MJV Bookish Thoughts: January 2023 Reading Wrap-Up

Reading Time: 4 minutes

This week is all about January 2023 reading wrap-up. January 2023 was a brilliant reading month for me. I read 11 books in January 2023. This may have been my best reading month ever. Or at least the best since 2019.

January 2023 Reading Wrap-Up

I’m going share and review the books I read in January in the order that I read them. Honestly I enjoyed everything that I read. Overall January 2023 was a fantastic reading month.

The Engagement by Samantha Hayes

The first book I completed in January 2023 was The Engagement by Samantha Hayes. This was my first time reading a Samantha Hayes book and I loved it. I rated this book four-stars. This is a mystery thriller with multiple POVs. Readers will think they know what is happening but the end will get you. So good and twisted.

Jane Austen: A Biography By Elizabeth Jenkins

This short biography took me so long to finish. But overall I enjoyed the audiobook and rated this four-stars. If you are a fan of Jane Austen’s novels then you’ll love this biography.

At The Bottom of the River by Jamaica Kincaid and narrated by Robin Miles

As I mentioned in my 2023 reading goals post that I’m doing the Read Jamaica Kincaid read along. At The Bottom of the River was the January pick. I listened to the audiobook. And I honestly wished I read this book with my eyes rather than listening to it. I rated this book four-stars. My favourite story from this collection was “Blackness”.

Pandemic Poems: First Wave by Olive Senior

I read this poetry collection for the Read Harder 2023 Challenge by Book Riot. I selected this book as a book by a local author. Olive Senior is a Jamaican poet. I rated this collection 3.5 stars. It was a solid collection and gave way to remind us of what we went through in 2020.

Circuits and Veins by Jem Yoshioka

This was such a cute love story. The webcomic is 66 chapters long. Great read with beautiful artwork and you’ll be rooting for the ladies to fall in love.

I read this for the Book Riot Read Harder Challenge 2023 for the prompt to read a completed webcomic. I rated this four-stars.

Quiet Girl in a Noisy World: An Introvert’s Story by Debbie Tung

This memoir graphic novel was so good. As an introvert I related so much to Debbie’s experiences. I rated this four-stars. This was also a book for Read Harder Challenge to read a comic or manga.

A Rogue Of One’s Own by Evie Dunmore

I rated this historical romance novel 3.5 stars. I liked Lucie but the pacing was slow. Or maybe I simply took a long while reading but the story felt like it dragged on. Tristan also wasn’t my favourite romantic lead. I will be continuing with the series. I can’t wait to read Hattie’s story.

A Summer for Scandal by Lydia San Andres

I read this historical romance for the Read Harder Challenge to read a book independently published by a BIPOC author. I rated this novel 3.5 stars. It centred on themes of women’s independence, the suffragette movement and censorship. I adored Emilia.

Weeknight Cooking for Two: 100 Five-Ingredient Super Simple Suppers by Kenzie Swanhart

I read a cookbook cover to cover for the Read Harder Challenge. I want to try some of the salads and seafood dishes from the cookbook. And maybe a few of the dessert recipes too. Great for couples or roommates. I rated this 3.75 stars.

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas narrated by Avi Roque

I rated this YA fantasy 3.5 stars. This book felt so long. I listened to the audiobook and it took me the whole month to finish.

I read this for the Read Harder Challenge to complete a book by a trans author with about a trans character. It is a story of family, magic, identity and transitioning and Latinx culture.

Rohan Bullkin and the Shadows by Juleus Ghunta with illustration by Rachel Moss

I read this book after Juleus Ghunta reached out and asked to read a copy he shared with me. This is a fantastic introduction to ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) and the teaching of Marcus Garvey. Plus it is beautifully illustrated. I’d recommend to teachers and parents with youngsters who are reluctant readers. I gave this one 4.5 stars.

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And that’s it. That was my month in books. Thanks for reading my January 2023 reading wrap-up.

See you next week for an overview of the romance novels I have on my TBR list.