January Wrap Up

All the books I read in January.

We’re already a month into the year and that means it’s time for the first wrap up of 2016. I got things off to a good start by managing to get through 12 books in January (6 novels, a short story collection, a poetry collection, 2 graphic novels, one of the Penguin Little Black Classics and a non-fiction book).

With a view to my goals for the year, which are essentially to read 100 books in total, try more classics, read more non-fiction and read diversely, I’ve already made a decent start on all of them, so I’m really happy with that.

I had two definite standout reads this month. The first was Bird Box by Josh Malerman; a psychological thriller like nothing else I’ve read. We follow a world where something is outside, but no one knows what that something is, as one mere glimpse is enough to drive you instantly insane. We meet a woman who, after years of living in seclusion with her two young children and taking desperate measures to keep them alive, must blindfold them and set out in search of safety. The sensory deprivation, tension and power of the unsaid (or in this case unseen) are so effective, and the climax is one of the most intense, horrifying and powerful sequences I’ve read in a very long time.

The second was a rare re-read in which I revisited Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by JK Rowling for the first time in years. I read the new illustrated edition with stunning, immersive artwork by Jim Kay, who brought the world to life far more beautifully than I could ever have hoped. This wonderful new interpretation combined with the nostalgia factor made it such a fun, enchanting read.

I look forward to seeing what February has in store in terms of books. Happy reading, everyone!

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What was your favourite read in January? Did you make a good start on your bookish goals?