january reads

My reads for the month were a bit super charged by December me — as I started several things which I only was able to finish once I found my way into 2024. It was a pretty eclectic mix of books. Sharing my top line thoughts, below. For my thoughts on Kate Kennedy’s bestseller One in a Millennial, check out this separate post on the book and the launch event!

The People We Keep by Allison Larkin (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5)

This book takes you on quite the ride. I haven’t loved a flawed character in a long time like I loved April. I sometimes find I lose my connection with them or they cease to be likable, but I loved her through it all. I had such a defined sense of space on this one, which says a lot with the multiple scene changes that happen throughout the book.

My heart broke several times as April struggled to find her way. I’m often so disappointed by the ending of books but was so satisfied with where we landed here — some resolution but yet realistic. I was sad to say goodbye to these characters! From reading about Allison’s experience in working on them for quite some time, I’m sure she misses them too.

Love, Me (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5)

Thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ARC — this is my honest opinion. This was such a fun, quick read! I kept thinking I knew where this one was going, but loved being wrong about a lot along the way. There are some heavier topics (infidelity, addiction) but the author managed to maneuver them appropriately and not exploit for the purpose of the plot. Rachel’s path crosses again with her first true love and I was a bit hesitant, not sure where the story was going and if I was okay with it. I finally let my overthinking take a pause — which meant I finished this one off quickly as I was anxious to find the resolution.

The main character was smart and independent, making her enjoyable to root for — even when it means taking a stand against family and long-time friends. Recommend if you’re looking for a fun read with a sharp female lead.

XOXO Cody Rigsby (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5)

I think reading this book would be very different someone who is not at least Peloton obsessed. I’m next level, often riding with #BooCrew as my leaderboard tag (the group of riders who regularly do Cody’s rides.) I’ve taken all of his XOXO rides that serve as a bit of the namesake on his book. So you could say I’m not the average reviewer here.

I elected to do the audiobook since Cody narrates and think I made the right choice. The book is a mix between his often complex upbringing and quips (often quite funny) for his take on advice. Those without a sense of humor might not be into it, but I’m more than used to his trademark humor.

The personal stories he tells of his transition to NYC from North Carolina and the turbulent relationship with his mom really got me. I knew it was complicated but did not appreciate it in full until listening to the book. It does feel like it bounces around a bit from topic to topic, even though it does follow an organized flow, and I think I would have been less committed to it overall if it wasn’t for my love of Cody.

Two Women Walk Into a Bar (⭐️⭐️⭐️/5)

This was such a powerful read. As someone who has also lost their mom, this story had some added meaning as she tells this story with that similar loss of her own. Such a beautiful telling of this story. I love Cheryl’s writing. The words are always so intentional and painted a picture of this challenging experience and beautiful transition both through their relationship and in her mother-in-law’s life.

I think the short-story format on this one was the main challenge. I felt like we were in some ways just starting to scratch the surface — like there was much deeper we could be going.