Thanks to Love at First Book, who got the idea from Sarah Says Read, I have jumped on the mini review train. I know I’m a few days late, but I knew that if I waited until February it would make me uneasy because I didn’t start at the beginning of the year. So, better late than never! Here’s a recap of what happened in January.

Reviews

The Round House was a fantastic book about a young Native American boy struggling to cope with a violent attack perpetrated against his mother. I later found out this is the second in a trilogy, so I will have to go back and read the first. This is a must-read!

End of Your Life Book Club is a great book that follows the last two years of an amazing woman’s life as she battled cancer. Written by her son, the book is both heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. I got the feeling that the world would be a better place if there was more Mary Ann Schwalbe’s.

Easily my favorite fiction book in January, Rules of Civility tells the story of a young woman in 1930′s New York City. I was hooked from the get-go and, while I can’t quite put my finger on what makes this book so magical, it is my #2 recommendation (scroll down a few to find my #1)!

Ethan Frome was my first Classics Club read and it was a great way to start. While this is probably the most depressing book I have ever read, it was short and easy to read. It was an excellent reintroduction to the classics!

The Senator’s Wife is about a woman who moves in next to, go figure, the wife of a senator. It was my least favorite book of January and is more about complicated relationships than anything Senator’ish.

The Year of Living Biblically was, hands down, my favorite book in January. I read it after Love at First Book bugged me a whole bunch and it was amazing. It is one of the rare books that inspired me to contact the author and tell him how much his book opened my eyes and I think everyone should read it!

The Fifth Assassin is a fast-paced, political thriller that I raced through. I’m a big Brad Meltzer fan and this one did not disappoint! Oh, and I met him, but I talk more about that later on in this post!

News and Events

As I mentioned earlier, I had the opportunity to meet Brad Meltzer, which was definitely my favorite part of January. He is incredibly nice, very funny, and also inspirational. Go check out my review of meeting him here!

January was an overwhelming month in terms of recognition. First, Mr. Uttley wrote an awesome post that praised the name of my site, The Book Wheel. This was completely unexpected and very much appreciated! THEN, a follower named Sherrey nominated me for a Top Ten Book Blog Award and many of you went to their site to add your support! Thank you so much!

Other Neat Stuff

•  I started a 365 Project, which is one picture per day for a year.
• I visited a wolf sanctuary with Rebecca from Love at First Book (along with our husbands) – lots of pictures!
• Pride and Prejudice celebrated its 200th anniversary!
• I gave you some ideas for Valentine’s Day…. Pass it on!

Reviews to Look Forward To