Can’t believe it’s already February!
One of my blogging goals for this year is to share a monthly reading wrap-up and attempt to review each book. Read on as I share what I have been reading and the books I am planning to pick up.
January began on a busy note firefighting at work with Omicron making its presence felt. It is a difficult month personally too and I do a khula paath each year in my father’s memory. It helps me calm down as it also includes a lot of shabads on death and grieving.
All in all, it has been a good start to the reading year with some excellent five-star reads. I read a total of six books across genres in January. All the books were digital reads, not that I mind.
Books I read:
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Historical Fiction, Format: Audiobook
One word… Brilliant! January began on a high note with this riveting re-read about love, ambition, and friendship. Part historical and part contemporary fiction, it explores Evelyn’s personal journey from the 50s to the late 80s, and the seven husbands along the way. A book that totally lives up to the hype.
The Author-ised Book Club book of the month, I picked the audiobook this time and enjoyed it even more. Do pick it up if you haven’t already.
Crushing by Sophie Burrows
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Graphic novel, Format: ARC ebook
“A story told in silence. A story without words.” When I was offered Crushing for a blog tour, I instantly signed up. And read it right away when I received the ARC.
At its heart, it is a story of two lonely souls yearning for human connection. I was blown away by its simplicity yet powerful impact. Highly recommended.
The Wedding Setup by Sonali Dev
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Romance, Format: ARC ebook
The Wedding Setup is a quintessential Sonali Dev book with all the trappings. Desi family, meddling friends, and an accident that changed the couple’s lives forever.
This second chance romance and the history between Ayesha and Emmitt reminded me of the author’s Jane Austen retelling, Recipe for Persuasion, but is a lighter read. It was predictable and felt a bit rushed. But overall, a good pick if you are looking for a short light read.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Non-fiction, Format: Audiobook
This was technically my first read of the month. The kind of book that you want to take slow to absorb it all in. And quite an eye-opener.
A memoir about a therapist, her patients, her own therapist, and her life journey. The author attempts to demystify therapy and discusses the impact both as a therapist and a patient. I highly recommend the book. Stay tuned as I plan to do a detailed review of the book.
People Like Her by Ellery Lloyd
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Thriller, Format: Audiobook
A social media influencer, an instamom, and the blurred lines between reality and online persona. Between reality and “tweaking” the content.
People Like Her is about living a very public life, oversharing, and bending the rules (that I did find judgemental at times). Weak as a thriller but a page-turner nonetheless. It does leave you feeling a bit queasy at the end, though. How easy it is to stalk an influencer offline.
Dakhma by K. Hari Kumar
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Horror, Format: Kindle Ebook
A psychological thriller with a generous dose of horror. A book that checks all the boxes – mental illness, LGBTQ+, politics, religion, social media influence, and environmental awareness that are all seamlessly woven into the narrative.
Dakhma is a book that hooks you from the word go and does not let go. There were sure some goosebump moments. If you enjoy books from the horror genre, it is a perfect read. I read it in one sitting over the weekend and quite enjoyed it. Highly recommended.
Currently reading:
We all have books that cross over to the next month. The reading wrap-up would be incomplete without the books I am currently reading.
Already 30% in, I am really enjoying the audiobook of Ratno Dholi by Dhumketu, a collection of short stories. There is a treasure trove of regional literature that we are unaware of and that needs to be explored more.
Alongside, I have picked up Clean Air by Sarah Blake, a dystopian climate-fiction that I am reading for a blog tour. About trees going in attack mode with poisonous pollen. And a serial killer on the loose.
February TBR:
There are quite a few books on my February TBR.
The first one is Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi, the book club’s February pick. I have already got my Audible copy and waiting to get started.
I am also looking forward to reading Pyre by Perumal Murugan and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. Both come highly recommended.
Reading Challenges:
Similar to last year, I haven’t signed up for too many reading challenges this year. Goodreads and Blogchatter’s are a given. I do plan to participate in a few self-paced readathons, too. I was looking forward to actively participating in the Reading Women challenge though, and really sad to see it go.
Currently, I have a decent target that I might update later. But with all that is going on, reading-related stress is the last one I want. Takes all the fun out of reading.
From the Blogosphere
Are you looking for a comprehensive database on the 2022 South-Asian Book Releases? Our lovely Simant @ All That is Sim has created one and you can access it at Notion.
And if you are looking for some must-read backlist books, check out Shealea @ Shut up, Shealea’s recommendations at 22 Must-Read Backlist Books For 2022.
Are book blogs really dying in the times of booktubers, bookstagrammers, and booktokkers? Kal @ Reader Voracious makes a valid point on the Why Book Blogs are Relevant & Valuable Marketing Tools and that each platform has its own place.
Fanfics have always been slotted as guilty pleasures along with romances. Charvi @ Not Just Fiction comes to fanfics defense with Why Reading and Writing Fanfiction is an Excellent Way to Grow as a Writer.
Is Mr. Bennet the good father he is always made out to be? Or is he a result of the patriarchal mindset? Whichever side you are on, check out Tulika @ Beat About The Book‘s take on How not to be a good father – Lessons from Mr Bennet
We finally have books exploring disability and chronic illnesses. But still have a long way to how on how Autism is represented. Do read Yvonee @ The Coyaterpillar Reads‘ piece on the Misrepresentations of Autism in Fiction.
Hope you enjoyed my first ever monthly reading wrap-up. I will be continuing it through the year sharing my thoughts on the latest reads. What have you been reading in January? Do share in the comments below.
I’m participating in the #TBRChallenge by Blogchatter.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration.
Photo credit: Canva.com
February 3, 2022 @ 11:28 am
Thank you for the mention – that was such a happy surprise.
January seems to have been a good month for you. Seven Husbands and Maybe You Should take to Someone have been on my TBR for a while. Hopefully will get to them.
February 6, 2022 @ 8:42 pm
I loved your post, Tulika 😊. Seven Husbands is quite a read.
February 4, 2022 @ 3:17 pm
A visit to your blog is always a delight, Ritu! As i learn about new books and new genres. I personally loved The Seven Husbands too! Maybe You Should Talk To Someone is next on my list. Noting down the names of the other books you mentioned to read for later.
February 6, 2022 @ 8:43 pm
Thank you so much for always being so supportive, Mayuri 😊.
February 4, 2022 @ 4:35 pm
I can see how many books you already have finished. I wished I to like you read as much as possible, I have only finished 4 in January 🙂 Hope to read more.. Lovely review.
February 6, 2022 @ 8:43 pm
Thank you Pamela 😊
February 4, 2022 @ 6:27 pm
You’ve had a busy reading spell and with some amazing titles as well. I’m learning about some new authors and books from your post. Will add a few to my TBR.
February 6, 2022 @ 8:44 pm
Thank you Varsh 😊
February 4, 2022 @ 7:10 pm
Wow wow wow! It’s amazing the number of books you read… you are an avid reader! wish I could do even 10% of that. You reviews are crisp and concise. I just wished you’d have divided the reviews into say 2 blogs… it was a little too much for me to read about so many at one shot.
February 6, 2022 @ 8:46 pm
It does get difficult to limit a wrap up post. Hope you enjoy the upcoming ones.
February 6, 2022 @ 9:21 pm
hmmm… I can understand… but looking forward to the upcoming ones👍
February 4, 2022 @ 8:04 pm
Maybe you should talk to someone is an amazing book! Loved visiting your blog ritu, giving such positive vibes
February 6, 2022 @ 8:47 pm
Thank you so much Vidhya 😊
February 5, 2022 @ 7:20 am
You have some amazing list of books. I just stared to read again (after kids) and thanks for this amazing list. A book from your list attracted me is “A good girls guide to a murder” Would start from it
February 6, 2022 @ 8:48 pm
Thank you, Sadvika. 😊 I am hoping to pick it up soon. Perhaps we can exchange notes.
February 5, 2022 @ 9:29 am
I liked your reading list, may be you should talk to someone, does have a magnetic catch to its title. I’m sure to get my hands on that.
February 6, 2022 @ 8:48 pm
It is an excellent read. Do pick it up.
February 5, 2022 @ 2:23 pm
Always a pleasure to visit your blog Ritu. If I’m right, you spoke of Crushing earlier too. It’s been on my tbr. I’ve promised myself 52 books in 2022. Read 4 in Jan but your reading list is envious. How do you do it?
February 6, 2022 @ 8:51 pm
You have always been so supportive, Sonia. Thank you so much. 😊 These days I primarily read audiobooks while doing the chores. Makes me actually look forward to them 😁.
February 8, 2022 @ 9:43 pm
Oh I’ve been exploring them too but not too much.
February 5, 2022 @ 7:09 pm
With just one post, I’ve become a fan of your writing and your blog. I keep seeing The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo everywhere, so maybe this is my cue to finally read it. I’m definitely going through more content on your blog.
February 6, 2022 @ 8:52 pm
Thank you so much Nikita. 😊 You are too kind.
February 5, 2022 @ 11:02 pm
You completely bowl me over by your reading prowess, Ritu. It is just mind boggling and just see the number of reviews you post. Uoi really need a salute and a pat on your head
February 6, 2022 @ 8:53 pm
Thank you so much, Harjeet. Particularly for the pat on the head. 😊 You are too kind.
February 5, 2022 @ 11:06 pm
That is an awesome collection of books (digitally) every genre is covered romance, thriller, mental health, etc. Will bookmark your post for my reference on which books to read next.
February 6, 2022 @ 8:54 pm
Thank you Shail. 😊 Although it wasn’t a conscious one, all six of them were of different genres.
February 6, 2022 @ 3:20 am
Fabulous reading list! Iam definitely picking up ‘7 husbands…’ as historical fiction is one of my favorite categories. People like her seems interesting as well. Will add it to my reading wishlist
February 6, 2022 @ 8:55 pm
Thank you Vasumathi. 😊 Do pick it up.
February 6, 2022 @ 1:06 pm
Wow you had a wonderful reading month. Seven husband’s of Evelyn Hugo is my next read
February 6, 2022 @ 8:56 pm
Thank you Rakhi 😊
February 6, 2022 @ 2:49 pm
This post will guide me to select books that are a pleasure and knowledgeable too. As a new reader, this review was a must for me
February 6, 2022 @ 8:56 pm
Thank you Jasmine. 😊 I am so glad to know that.
February 6, 2022 @ 2:57 pm
I have read most of these books by proxy because you can’t stop talking about them. The Evelyn Hugo books looks interesting. I will read that next.
February 6, 2022 @ 8:57 pm
Thank you 😊. And I will bug you until you do. 😁
February 6, 2022 @ 3:37 pm
I’m gonna look forward to your wrap up posts going forward. I loved the seven husbands and yes maybe you should talk to someone is still on my TBR I will wait for your review on this
February 6, 2022 @ 8:57 pm
Thank you so much Sindhu 😊
February 6, 2022 @ 5:55 pm
I have not read any of these books. Will love to pick these up one by one. Thank you for the recommendations.
February 6, 2022 @ 8:58 pm
My pleasure, Jhilmil 😊
February 6, 2022 @ 6:21 pm
Seven Husbands is on my TBR. And I really loved your reading list.
February 6, 2022 @ 8:58 pm
Thank you so much, Monidipa 😊
February 6, 2022 @ 6:58 pm
I’m impressed by the sheer volume and variety of books you’ve managed to cover, Thanks for sharing your list – hoping your enthusiasm rubs off on me too!
February 6, 2022 @ 8:59 pm
Thank you Kashish 😊. Hope you are able to find a book you enjoy.
February 6, 2022 @ 7:15 pm
I’m super impressed by the sheer volume and variety of books you’ve read! Hoping your enthusiasm rubs off on me and I manage to fit more reading into my schedule!
February 6, 2022 @ 7:25 pm
Wow, all these books seems so good. Would love to read all of them. Especially the social media influencer one.
February 6, 2022 @ 9:00 pm
Thank you, Abha 😊
February 6, 2022 @ 8:19 pm
I love this post- it really has helped me pick a new book to read- debating on Crushing especially after this review- great to see this list and gave me some books to add to mine
February 6, 2022 @ 9:01 pm
Thank you Meetali 😊. I am so glad to know that.
February 6, 2022 @ 8:38 pm
It is always good to read about books related to new and uncommon topics. I will surely check these out.
February 6, 2022 @ 8:43 pm
Dhamaka by K Hari Kumar is in my reading list now, Out of all these I think I will read Dhamaka soon, it being psychological triller and many other aspects covered. Thanks for the mention and review.
February 6, 2022 @ 9:05 pm
It is quite a read, Pooja. Do pick it up. It is actually Dakhma, the Parsi tower of silence.
February 6, 2022 @ 9:07 pm
I like your challenge of book reading. Audio books are realy impressive. Audio books give you ease to complete the book.
February 6, 2022 @ 10:21 pm
That’s quite a handful books that you could cover in a month. I wish had that much speed. Nonetheless, great list of themes and books.
February 7, 2022 @ 12:53 pm
Interesting list of books. So waiting for the detailed review of – May be you should talk to someone.
February 12, 2022 @ 6:50 pm
You had such an amazing month, hope you continue the same streak! And, yeah I have been hearing some really great stuff about The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo…since you recommend it too, I should definitely have it on my reading list.
April 17, 2022 @ 11:19 pm
Such a fun glimpse into your book month! Of all these, I’ve only read ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’. I thought it was ok… Looking forward to your thoughts though!