 7th Annual Graphic Novels and Manga Challenge. I’ll tell you the truth: I never expected it to be so profound. The illustrations were topnotch and I especially loved Rorschach.

5. The Diving Pool by Yoko Ogawa (REVIEW) – I read this for the January In Japan 2014 Readalong organized by Tony at Tony’s Reading List. This surprised me a lot. An undeniable medley of beauty and darkness, paired with the simple and unrelenting writing of Yoko Ogawa.

6. The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards (REVIEW) – I needed tissues with this one. Seriously.

7. Soy Sauce for Beginners by Kirstin Chen (REVIEW)- A debut novel from an author born and raised in Singapore. This will delight any armchair traveler (like yours truly) and those interested in learning new cultures, exotic cuisine and the ancient ways of preparing soy sauce. Soy sauce in Sprite? Who knew?

8. Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo (REVIEW)- Holy bagumba! Read this! I can’t say much yet as I have yet to make a review (ha!) but if you’re thinking of reading a children’s book this year, make it this one. I loved all the characters and their adventures. I love squirrel poetry!

9. Enduring Love by Ian McEwan (REVIEW) – My first Ian McEwan book (Whaaat?!). The premise was intriguing enough but it messed up my mind a little. But oh what beautiful writing from Ian McEwan.

This month I gave a GOOD seal (descriptions here) to ALL the books I reviewed. I recommend reading Ring by Koji Suzuki if you’re a horror fan, Watchmen by Alan Moore if you like to start reading graphic novels or if you enjoy reading comics, The Good Lord Bird by James McBride if you want to read a story about slavery and finding your identity, The Giver by Lois Lowry if you want to read about the value of freedom and individuality, and Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo to all the young ones and young at heart readers out there.

I wish I could have read more (and much faster!) but reality calls, as always. As for February, look out for my future post on this one ;)

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Credits: All design elements from All Organic kit by Kay Miller Designs.

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