The Book Corner: January Reads 2023
I made a goal for myself to read at least twelve books this year; about one book per month. This January, I read two books and listened to two audiobooks.
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The four titles:
1. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
2. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondō
3. The Home Edit: A Guide to Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals by Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin
4. The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin
Anne of Green Gables
This was the first book I read this year. I have wanted to read this book for a while now and finally decided to make it part of my goal. I enjoyed this book immensely and appreciated all the colorful language and detail that Montgomery used. The characters all had a likable charm and the storyline was delightful and romantic in nature that you wanted to read more. Many years ago, I watched the movie series and would like to rewatch them this year. I look forward to reading the rest of this classic series throughout this year. 5/5 stars.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
The beginning of the year always brings an air of refreshing and decluttering of the home. I used the Libby app to listen to this book during my commute to and from work. Listening to Marie explain her KonMarie method has been helpful in navigating the process in my home. Although I still have lots of work to do decluttering and organizing, the book has been a good encouragement for me to get started and continue in my pursuits. Although this book is helpful, I don’t agree 100% with her method. Her approach is more cultural in nature and I respect her ideals, but won’t apply it 100%. 4/5 stars.
The Home Edit: A Guide to Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals
I enjoy listening to books that were written and narrated by the author. It builds an author-reader relationship that helps feel more personable and relatable. Such was the case with Clea and Joanna narrating their audiobook. Listening to their personalities drove me to watch their Netflix show, The Home Edit. The book was more of a guide instead of an explanation for how they organize and declutter their clients homes. Watching the show helps to place ideas and visualizations into your mind and apply them to your home. 4/5 stars.
The Last Bookshop in London
While scrolling through the GoodReads app, I like to see what my family and friends have read and how they rated books. This book caught my attention on my sister-in-law’s profile. She had read it a year ago and gave it a great rating and review. After reading the description, I placed it on my “Want to Read” list. I have always been fascinated with WWII era stories and historical accounts so a historical fiction based in this time period seemed intriguing. At first, I decided I would listen to the audiobook on my drive to and from work. However, a few chapters in, and I decided to purchase a hard copy because I was enjoying the story so much! It felt as if I was in the story itself; a little mini escape and treat from a long day. I have always been hesitant about reading newer fiction novels that are not classics for fear that there would be inappropriate content, and I am happy to report this is a clean novel! I have enjoyed Madeline Martin’s writing and have added her other novel, The Librarian Spy, to my “Want to Read” list. 5/5 stars.
What are your thoughts on these books? Have you read them or planning to read them?