January 2022 Book Review

Today is the day of my first ever monthly book review! It’s my January Book Review! Going into 2022, I decided I wanted to replace all the time I spent mindlessly scrolling on my phone with reading. My goal is to read at least one book a month, but my true desire is to read many more than that. I usually fail at holding myself accountable with New Years’ Resolutions, but I hope these monthly updates will hold me accountable.

To follow along, check out all my reviews below:

Book Reviews

Before I get into my reviews, I made two minor life changes to help with this goal. First, I needed to make a purchase. I know that may sound silly, but here’s why… I am a cross-body purse gal. However, I decided if I had a purse that would fit the average book, I might be more likely to bring a book with me while I wait at the doctor’s office, while I’m getting an oil change, or at my airport gate—all places I’d typically scroll on my phone. The perfect purse for me was the “ALMOST PERFECT’ TRIANGLE SHOULDER BAG” by Portland Leather. The customer reviews sold me on the bag, and the color’ Nutmeg’ was beautiful. It’s the perfect size to carry a book, plus all the other items I like to bring. Currently, it’s on sale from $260 to $88!!

The second life change I made was embracing e-reading. I’ve had an iPad for five years and would occasionally download books to read. Like most, I much prefer reading paper books. I adored going to the bookstore, ordering a hot coffee, and wandering around the shop. Don’t get me wrong, I still love doing that and will purchase physical books here and there, but I am trying to incorporate more e-books.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Overall: 3/5

Now on to my first ever book review! I’m usually a big fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books. Back in 2021, I read One True Loves and loved it! So, my expectations were pretty darn high for this book! However, I have a very unpopular opinion regarding this story… I was not a fan. Before you hate me, let me explain why. When I initially picked this book up, it sounded exactly like something I would enjoy. Evelyn Hugo is this iconic Hollywood actress known for all things glamorous and her notorious number of husbands. In her older years, she is finally ready to spill all her scandalous stories and tell the truth about her life. I was completely drawn in by the title of this book alone. Plenty of twists throughout this story kept me interested enough to finish, but I did not enjoy a single character in this book. The main character doesn’t always have to be likable and pleasant, but it was a turn off until the very end. If you’re thinking of reading your first Taylor Jenkins Reid story, I would choose One True Loves instead.

The Simple Abundance Journal of Gratitude by Sarah Ban Breathnach

Overall: 5/5 🙂

This book isn’t one I would usually consider adding to this list. It has a small section at the beginning of the book that you should read, but it’s more in journal form. However, I chose to include it in my list because it is a part of my 2022 New Year’s resolutions. Like my reading goal, I want to be more accountable here. Over the last year, I’ve found it hard to appreciate the good things in life because I have had to worry about so many negative things. It’s a mindset I really want to change.

The purpose of this book to encourage you to write down five things that made you are grateful for that day. The twist is they are not supposed to be the obvious things like your health, family, or home. Try to dig a bit deeper and search for five specific things that happened to you that day that you weren’t expecting that made you grateful. The author gave examples such as hearing a song that makes you happy, having that hot cup of coffee first thing in the morning, taking a much needed nap, or laughing with a friend. Hence, this book! I purchased this book a few years back but have yet to start it. For 2022, my second goal of the year was to be more grateful.