Here’s a look at what I read in January. This year I am continuing to be very intentional and deliberate about my reading life in 2023. I don’t want to save the good stuff (taking inspiration for Ginger Horton’s episode on What Should I Read Next? podcast). One of my goals for the year is to make a significant dent in my Owned TBR Shelf, which I did by reading 3 books from that shelf this month. Yay!

A PRAYER FOR THE CROWN-SHY (Monk & Robot #2) by Becky Chambers

I absolutely love the Monk & Robot series and this one follows Sibling Dex and Mosscap off the mountain and into Panga. How will the people react to the robot? Will Sibling Dex still be a tea monk? This was the first book I read this year and I am planning on making reading a Monk & Robot during the first of the year a tradition. It’s dedication sums up my life beautifully: For anybody who doesn’t know where they are going. A lovely story about being where you are while you are there. I love this series so much! 

YELLOWFACE by R.F. Kuang

My first five-star read this year, I will read anything R. F. Kuang writes after last year’s BABEL was one of the my best reads. This one is very meta, set in publishing and about authors and who can tell what stories.  I am not sure I can form a concise thought about this yet; and I am going to read this one again. Set to release on May 16; thanks to William Morrow for the advanced readers’ copy. 

GALATEA by Madeline Miller

This is more short story than novella and I read it because I loved Miller’s CIRCE.  An interesting perspective on another Greek mythological tale.  I liked it.

THE SPACE BETWEEN WORLDS by Micaiah Johnson

This was a surprising five-star read for me; it’s a lesson on not giving up on a book when I think there is something there. I started it two or three times and the time was right for me to complete it this month! This is a sci-fi multiverse novel with multiple worlds with multiple you(s) on those worlds. I’ve always been fascinated with “the road not traveled” and “what if I had made a different choice” stories. This is all that and more.  I can’t stop thinking about it. Here’s to hoping Micaiah Johnson’s working on another one.

TO BE TAUGHT, IF FORTUNATE by Becky Chambers

I am now a Becky Chambers’ completist; and I’m not going to lie, I am sad about that. This one was published before A PSALM FOR THE WILD-BUILT and is a bit more science-driven than her other works. This one was about a team of astronauts visiting and researching other planets who have to create a home in many locales. Visiting these other worlds was very imaginative. I loved what she says, “…a home can only exist in a moment. Something both found and made. Always temporary, in the grand scheme of things, but vital all the same.” I think fans of Andy Weir’s work will enjoy this one.

THE VIOLIN CONSPIRACY by Brendan Slocumb

I read this for the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club; it was the January’s selection.  I loved it because it had a lot of the things I loved: music and mystery. I had the privilege of interviewing Brendan Slocumb in Anne’s stead; it is an episode of the What Should I Read Next podcast.  He was a delight and he said that this story is based on his own life’s experience as a classical violinist who also had a violin stolen.  His upcoming release SYMPHONY OF SECRETS is releases in April and is set in the same universe as THE VIOLIN CONSPIRACY! I love when books do that. 

THE MIMICKING OF KNOWN SUCCESS (Mossa & Pleiti #1) by Malka Ann Older

Think Sherlock Holmes & John Watson. But females. On Jupiter because Earth is no longer inhabitable. It will release March 7th. I liked this one and will read the follow-up THE IMPOSITION OF UNNECESSARY OBSTACLES due out February 2024. Thanks to Tordotcom for the advanced readers’ copy. 

What did you read in January? As usual, I’m linking up to Anne Bogel’s Quick Lit post. If you’re here because you were there, thank you for coming.

enjoy life…