And we’re off! I’m not sure about y’all, but I jumped right in on my 2024 reading challenge.
I’ve decided to read 200 books again this year. Why? Because that was my goal last year, and I want to do it two years in a row.
I want to be able to say that I’m a person who reads 200 books a year. I don’t think I can do that unless I’ve met that goal more than once.
My husband says no one cares. He’s probably right. But I care, so here we go!
My 3 Favorite Books of January 2024
I read 14 books in January. Of those, I gave three fiction books perfect grades. My reviews are below.
Dreamland Burning
I grew up in what was then a small town north of Tulsa. Our family still lives in that area. I’m sure being from there is one of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much. The depictions of Tulsa were spot-on, making me reason that the telling of the Tulsa Race Massacre were just as accurate.
Dreamland Burning by Jennifer Latham is the story of Rowan Chase, 17, who lives in a wealthy part of Tulsa with her well-to-do parents. When skeletal remains are found during a remodel of the family’s guest house, Rowan makes it her mission to find out who they belong to.
Simultaneously, the reader learns the story of Will Tillman, 17, who tried to avoid hate labels and save Black people in 1921 during the race massacre.
It’s the juxtaposition of the teens all those years apart and their individual dealings with race issues and hate that make this book compelling to any reader, even if they aren’t from the area.
Heart Bones
When I finished this book, I thought, “How does she do that?” I don’t want to love Colleen Hoover books because it just seems so cliche, but I’ve really liked most of them I’ve read. She has an amazing talent for storytelling. Heart Bones was no exception.
When Beyah Grim’s mother ODs, she goes to spend her last summer before college on a full scholarship with her father she barely knows and his family. She doesn’t really have a choice. It’s that or be homeless, so Texas it is.
Beyah is happy to discover that her stepsister could actually be a friend, even if their lives are so much different. And when Sarah introduces Beyah to the next-door neighbor, Samson, her life changes forever.
Where Blame Lies
Josie Stratton survived what most people can’t even imagine. She was a college student when she was kidnapped and kept chained to the wall in an empty warehouse for 10 months. Her attacker, who always wore a mask, but Josie recognized by his voice, killed himself before he could be caught.
Eight years later, Josie is still trying to leave it all behind and start a “normal” life. She’s just moved to an old farmhouse left to her by an aunt who recently passed, and she’s finally feeling like the future is a challenge she’s ready to take on. Then, another woman is found dead under circumstances nearly identical to how Josie was kept
Did Josie identify the wrong man? Either way, is she safe?
Where the Blame Lies by Mia Sheridan was predictable in some ways, but it had a really great plot twist. I’d love to see it made into a movie.
Happy Reading!
There they are! My favorite books of January. I hope you find something on the list to read and love.
Hopefully, your reading year is starting out well too.
As always, happy reading!
