January Reading Wrap-Up

A robust start to 2025

Stats:

• 7 books completed; 2 DnF'd (did not finish) = 9 books total.

• 5 audiobooks; 2 paperbacks; and 2 hardcovers

• 4 purchased full price

• 5 borrowed books from my local library (Hoopla or Libby included)—NEW!

As reported in previous posts, I'm on the hunt for comp titles for my novel manuscript. More than half my reading in January (five titles) I chose with that in mind. One is a great match! But two I DnF’d and two are excellent novels but not comps for my own.

Photo by Alexandra Fuller on Unsplash

In 2025, I am participating in two reading challenges: the “Reads Good Challenge” and “Savidge Prompts.” Both are available on TheStoryGraph if you are interested in participating. So every month, I’m trying to slot in my reading choices so that I can complete their monthly prompts (which are, admittedly, a bit silly.)

Dinosaurs: A Novel by Lydia Millet, had comp potential and it’s 15-character title, fulfilled one of my reading challenges. Most consider it a dystopian novel, but it isn't a gloomy read. Millet pulls off a lot of fascinating feats, and manages to infuse her story with droll humor. Despite the main character’s journey, found family, and a bit of a family saga, it isn’t a comp for my novel. I gave the novel 3-stars, which doesn’t jibe with the critical acclaim Millet has received. Undeniably, her writing is impressive, but this story just didn’t hook me. If you are interested in writing, for writing’s sake, Dinosaurs is definitely worth your time. (Hint: it’s not about dinosaurs.)

“The Reads Good Challenge” renamed the month "Ann-uary" and asked that participants read a book with an author named Ann or with “Ann” in its title. I read both Held by Anne Michaels and After Annie by Anna Quindlen. I DnF’d both of these contemporary novels. Neither worked as comp titles. I found After Annie tedious and Held was trying too hard but many readers love them.

That meant I still needed to finish an "Ann" book. Because I had been intrigued last year by a review in The New York Times of Anne Higgonet’s non-fiction book Liberty, Equality, Fashion: The Women Who Styled the French Revolution, this book was on my 2025 TBR. It’s a fascinating narrative of three women who, after their extraordinary experiences during and after the revolution, became trend-setter, designer, and influencer. The author is an historian of art and fashion who teaches at Barnard College. She uncovered plates from a Revolution-era Parisian magazine that validated her points. The physical book features those plates, along with numerous paintings and illustrations. This book raises questions about how fashion will respond during the 21^st century. What will be the next big impetus of fashion change? Will technological changes, environmental concerns, influencers, or something else shape our future silhouettes? If you like non-fiction books and are even mildly interested in the French Revolution, the history of fashion, or Josephine Bonaparte, I highly recommend this 4-star read.

I completed two “important” books: Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, read by Sissy Spacek, and Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare, in physical form. I wasn't wowed by the latter, but Mockingbird was magnificent. I encourage you to chip away at the unread important books on your shelf. Most are true treasures.

I reveled in The Art of Drowning, a short collection of poems by Billy Collins, upon which I bestow glittering five stars. I’ve read his poetry collections and watched hours of videos of him reading his poems aloud. I'm a big fan. This collection is a deviation from his usual wit and brevity. Its lengthier poems fill their page and are weightier and deeper ponderances of our human condition. I'm certain I will continue to reread this collection. Quite possibly the best of Collins. Pick it up.

Lastly, I read two contemporary novels, both of which I give 4.5 stars. The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson, read by Penelope Freeman; and Mrs Quinn’s Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford, read by Melanie Crawley. The latter recounts an elderly woman who enters a TV baking contest and the journey of self-discovery that results. It’s a simple, linear story that is well-told, controlled, and engaging. The Last List of Mabel Beaumont is the story of a newly widowed woman who, grappling with buried feelings, forms new bonds with quirky characters and stumbles her way into a new life. I found Pearson’s writing especially delightful. Her book incorporates several twists and improbable dramatis personae. Found-family is brilliantly explored. I recommend both of these engaging, pleasurable reads, both of which were superb audiobooks.

What was your favorite read in January? Did you enjoy any "important" books that filled a gap in your reading history?