What I Read in February
Q1 is in full swing, and I’ve really settled into my habit of reading both fiction and non-fiction daily. I was never one for balancing multiple books at the same time, but as I get older (or maybe as my attention span gets shorter), I enjoy mixing it up more and more. I prefer to read non-fiction in the morning or during afternoon slumps as an extra motivation boost, and stick to fiction before bed. I’ve seen people recommend the opposite (non-fiction before bed) since it’s typically less exciting, but anything on self-improvement wakes me up and makes me want to change my whole life, so it’s not my ideal bedtime reading.
That being said, this month was a healthy mix of fiction and non-fiction, and I enjoyed most of the books I read. I’m slowing inching towards my goal of 180, so if you have any recommendations, be sure to send them my way.
what i read in february
olivia strauss is running out of time by angela brown
3.5/5 stars
Welcome to my quarter-life crisis book of the year. As someone who loved the ‘hard work montage’ parts of movies as a kid, I find myself picking up a book about someone questioning their life’s purpose at least once a year without fail.
This isn’t a particularly unique book. The story itself is cliche, and you have an overall idea of where things are going, but I do think it’s worth reading for the little heartfelt moments and overall message.
That being said, the main character is not very likable. I think authors sometimes overemphasize flaws in the hopes of making their characters relatable, but they come across a little insufferable instead. Still, I prefer that over someone who is realistically polished. With stories like these, I want the main character to be normal, not someone living in a penthouse with an unlimited budget and everything figured out.
This book will resonate with you if you’re a list-maker, planner, or perfectionist. I really like how it explored the balance between big dreams and the simplicity of daily life, as well as the complexities of grief.
Favorite quotes:
“For too many years, I'd taken for granted so many aspects of my life while on a quest to check off the few boxes I'd yet to complete. It was like that scattering of blank squares had left a blankness in me. It wasn't until I began to chase them down that I realized that I could still have a full life, even if they remained empty. That I could be content, yet still have dreams.” (p. 287)
“We aren't born with one life, but with two. The life we live before we understand loss, and the one we finally live once we realize that, despite our many efforts, our life will ultimately end.” (p. 312)
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
the good daughter by karin slaughter
4/5 stars
This is a character-driven family drama centered around two crimes. While it’s dark and intense from the vey first page, I wouldn’t consider it to be a thriller, although it’s marketed as one. The sisters’ relationship through the lens of processing trauma drives the plot, rather than crazy twists.
This book is not for the faint of heart. It’s gory and graphic, even if you’re familiar with thrillers and true crime, so please check the TWs before diving in.
I found this to be a little over-detailed at times, but still compelling and worth the read. If you’re used to short chapters, the pacing will probably feel slow.
I really enjoyed the characterization and themes within this book; any novel that can entertain you while also making you think is an automatic win for me. This made me reflect on the complexities of truth, trust, and understanding. If you agree with the phrase, “there are three sides to every story - yours, mine, and what really happened,” you’ll like this book.
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
think you’ll be happy: moving through grief with grit, grace, and gratitude by nicole avant
4/5 stars
This is a beautiful, moving memoir that pays tribute to the author’s mother. Some of the themes include character, community, and service.
I didn’t know anything about the author or her family prior to reading it, and found it to be a wonderful example of class and humility. In a world that’s nearly overrun by social media, I was really taken aback by the depth of the relationships discussed and it made me think more about interpersonal connection. After I finished the book, I saw some criticism about name-dropping and I don’t think it was necessarily intentional; it may come across that way, but she genuinely runs in those circles so she kind of couldn’t help it.
What resonated with me most while reading this was the idea of legacy; this memoir will make you think about how you’re impacting your community and if you’re doing enough to nurture the relationships in your life, because that’s what is most important at the end of the day.
Favorite quotes:
“We celebrate the people around us when we really see them, when we focus on the years not the minutes, when we let love be the lesson.” (p. 55)
“It's not about the loss and the death — it's about the life, the dash between the dates… That, there, is truly the art of living.” (p. 99)
“No amount of thinking or waiting will add to the world's joy or happiness. It's only by doing that we honor the legacy of those who can no longer be with us.” (p. 105)
Read it here.
pure innocent fun: essays by ira madison iii
3.5/5 stars
A new release this month, this is a well-rounded collection of essays. There’s lots of pop culture references, nostalgia, and introspection.
Funny yet thought-provoking, I bet the audiobook would be even better (and that’s coming from someone who doesn’t gravitate towards them).
I wasn’t familiar with the author or his work prior to reading this, and even though this is a collection of essays (not a memoir), I do wish there was a little more about him. He does a great job of sprinkling his personality in throughout, and it left me wanting more.
Favorite quotes:
“Moments of grief can form our identities, even if it's not our own grief.” (p. 85)
“More films about racism should feel over-the-top, have absurdist twists, and be shot in Technicolor. Instead, most of them involve teaching "lessons" about racism. There's nothing to learn about racism in America besides the fact that it exists and sometimes it affects our lives in terrible ways, and even the tears of a white person who has learned the error of their ways can't do much to fix anything... In theory, the way to make a fantastic film about race in America is not to make a film about race in the first place, and that is why Bring It On is the best film made about race in America.” (p. 194)
“This was my first lesson in the fact that most of the anxieties and dramatic situations that pop into my head have no real basis in reality, which probably is what makes me a writer but also makes me an exhausting person to be friends with.” (p. 182-183)
Read it here.
a very bad thing by jt ellison
4/5 stars
This is probably the longest thriller I’ve ever read (477 pages). It could’ve been shorter, yet it held my attention completely from start to finish.
With classic Clue ‘whodunit’ vibes, there’s a lot of characters, but everyone serves a purpose. I enjoyed getting to know each of them, although their voices weren’t particularly unique from each other.
Sometimes books that contain a “story within a story” can feel a little underdone, but this was well-written and included just enough to move the story along without overreaching.
There are lots of twists in this book, and it’s a little far-fetched, but I loved how everything tied together in the end… especially since you invest so much time reading this one!
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
surrounded by idiots: the four types of human behavior and how to effectively communicate with each in business (and in life) by thomas erikson
2.5/5 stars
This is very much a “love it or hate it” book. I hate the title, but after reading it, I understand why the author chose it. It obviously grabs your attention, and anything else I could think to pull from the book would’ve been too stale or boring.
The book proposes a method of classifying behavior into four categories/ colors, and the author suggests most people are a combination of two colors. Overall, the book leans primarily on workplace relationships to prove its point. The examples included are pretty overdramatic and clearly meant to support the author’s theories, but they’re so skewed that it’s hard to take them seriously.
While there were a few interesting insights, I didn’t walk away with major “a-ha” takeaways. This book would probably be somewhat valuable if you work in groups, but I’m sure there are better resources out there.
Favorite quotes:
“Communication usually takes place on the recipient's terms. Whatever people's judgment of me may be, that is the way they perceive me. Regardless of what I really meant or intended. As always, it's all about self-awareness. Good qualities can become drawbacks in the wrong circumstances, no matter what the quality is.” (p. 64)
“No matter who you are-Red, Yellow, Green, or Blue, or a combination of multiple colors - you will always be in the minority. Most of the people you encounter will be different from you. No matter how well balanced you are, you can't be all the types at the same time. So you have to adapt to the people you meet. Good communication is often a matter of adapting to others.” (p. 127)
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
american predator: the hunt for the most meticulous serial killer of the 21st century by maureen callahan
4/5 stars
It’s been a minute since I read a true crime book. These were the first “thrillers” I ever read (starting back in middle school), and I forgot how much I enjoy them. This one is about Israel Keyes, a modern-day American serial killer who honestly isn’t as well-known as I’d expect, especially with how popular true crime is.
As far as the book goes, it’s well-researched and written without bias. The author does a good job weaving in the different investigative branches without confusing the reader, and the timeline is easy to follow as well.
I’m not sure if it was deliberate, but I really liked how the book omitted the photo section you typically see in true crime or other non-fiction books. I think this showed respect for the victims and their families, and I hope this practice continues.
Overall, Keyes’ crimes were horrific and it’s frustrating that there’s so much left unknown. He did not want any fame because he wanted to protect his family from his reputation, and while they should not be punished for what he did, I can’t help but wonder if more public awareness would help identify more of his victims. (I also think the lack of publicity might be deliberate, but that’s a conspiracy theory for another day).
Read it here.
no excuses!: the power of self-discipline by brian tracy
5/5 stars
This is an old-school, no-frills self-improvement book that feels like a pep talk with practical advice sprinkled throughout, as well as a list of action steps/ exercises to complete at the end of each chapter.
It’s comprehensive and covers nearly every aspect of life - goals, fears, work, money, exercise, family, etc. - while still being concise, fast-paced, and easy to read. I recommend reading one chapter at a time (like each morning) to ensure you get the most out of the concepts shared.
The book mentions different universal laws, but doesn’t dive deep into psychology or research; it’s much more rooted in the practical than the philosophical. In a way, it reminded me of the “dad advice” version of The Mountain is You, another book on self-sabotage and mastering discipline to improve your life.
That being said, not all of the advice “fits” with modern culture (ex: always show up early and stay late to advance at work), but the overall message is to give your goals 110% and not undermine your own growth.
Favorite quotes and takeaways:
“There is a direct relationship between the acceptance of responsibility and the amount of personal control you feel you have over your life. This means that the more you accept responsibility, the greater sense of control you experience.” (p. 59)
“There are only four ways that you can change your life. First, you can do more of some things. Second, you can do less of other things. Third, you can start something that you have never done before. And fourth, you can stop certain things” (p. 254)
“Setting priorities requires setting posteriorities as well. A priority is something that you do more of and sooner, whereas a posteriority is something you do less of or later. You are probably already overwhelmed with too much to do and too little time. Because of this, for you to embark on a new task, you must discontinue an old task. Getting into something new requires getting out of another activity... Consciously determine the activities that you are going to discontinue so that you have more time to spend on those tasks that can really make a difference to your future.” (p. 192-193)
Read it here.
lucky by marissa stapley
4/5 stars
This is a quick, breezy read about a con artist who wins the lottery but can’t cash the ticket because she’s wanted by police. Books that are part of Reese’s Book Club are typically hit or miss for me (mostly miss), but this was an endearing gem.
It’s entertaining but doesn’t go too deep. I found myself thinking about nature vs nurture and the consequences of our actions at times, but it’s also not that serious of a book.
The ending is a little rushed, but everything wraps up neatly. From start to finish, it reminded me of 90s/ 2000’s movies I watched growing up that were fun but still heartfelt. If you like adventure but not suspense and a couple of emotional moments sprinkled throughout, you’d probably like this book.
Read it here.
gravewater lake by a.m. strong and sonya sargent
3/5 stars
This a new psychological thriller out March 1st (this Saturday!). I’ve read one other thriller by this author duo and found it to be middle-of-the-road, but the amnesia storyline of this one really grabbed my attention.
This book draws you in right away, but the pacing makes for a bumpy ride. The middle lost some of my attention, to the point where I wasn’t as excited about the ending as I initially was. If I had to break it down, the beginning is worthy of 5 stars, the middle 1, and the end picks back up to a 3. Part of this is because the main character makes some questionable choices that make you roll your eyes.
I like how these authors always include a few obscure words (at least to me) that expand my vocabulary as I read, but they aren’t overdone to where this feels like a “wordy” book.
I did not predict the twists and found them to be really cleverly done, especially with a limited amount of characters. That definitely impressed me and I would recommend it for that reason alone (just be patient through the middle).
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
This month I also read…
The Lucky Widow by Samantha Verant - 2/5 stars, free to read with Kindle Unlimited.
This thriller seems to be well-liked, but I thought it lacked twists and had a few plot holes; the detective character seemed especially implausible, too.
The Minimalist Way: Minimalism Strategies to Declutter Your Life and Make Room for Joy by Erica Layne - 3/5 stars, free to read with Kindle Unlimited.
Quick, easy read but doesn’t reinvent the wheel or introduce anything new.
Sweet Little Lies by Leah Cupps - 2/5 stars, free to read with Kindle Unlimited.
Another highly-rated thriller, but it ended up being a typical cheesy Lifetime-like KU book.
So Good They Can’t Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love by Cal Newport - 4.5/5 stars, free to read with Kindle Unlimited.
Really loved how this provided a clear argument against the “make your passion your career” argument, and it made me think about my career choices and what I would’ve (or should’ve) done differently. I think this should be required reading for high schoolers or college students.
So I Lied by Chelsea Ichaso - 2/5 stars, free to read with Kindle Unlimited.
Twisty; loved the secluded setting but the characters’ voices were too similar to carry an alternating-POV style book.
