Book Report: December and January

Reading by the fire


I had been doing a book club on the blog where we would read a book about minimalism or living small and then I’d report on it. I fell out of the habit because I got stuck on a book I just simply could not get through. And life is too short to read boring books, am I right?!?

I’d like to get back in the book club habit, but first I thought it might be interesting to take a break and talk about the books I read in December and January. These books have no theme, really. It was just what interested me. And sometimes that’s what I need. I got through quite a few books in the past couple of months with plane rides and power outages. I also listen to audio books, through Audible, on my way to work. Being able to simply listen to a book helps up my book count. Here’s what I’ve been reading for the past couple of months:

December & January Book Report

  • Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
    I had seen the movie interpretation of this book a while ago, but just never got around to reading the book. Man, was I missing out. A true and truly heart wrenching story.  It’s the kind of story that reminds me to live an authentic life and reminds me of how difficult it is to survive on the land– no matter how many survival shows we see on tv!
  • Why Not Me? by Mindy Kahling
    I love Mindy Kahling. I’d read or watch anything that she is in. I listened to this book as an audiobook read by the author. Such a fun listen. The chapter “How to Look Spectacular: A Starlet’s Confessions” made the book worth every penny. Did you know everyone in Hollywood wears fake hair? Everyone! I had no idea.
  • Modern Romance by Aziz Ansair & Eric Klinenberg
    Again, I listened to this one as an audiobook, this time read by Aziz Ansair, and it was so enjoyable. It did make me glad I met my husband before anyone had smart phones. But this book isn’t just for single people, the social psychology alone made it worth the listen.
  • 10% Happier by Dan Harris
    As someone who struggles with anxiety, I’m pretty much always looking for something that helps. This book took a frank, questioning look at the practice of meditation. I appreciate the analysis the book offered, but I couldn’t wait to get to the end and the how-to!
  • Looking for Alaska by John Green
    I’ve read other John Green books, so I couldn’t help comparing this to The Fault in Our Stars. Not quite as good, but still heartbreaking. I enjoy John Green’s work because I think he truly understands teenagers. They aren’t just whiny, self-absorbed young adults to him. His characters are always well-rounded and realistic.
  • The Luxe by Anna Godbersen
    This book was pure fluff– teenage romance in turn-of-the-century Manhattan. Not an intellectually stimulating book, but it was entertaining and kept me busy on a long plane ride.

Currently reading:

I’ll be reading Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert of Eat, Pray, Love fame for the next Book Club. And I’ll be discussing it the first week of March if you want to read along and discuss it with me!

If you want to follow more of my book picks, I’m on Good Reads. Are you? Feel free to follow me and leave your username below so I can follow you. 🙂

Links are affiliate, so I receive a very small commission from your purchase. Those commissions help keep this blog running. Remember, you can always check out books from your local public library. 🙂 

Happy reading!
love,
melanie

12 thoughts on “Book Report: December and January

  1. Tracey Marion

    Hi! I’m a long time reader of the blog (love it) and I’ve added you on Goodreads – my name is Tracey Marion. I might try that John Green book, as I quite enjoyed Paper Towns and The Fault in our Stars. I love a bit of YA fiction.

  2. Chenay

    Hi Melanie! I love Goodreads and am always looking for something else to add to my ever-growing list of books to read. My username is Chenay:)

  3. Annette and Jim Dotson

    Melinie, thanks for your help and interest in Airstreaming….my wife and I love our airstream and the travel adventures….we live in Michigan (Lincoln Park) and can feel a trip coming on!! we own a 98 25′ Safari, love it….have traveled to washinton d.c., Charston N.C., Fla Keys, and all over Michigan…..and she loves to read !! All the Best Annette and Jim Dotson

  4. Sarah

    I’ve added you to good reads; I’m under my name: Sarah Pete. I really want to get in a habit of reading more often, so I may pick up the next club book with you!

  5. freckles

    Oh I read 10% Happier too! It came across my desk at the library and the cover was compelling. I really enjoyed Dan’s long trudge toward meditation because it mirrors some of my long slow trudges toward forming habits and makes me feel like–hey, maybe it’s not too late!

    After finishing the book I have been meditating using the Insight Timer app. The guided meditations are nice but I stick with silence because the soothing voices just make me want to take a nap!

    I’m been trying to read John Green’s Abundance of Katherine’s… but I’m not loving it. I did love The Fault in Our Stars and Will Grayson, Will Grayson.

    So what I’m really reading right now is A Scanner Darkly by Philip K Dick.

  6. australianclaire

    Hi Melanie! I’ve added you on Goodreads, my username is Claire.
    Loving this list of books, I think we have super similar taste in books! I’ve been meaning to read Big Magic for a few months (I get daunted by non-fiction/self-help type stuff) so you’ve given me a reason to go for it!

Comments are closed.