February 1st, 2023
Hi Readers!
I had an amazing start to the reading year and I hope all of you did too. I found not one, but two new favourites. And the other books I read weren’t too bad either…
The Romanovs by Simon Sebag Montefiore ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Technically, this wasn’t tthe first book I picked up in 2023. I started reading War and Peace and then remembered I wanted to read this first so I put that down to pick this up. This book is a wild ride full of such interesting and unbelievable stories. At times I just couldn’t believe this was actual history, it felt like reading A Game of Thrones or something. If you’re interested in Russain history, I’d highly recommend this.
Spare by Prince Harry (Not Rated)
I had to. I was too intrigued. I’ve written a review about it but just to reiterate, this book didn’t put me wholly against anyone. A lot of this felt like very normal, very common family tension and drama, just in a very public and rich family. It’s also, of course, one of the story. One interpretation of the events that went down. Don’t bother reading this unless you’re dying to have an inside look on royalty.
Full Review Here
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
I know it’s a bit early to be saying this, but I would be shocked if this doesn’t make it onto my top books of 2023. Maybe even number one. This is a new favourite because it just has everything I look for in a book. I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to pick it up.
Full Review Here.
Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
This was the biggest shock of the year so far. The Shadowhunter books and I go way back. They were some of the first books I read after discovering booktube. I especially loved The Infernal Devices. But in recent years not so much. I tried rereading The Mortal Instruments and gave up. I also DNFed The Dark Artifices trilogy after book two. I never really planned on picking these up but decided I’d give them a go. Thank goodness because these books are addictive. I had a great time reading this and it’s sequel…
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
This was a reread which I’ve wanted to do for a while so I could annotate it. This is one of those books where I don’t need to tell you it’s brilliant. It’s not for everyone. But it is brilliant. If you haven’t read it, please don’t let the size intimidate you. It’s split into multiple books and parts and is so easy to read throughout the month. Despite it’s length, it’s surprisingly readable. I really enjoyed my reread of this.
Chain of Iron by Cassandra Clare ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Seriously. THE ENDING! Thank goodness I waited until close to the final books release date because I don’t know how people have waited so long after all that DRAMA.
The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
I started this around New Years and I’ve been slowly reading it all month, annotating as I go. It’s finally finished and now I have a book full of highlighting and notes and tabs and I love it. I love this so so much.
I also DNFed a few books in January. I got quite far into these, so I wanted to share them with you…
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
I know. This is really sad for me too. I just couldn’t get into this, there were so many characters I just couldn’t keep track and none of them were particularly memorable.
Solitaire by Alice Oseman
I think I made the mistake of reading Heartstopper before this. I just couldn’t see Trina as a main character and honestly this book was making me hate her.
A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway
I definitely think Hemingway isn’t for me. I just can’t stand his writing.
The Office (US) Season 5 & 6
Still makig my way through this. The jokes aren’t hitting quite so well now but I’m determined to finish it. Just three more seasons to go!
The Devil Wears Prada
I haven’t watched this movie in so long! Such a classic. Iconic.
Wednesday
I know, I’m so behind! But I finally got to this and oh my goodness it was so good! I loved everything about this.
I hope you all had an amazing January too.
Thanks For Reading,
Jess X
Comfort Reads 