January Reads

I read some awesome books this month! Here are my January Reads:

1. Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris: I loved this book so much that I devoured it in 2 days (when I probably should have been "sleeping when the baby sleeps" and doing a whole manner of other things). This book, though, was so eerie, creepy, and suspenseful, I couldn't put it down! It deals with a dramatic case of domestic violence but does so in a way that isn't "Lifetime Movie-ish" at all and has you rooting for the female protagonist the whole time. I was basically cheering her on out loud. Warning: It is a bit violent/graphic/disturbing. My friend Kate couldn't believe I liked it!

2. When We Were Worthy by Marybeth Whalen: This book is about a small Texas town, football, reckless teenagers, their overwhelmed parents, grief, loss, and friendship. It was just meh for me. It has the basis of a wonderfully compelling story but I kept waiting for the climax and it just doesn't really have one. It's like "stuff happens, let me tell you about it" and it just didn't really move anywhere for me. If you are a fan of Friday Night Lights you just might like this book more than I did.

3. Confessions of a Domestic Failure by Bunmi Laditan: Hilarious! My one word description of this book that could not have come at a more fitting time in my life. This is another book that has you fiercely rooting for the delightfully likable hot mess mom whose escapades to connect and fit in with modern mommies err on the side of ridiculous (pretending to breastfeed so she can hang out with the super cool lactating A Group for example). It doesn't sugarcoat motherhood and marriage but is tender and heartfelt at the same time. This book was a joy to read.

4. Of Mess and Moxie by Jen Hatmaker: I felt like after a string of 3 novels I needed some nonfiction in my life. This one did not disappoint. I have enjoyed a few other books by Jen Hatmaker and appreciate her witty take on feminism, faith, and family. She is honest, relatable, and one funny lady. This book is  nice mix of thoughtful theological essays (her take on faith and the modern Christian church is beautiful) and funny segments on family life and friendship and  her "how to" chapters had me rolling. ("How to Have a Good Night's Sleep With Kids: You won't. You'll see your child about sixteen times before sunrise"). This book is a great one to pass on to your girlfriends.

5. One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid: I think I've found a new chick lit author I enjoy! This was a story about a woman whose husband goes missing, she moves on and enters a new relationship only to have him turn up again. It's a really interesting premise and I found myself not wanting to put it down to find out how the main character would resolve her life. PS) I think she made the right choice!

6. Glitter and Glue by Kelly Corrigan: I have mixed feelings about this one. It seemed to me the author simply wanted to write a book and so she put this one together without much meat there. It's a memoir of an American girl who travels to Australia for adventure and ends up being a nanny for a widower and his two young children. The story is woven throughout with anecdotes about the author's mother and her gradual realization that they are more alike than they once thought. It's a super fast read and entertaining, but it kept feeling like the author was really reaching to make a novel out of something and making connections that sort of fell flat. Kelly Corrigan has written a few other books I'm interested in so I might have to give those a try.

I cannot say it enough: Reading is such a treasure in my life! What books should I read next?

Savor Your Sparkle,
Leslie