In the interest of simplifying my life I’ve decided to move away from my separate book blog for now because I can’t keep up with it very well. So I’ll be incorporating my reviews here on a monthly-ish basis. I’ll give you a 1-2 line summary, review, and rating for each book. I’ll provide a link to my Goodreads review as well, if you’re interested in seeing more of my thoughts about it. I’m also participating in a couple of reading challenges this year, and I’ll tell you about those soon. Sound good? Okay.

Here’s what I read in January.

(Click on the titles below for full reviews.)

Fablehaven books 3 and 4 by Brandon Mull.

It’s about: The continued adventures of Kendra and Seth and their family and friends as they attempt to stop the evil Society of the Evening Star from opening the demon prison.

I thought: I’m not really reviewing this because it’s the middle of the series, but let me just say that if you like juvenile fantasy, you should give this series a try. I loved it and didn’t want it to end. The audio version is excellent.

Rating: 4 of 5 stars.

The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides.

It’s about: Madeleine, just graduating from Brown with an English degree and no idea what to do with her life, navigates her early twenties caught between two significant relationships: her boyfriend Leonard who is a manic-depressive, and her good friend Mitchell who feels destined to end up with Madeleine and embarks on a spiritual journey across the globe.

I thought: The writing was superb, the early twenties were represented accurately, the characters were real, and the “marriage plot” well-adapted to the modern age. Although it will probably only appeal to a specific audience, that audience was me and I really enjoyed it.

Rating: 4 of 5 stars.

Lady Susan by Jane Austen.

It’s about: An infamous flirt, Lady Susan, her daughter that she cares nothing for, her romantic life, and how she causes turmoil in her own family and others. Written as a series of letters.

I thought: It would be a good introduction to Austen’s style and themes, the epistolary format worked well, but the ending was rushed and unsatisfactory.

Rating: 3 of 5 stars.

Messy Spirituality by Mike Yaconelli.

It’s about: How real Christianity is imperfect, unfinished, and messy; written for those who feel unworthy or like they’re not doing Christianity right.

I thought: Although I love all the concepts in this book, the writing is extremely average and at times trite, so it didn’t inspire me as much as it should’ve. A short and easy read.

Rating: 3 of 5 stars.

The Girls’ Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank.

It’s about: A funny and humorous account of Jane as she grows up and finds her way in the world, especially when it comes to work, family, and love.

I thought: It was an enjoyable read, Jane was sweet and funny, and pretty much everyone in her life has something endearing about them. I liked the message of “just be yourself.” Overall not my favorite genre and I found it good, not great.

Rating: 3 of 5 stars.