Books I Read in January

Hi friends! I figured an easy, not overwhelming way for me to get back to posting would be to start out with something I've been able to do pretty consistently this year: reading and recapping! Will this blog become a book blog in 2021? Who knows. Lol.

I've read 28 or 29 books so far, which has been a record since I've been out of college and grad school, and I've noticed a lot of people aren't on GoodReads (which is fine if you don't read, but if you do, why are you not on GoodReads?!). Since I post a lot of my thoughts/reviews there, I thought it would be an easy way for me to create posts here where more people can access them. I only made it through two books in January, but I originally had a goal to read 25 books in 2020. I didn't put too much pressure on myself to read more than two or three a month, so making it through two felt like a big accomplishment! Now, my goal is 35 (it says 36 on GoodReads because I didn't finish a book, and the website counted it as read. That felt like cheating, so I just added an extra book to the overall total).

Anyway, here are the books I read in January 2020, and what I thought about them! If the review contains spoilers, I will try to mark that ahead of time.

My Life on the Road by Gloria Steinem

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Shelves: Memoir/Biography, Travel, Social Commentary, Feminism

Review: Four stars because I had a hard time staying engaged in what she was saying even though I was interested in it. I think her writing style just didn't appeal to me in a way that kept me attentive for long periods of time. However, I do really love the overarching theme she has of coming together, as equals, to change the centuries of inequality people (women, POC, people with disabilities, Native Americans, etc.) have faced not just in the U.S., but around the globe. Her experience working with communities to create a deeper connection within them is something I think more political leaders need to take note on.

It was also refreshing reading bits to my husband to show him that most feminists are seeking better societies for everyone. I would definitely recommend this book to someone who is trying to learn more about feminism, and if they don't find it as engaging (like I did), even small sessions with it will still bring valuable insight and perspective on what a better world where everyone has equal opportunities can look like. (And how it's not threatening, at all, for anyone.)

The Way Through the Woods by Long Litt Woon

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Shelves: Memoir/Biography, Favorites

Review: I loved this book because I have always had a soft spot for mushrooms. As someone who goes hunting for true morels every year with my mom, I was interested in this book. However, I should say that this book is a book about the author's journey with mushrooms with notes on mourning the loss of her husband.

That being said: I loved it. It was interesting, fun, and easy to read. I was through it in three sessions.