I had…a surprisingly nice January?

It wasn’t all great.

I came down with what I’m PRETTY sure was Omicron. Would not recommend.

I spent most of the month, though, housesitting in Tacoma. That I WOULD recommend.

I turned 29, ate a lot of cake, hung out with friends and family, and had an existential crisis.

I realized that as much as I love my friends, I’m getting pretty tired of Seattle. (Going on six years of living here and I’m exhausted.)

I don’t have the spoons to do much more than think about moving. For now, that’s enough.

Oh, I saw Anastasia at the Paramount. It’s possible I cried.

Team Gleb forever.

I also read some books.

January Stats

In January, I completed a total of 12 books and DNFed 11 books.

I have finally accepted that in order to enjoy reading, I have to DNF.

If something doesn’t hold my interest, DNF! No more guilt!

Of the books I read,

• 91% were fiction
• 9% were non-fiction

• 30% were physical books
• 13% were audiobooks
• 57% were e-books

• 17% were Young Adult
• 83% were Adult

• 91% were new books
• 9% were rereads

I’m still reading a ton of queer romantic fantasy.

It is truly the superior genre.

I’m still reading adventurous, emotional, reflective, and mysterious books. It took me 29 years to figure out what kinds of books I like, I guess.

My average rating ALMOST hit four stars last month. I read some pretty good books…and some pretty okay ones.

Did I find an early Top Ten contender? It’s possible!

These were the most notable books I read during January.

Notable Books

I reread both of Erin Morgenstern’s books during the month.

I love them both in very different ways.

Both of them have given me AMAZING tattoo ideas.

Namely, I’d love a tattoo honoring the brave bunny pirates who sail the Starless Sea.

Also, a confession: I don’t identify as a rêveur – I just like the aesthetic.

The Angel of the Crows was simultaneously enjoyable and disappointing.

I was hoping for a stronger plot.

If you’re going in expecting cozy vibes, The Angel of the Crows delivers.

However, this book INTRODUCED JACK THE RIPPER, then pulled back to do episodic Sherlock cases.

I did really like this depiction of Sherlock and Watson! I had a lot of feelings about them!

The Crying Book and Transcendent Kingdom both felt very cathartic.

As heavy as both books were, I felt like I was able to lay some things down after I read them.

I lost my mind a little bit over The Councillor.

I thought you all were exaggerating! I didn’t think this book was going to actually be good!!

It’s hot, tense, and GAY???

Dante Dalgereth is my new drag king persona.

I read the novella Help Wanted by J. Emery and really liked it!

A fantasy novel about dating and identity? I love it!

It was mostly vibes and character interactions.

Main character Em tackled sexual and gender identity in under 70 pages and ended in a questioning place, which…neat? She made the point that where you are now is okay – you don’t have to have it all figured out.

If there are more books in this series, I want them.

That was January!

For the moment, I am back in Seattle.

I just bought a book about serial killers and am gearing up for the final class in my certification program.

Here’s to more good books.