A Review of January: In Books

We have reached the end of January and I thought I would look back on the books I have read this month and review them. Some of them were read for school and others were read for fun. I thoroughly enjoyed all of these books and highly recommend them if you are looking for your next good read.

This book is the second in the series, but if you have any knowledge of the Shadowhunter world then you could honestly just pick this book up and read it. "The Lost Book of the White" continues the adventures of Alec Lightwood and Magnus Bane as they travel to Shanghai to stop two rogue warlocks from sending the world into chaos. Magnus has been stabbed and the wound is glowing, but with their Shadowhunter friends as backup they hope to prevent the threat to their world.

I absolutely adore Cassandra Clare and everything that she writes. This book was another stellar addition to the shadow world, as it was filled with the usual demon fighting, sass, and romance that makes each of her novels thrilling from start to finish. We also get to explore the landscape of Shanghai, and the shadow world there, which was exciting to read. Every time I get to learn more about the Shadowhunter's world, I always end up wanting to read more.

This book was the perfect book to read to start off the new year. At the beginning of the year I decided to start incorporating better habits into my life and this book was the fight song I needed to begin that journey. Filled with faith-centered reminders and and inspiration, I was truly inspired to keep "fighting forward" and start living for today. The book was a great reminder to start focusing on where it really matters. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone- I can't wait until I have the time to read it again!

This book was the first one I had to read for one of my creative writing classes this semester. Needless to say, I enjoyed reading this book as it gave me a new perspective to think about in the world.

The book is a collection of stories that all examine the concept of black identity within the contemporary middle class. Each story is truly unique and involves complex characters that truly make you question the world around you. I am glad this book was required for my class, otherwise I might not have discovered this literary masterpiece that further opened my eyes to the injustices that many people of color still face today.

Another perfect book to start off the new year, this book examines happiness and how resistance keeps us from experiencing true happiness. Matthew Kelly is a renowned Catholic writer and I definitely have added all of his books to my to-read list.

This book highlights the many ways in which we sabotage ourselves and lack the courage to follow our dreams while also providing words of wisdom and action steps to start breaking through resistance and finding happiness again. I 100% took notes while reading this book and can say for a fact that the action steps really do work!

The last book I read this month was another required text for my creative writing class. This book was another eye-opening read as I read about the racial injustices happening right in front of us in such a unique form. Combining words and pictures, this book recounts mounting racial aggressions and the effect they have on the people who are being prejudiced against.

This book was another five-star read and I am glad for the recommendation by my professor so that I could learn and now share such an important piece of work with other people.

Overall, January was a great month of reading. I do wish I had more time to read now, but alas, school has to come first. Hopefully February will bring a little more time to read as a couple book I am really looking forward to are being released very soon!

I hope you can find time to read.

- Rachel

P.S. We can be friends on Goodreads and share all the books we are reading!

https://www.goodreads.com/friend/i?feature=friend-invite-url&invite_token=Zjk3MWIzOWMtNDc5MS00OTU3LTgyZTktM2NjNTAwOGNlNjZj