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January has come to a close, and it was kind of a great month, to be honest. It’s pretty incredible the difference a year makes. Last January we were only a few months into owning a business, and not only is January always the worst month for bars and restaurants, but we were also brand new, and Omicron was everywhere. We were certain that we had made the worst decision of our lives, and every day we were trying to think of new ways to get people in the door.
*Knocking on wood* Things have been fairly stable for the last several months, and rather than try to force anything in January, we felt fairly safe using the slower time to rest a bit. We took a break from comedy shows and live music which gave us all more time to relax. For me, that meant starting the year with some great reads.
Let’s get into it.
The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans
This collection of short stories followed by a novella tackles issues of race, history, and culture in interesting ways that challenge readers to consider their own beliefs. Really great read.
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
This book wrecked me. I knew going into it that the subject matter would be tough. The way the author describes the intricacies of grooming so that the reader can watch this slow progression and the little things predators do to trap their targets. And the psychology of it all… My only critique of this book is that the end felt a bit rushed, but I thought it was excellent.
Big time TW: Child molestation and rape
A History of Wild Places by Shea Ernshaw
A History of Wild Places is beautifully written and sort of entrancing to read. I got cult vibes pretty quickly when introduced to Pastoral, which isn’t incorrect, but there is also a lot more to it. I liked the multi-POV and the way the author starts to reveal what’s really happening. However, I wasn’t blown away by what was revealed. I think I was maybe hoping for something a little more interesting, and I figured it out before I read it. Still, a good read that I would recommend. It may have been a 3ish star read for me, but so many people love love love this book.
I Hate Men
10/10. No notes.
November 9 by Colleen Hoover
Colleen Hoover really splits the room, and I 10000% percent get it. I loved Verity because I sort of love things that are weird, creepy, and fucked up. This book however is riddled with red flags and incredibly problematic ideas about what is romantic. So many people love this book, and it was a page-turner for me. BUT I think reading this book requires a person to be able to identify what behavior is acceptable when in pursuit of a love interest.
The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare
Wow. What a read. Initially, the way that it was written caught me off-guard because it is written in a first-hand perspective of a 14-year-old Nigerian girl. This book is tragic and hopeful at the same time. It follows this young girl when she is sold into marriage, runs away and is later trafficked to work for a wealthy woman who abuses her. Still, she never gives up hope for her future. A stark reminder of what women face in other parts of the world.
Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman
I’ve been dabbling in audiobooks to see if my wandering mind can be tamed. Spoiler – not likely. But, poetry in audiobook form is something I would recommend. Not knowing anything about poetry really, I probably wouldn’t have known the rhythm of each piece reading it on my own. Gormon revisits the loneliness of the pandemic and protests following George Floyd’s murder, as well as the history of civil rights and race in America. Highly recommend.
Someone We Know by Shari Lapena
I think Shari Lapena is very good at the nosy neighbor, suburban busy-body mysteries. While murder is obviously bad, for me, her books are fun whodunnit-type reads that are quick and kind of a reset when I’ve been reading very heavy material. This one is fun. I liked it more than Stranger in the House.
Until next month…
Bevvies and Books 
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