One of my New Year’s resolutions for 2019 was to keep a list of the books I’ve read. I read a lot, but I’ve never managed to keep up with a list. This year I decided to write down the books I finish in my calendar and share them with you. So far, it’s working well. Without further ado, here is my January reading list.
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January Books
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
I’ve had this book on my Kindle app for quite A while, and finally decided to read it. The Rosie Project is about a man who is looking for the perfect wife. The protagonist, Don, is highly intelligent, but has several quirks. Rosie does not meet Don’s wife criteria for a wife, but wiggles her way into his life anyhow. This is a cute romance with memorable characters.
The Gender Game by Bella Forrest
This was my first young adult dystopian novel of the year, but probably not my last. I’m pretty certain that I’m going to add the other six books in the series to my “To Be Read” list.
The main character, Violet, is a citizen of Matrus, the female-governed nation on one side of the river. Due to circumstances beyond her control, Violet is a prisoner of the state. To avoid a death sentence, Violet goes undercover to the country of Patrus. Will her mission succeed? Read to find out.
The futuristic setting of The Gender Game was very intriguing. The differences between the two countries are striking, and neither is perfect. I am tempted to read this with my students because there is so much to discuss. This would be a great novel for a comparison and contrast project.
Knockout by K.A. Holt
This was one of the books I picked up at our school’s book fair this year. I didn’t even look at the author’s name, but noticed instead the narrative poetry inside. I thought Knockout might appeal to some of my more reluctant readers because while it looks like a longer book, it’s a quick read. The main character, Levi, is a 7th grade boy who takes up boxing.
After I started reading, I realized that Knockout included the same characters as House Arrest. I hadn’t read House Arrest for a few years, so naturally I had to go back and reread it after I finished Knockout. These are both great books especially for boys who don’t like to read. The characters are funny, loveable, and memorable. They each struggle with situations beyond their control. It was really nice to see Timothy and his mom again and to meet a healthy, strong Levi.
Grenade by Alan Gratz
Grenade was one of the books that the school PTO generously purchased for my classroom at our November Scholastic bookfair. I try to read as many of my classroom library books as I can. Alan Gratz is a one of my boys’ favorite writers, so I knew that we had to add Grenade to our library.
Grenade is set during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. There are two narrators. One is a young American soldier in the midst of his first battle. The other, Hideki, is an Okinawan boy who is caught in the middle. Gratz did a great job showing the similarities between the two young men as they fight to survive. If you like historical fiction, this is a good World War II novel.
Flawless by Heather Graham
Flawless is another book that I’ve had on my Kindle app for a while. Kieran Finnegan is a psychologist who also works at her family’s New York pub. While on an errand for her brother and her best friend, Kieran is taken hostage during a jewelry store robbery. After being rescued by Agent Craig Frasier, Kieran works with the FBI to help catch a group of diamond thieves.
Although I thought Flawless started slowly, once the action began, I couldn’t put this book down. Heather Graham is a master of suspense–I should have known that I would not be disappointed. And, at only $1.99 in Amazon’s Kindle Store, this book is well worth the purchase.
Three Sisters, Three Queens by Philippa Gregory
Another historical fiction novel for me. This one set in England and Scotland during the early 1500s. The main character is Margarget Tudor, sister of Henry VIII, who marries James IV of Scotland. Filled with political intrigue, war, and the romantic entanglements of the time, this book is great for people who love British history. There’s not a lot known about Margaret Tudor, but Philippa Gregory is able to take the records that do exist and create believable characters. I’ve read most of Philippa Gregory’s books, and once again, she did not disappoint.
Tears of a Tiger by Sharon Draper
This is the novel I read this month with my 8th grade students, so technically I read it twice this January and have read it at least once a year since the 2009-2010 school year. Not only is Sharon Draper an Ohio author and English Language Arts teacher, but she’s won National Teacher of the Year honors. I was privileged to meet her a few years ago at the Youngstown State University’s 35th annual English Festival. She’s amazing.
Tears of a Tiger starts with a newspaper article chronicling an car accident involving four teenagers and then flashes back to what happened leading up to the crash. We watch the main character, Andy, deal with emotional strain and depression in the aftermath as he spirals downward.
The novel is a variety of different types of writing from news articles to dialogue, to classroom assignments such as poems and essays. My students love reading this book aloud as a play. Many years ago, before she retired, Mrs. Culp marked a copy of the book with all the characters. We use that to assign the different parts each day.
House Arrest by K.A. Holt
After reading Knockout, I just had to go back and reread House Arrest. I had already been encouraging students to read House Arrest because it’s great for reluctant readers. Because of its poetic style, House Arrest looks longer than it really is and appeals to those young readers who have trouble finishing longer works. Main character Timothy is required to write in a journal each week by his probation officer and psychologist. So many raw emotions pour out onto each page, and readers can’t help up sympathize with his situation.
Timothy is on house arrest for stealing a wallet to buy medicine for his baby brother Levi. There’s so much to discuss with this book–health care, crime and punishment, abandonment, and more. It’s really a great book, and I encourage everyone to read it.
Juror #3 by James Patterson and Nancy Allen
I read this on January 30, our first “snow day” of the year when temperatures plummeted. James Patterson has long been one of my favorite authors, and luckily for me, he’s a very prolific author.
The main character in this realistic fiction novel is a young lawyer, Ruby Bozarth. Ruby, who has never won a case, is appointed to her first capital murder case with client who claims innocence. This book was a little different because after the conclusion of that case, the book did not end, but instead continued with another case, this one against Ruby’s former fiance. I could be wrong, but I feel like Ruby is going to end up with her own series of books.
Although Juror #3 is not my favorite James Patterson book, I did enjoy it, and it was a quick read.
Conclusion
To sum up, I’ve read nine books this month. Two of these were rereads (House Arrest and Tears of a Tiger), and seven of them were new. It would be really hard to pick a favorite, because I like them all for different reasons. If you are looking for something new, consider trying one of these.
What was your favorite January book? I need ideas for February. So far, I’ve working on Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee and am planning to read Forged by Fire, the second book in Sharon Draper’s Hazelwood High Trilogy.
I’m going to have to order “Three Sisters Three Queens”. You had me at historical fiction! Thanks for the recommendations!
Three Sisters, Three Queens looks right up my alley! I can’t wait to have some time to read again .
Awesome list!I, too, have books on my Kindle that I haven’t gotten to yet. I think all your books look good, but I’m most drawn to Tears of a Tiger and Grenade. Thank you for your suggestions. I hope your book list continues and we get to hear about your future months.
Books are perhaps the best gift we can give ourselves.There is nothing like reading some good stuff.Reviews like yours are always helpful to get a perspective.
It looks like there are some really interesting books on this list! There is nothing like a good book! I need to read more often. Maybe I should start with books on this list.
Looking at myself like you have not read a book in ages!!. Let me blame my kids and parenting just to feel a little bit better. Great selections though!
Great list! I can’t wait to start reading. I just added “Three Sisters, Three Queens” to my list. Happy reading!
Haven’t read any of these but The Rosie Project looks intriguing!
Thanks for sharing these! Been looking for some reading material, actually. I might have to check out that Tears of a Tiger. Currently, I’m reading The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman. It has a different meditation for each day of the year and speaks about how to be wise and how to persevere through your every day life without allowing others to negatively influence your mood or attitude. It basically always comes down to the choices you make and puts that power in your hands. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it!
It sounds amazing! I’ll have to check it out.
The Gender game sounds like it would be an interesting read.
The Gender Game sounds really interesting to me! I might have to expand my “must read” list! 🙂 Thanks!
I’ve never been good at keeping track either – but what a good idea! Definitely going to try and work on that this year more.
I love lists like this because I’ve made it a point to read one book per month in 2019, plus review them. Grenade sounds like a great one. I’m sharing this so I have your list handy. Thank you!
Amazing list! I had heard about The Gender List a while ago but then forgot to put it on my own to-read list. It looks like a very intriguing book. After reading your post here, I will definitely be picking it up soon!
Wow, you read a lot! I like the three queens book. That sounds interesting. I’ll have to check your lists prior to selecting my next book to read.
Great list! So many good options. I love Heather Graham so I think I’ll start with that one. Pinning this also!
Woww! You read so many books in a month! I used to be an avid reader once, but now can not concentrate on novel. Mostly read motivational and self help..would love to read couple of books from your list!
I love that you mentioned the English Festival. I grew up near there and went with my school every year. It was always one of my favorite events! When you were saying that the author was from Ohio, I instantly thought, I wonder if she’s ever been part of the English Festival and then in the next sentence you mentioned it. I live in California now, but it’s fun to be taken back to memories from Junior HIgh/High School.
I attended the YSU festival back in junior high, as well. It’s so much fun to take my students now. I can’t believe that this is the 40th year.
House Arrest sounds interesting! I’ll have to check that one out.
It is a great book. My students really love it.
Admittedly I don’t read as much as I should when it comes to novels. I am more of a biography, business, self help but I do enjoy a good James Patterson book. Thanks for this list and what a solid resolution. Great round up.
I love, love period books. I think I’ll add Three Queens, Three sisters to my kindle wish list. This is a great roundup!
I have a few great reads coming in through Amazon I am beyond excited. His bloody Project and all that remains. Started the year off right.
This is soooooo well curated! You slected some awesome books
I’ve heard so many good thing about Juror #3! I just started Deadly Obsession by April Hunt and I’m enjoying it so far. You should try keeping track of your books on Goodreads. They give awesome recommendations based on the books you’ve enjoyed.
I love Philippa Gregory! Her Tudor series of books is really incredible. I read a fair amount of them so I’m excited to see this new title that I haven’t read yet. I’ll have to check that one out.
Everytime I see a book post, my heart just skips a beat! 😍 great list of books! Love the way you explaining it 💕 I added Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion and gender game to my list. I Am so excited to read them. Let you know how that goes ☺️ I’ll be checking your blog for the future TBR. 💞
I plan to add three of these books from this list. This is a good list and thank you for sharing!
Thanks for sharing! Is this in order of preference or random? My goal is also to read more but think an audible solution would be better!
It’s in the order that I read the books. Audio is a great way to increase exposure. If I had a longer commute, I would probably use it more.
Great post! I love how you provided a short summary of each book. Really helps one decide which ones I should read next.
Thanks for they synopsis. I definitely want to read Tears of a Tiger. It seems like a page turner!
Great share, I enjoy seeing others views on similar books I also enjoy. Rosie Project has been on my list for a while but I think I may go ahead and read it now. Definitely keeping this list in mind next time I’m looking for something good to read.
I am such a book nerd so I shared this to ensure I had some recommended books for the month! I also read Tears of A Tiger in middle school and enjoyed then as I am sure I would now
That’s great that you found a way to stick to recording all the books you’ve read. My goal for 2019 is to read one book a month and so far it is going well. I am recording the books I am reading 💗
I made a resolution of reading one book per month (and that i find difficult)! however i focus on business/ marketing books! thanks for sharing your list, will check them for sure!
you should totally read Ghost Boy by Iain Lawrence.
This is cool!!!!!!!!!! i want to read knock out!!!!!!!
I would like to read Knock Out.
9 books in January! That’s impressive. How do you find the time on top of blogging too. I wish I read more. You have inspired me. If you can read 9 I must be able to at least get 1/2 a book read. ❤️
Thank you for sharing this. I love book recommendations, you can find some awesome reads this way!
Thanks for sharing this! My goal for 2019 is to read one book a month, I’m going to look at “Three Sisters Three Queens” that totally sounds like a book I would love! (Art history major in college 😂)