That Month Of Stories: January Wrap Up

So, January was one heck of a year, am I right? I mean, how many months does this month have? It was so long that I can totally justify reading like a lunatic instead of doing mildly more important things like, you know, living??*

*(Pfft, jk, living is so last week, Paul).

No, but really. I can confirm my Feb wrap up isn’t going be long at all because FINALS. I’ll be lucky if I get to read one book (she says while desperately hoping she doesn’t end up reading 5 books).

Anyhoo, I read 7 books, watched 2 movies and 1 show this month.

1. The Becoming Of Noah Shaw by Michelle Hodkin

I have really mixed up feelings about this book, although most of them are positive. Basically what I want to do is inform Michelle Hodkin to LEAVE MY BABIES ALONE AND LET THEM BE HAPPY FOR ONE GODDAMN MINUTE politely.

So anyway.

I have explained my feelings about this book a bit more intricately* here so you can check it out if you want to (yes, you want to, Sarah).

*Basically just whined and said, “why” about two million times but ok.

3.5/4 Stars?

2. The Art Of Feeling by Laura Tims

Can someone please do the courtesy of explaining to my why this book is so underrated? Why isn’t everyone ranting about it and throwing things around and banging their heads against the wall and screaming because FEELS?? Not that I did all those things or anything. Pfft. Totally not.

Reasons Why You Should Read This Book:

– The MC is the best narrator ever. She’s funny, witty, sad, kind, struggling through depression but, above all, just a really amazing friend.

-Eliot. Rowe. Is. My. Baby.

He is such a pretentious, dramatic, oblivious and cute rebel that I want to make a marsmallow out of him and keep him safe. Unless I eat him myself. Which I would not. Maybe.

-This book talks about some really important issues such as disabilities, depression, damaged family relationships and moving on. It’s not heavy in any way and yet talks about all these topics and the FEELS, guys.

-You’ll fall in love with even the secondary characters.

-Tito is the best dog ever. I need a Tito in my life. What a good dog.

-Eliot and Sam = I SHIP IT. The slow burn from their friendship to the light romance was just 💕.

-The book was FUNNY and w i t t y. The dialogue was so freaking hilarious, I was TIRED of actually keep highlighting it on my phone. I aspire to weave such hilarity into my narration.

Just go read it.

5 Stars

3. What To Say Next by Julie Bauxbaum

What To Say Next was an interesting book. I liked the concept and towards the end, I was fairly happy with it. But, I don’t know, I didn’t necessarily enjoy it that much. I guess it was a “it’s you, not me” situation, though.

3.5 Stars

4. Stalking Jack The Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

London murders, gory dead bodies, a Forensic student as the MC and JACK THE RIPPER? Sign me the heck up! I’m already kind of obsessed with Jack the Ripper because of Now You See Me by S.J. Bolton (HIGHLY recommended) but this book was something else entirely. It was dark, fast paced and intriguing. I loved the fact that our main character was into Biology and Forensics (because that’s not something I see often?). Anyway, Thomas Cresswell, am I right or am I right? Oh, I am so right.

4 Stars

5. Geekerella by Ashley Poston

This book is so pretty <3. Needless to say, I adored this book. I loved everything about it. If you think you’ve had enough of Cinderella retellings, think again because Geekerella is a breath of fresh air. I have written a detailed review of the book here so you can check it out if you want to know my thoughts about the book.

5 Stars.

6. Roomies by Christina Lauren

Look, I’m trash for “fake significant other” trope and Christine recommended it highly so I had to read it. I feel like it could have been better? The characters kind of just got a bit annoying towards the end? But it was still really fun to read.

3.75/ 4 Stars

7. November 9 by Colleen Hoover

AHHH this was so good! I’m obviously a fan of Colleen Hoover’s books because, dude, this gal knows what she’s doing. I loved how cute November 9‘s concept it. It was basically like watching a Rom-Com and I loved Fallon and Ben.

4 Stars.

1. Jumanji

For some reason, I didn’t have many high expectations from this movie? Rip Offs are hardly ever good and I randomly decided to go watch it just because I was bored but holy canola oil, IT WAS SO FUNNY. I was legit belly laughing fifteen minutes into the movie. And I loved the contrast from the original Jumanji (board game/ video game)

5 Stars.

2. The Greatest Showman

I honestly can’t even with this. I literally can’t even. I did a rant review on my favorite tracks from The Greatest Showman (I went a bit too crazy) so you can check that out because there’s no way I’m allowing myself to fangirl even a little bit lest I end up writing an essay.

5 Stars.

3. Padmavat

This movie was a ridiculously controversial issue in India for reasons. I, for one, didn’t see what the fuss was about. Anyway, I enjoyed the movie a lot. The cinematography was gorgeous, the acting- especially the portrayal of Alauddin Khilji- was sick.

 4 Stars.

1. Glee (Season 2)

Okay, I know I’m late on the bandwagon, but I freaking love Glee so much. I love everything about this show and AH WHY DO I LOVE MUSICALS SO DAMN MUCH GIVE ME MORE OF THEM.

5 Stars.

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That’s it for me! What’s your favorite story of the month? What did you read read or watch? Any new obsessions?

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