How is February over? Even though it’s just a few days shorter than other months, it always flies by. I feel like I’m finally in a routine back at school and have gotten into a groove with my classes and extracurricular work. The first week or so of February was super cold and rainy, but it’s actually been warm and sunny for the past few weeks now! I’m hoping the sunshine is here to stay, because it’s been so nice to walk around campus in shorts and a t-shirt. It makes me excited for spring and for everything to start blooming again. I actually read a lot this month, both physical books and audiobooks. I read a mix of nonfiction, Christian, dark academia, and fantasy- definitely switching it up from my usual genres!

If We Were Villains // 5 ★ // I absolutely loved this book, and I’m sad that it’s over! It was set at a liberal arts college in the fall, so a moody, dark academia setting that kind of reminded me of Hogwarts. The characters are so interesting, and the rivalries and drama emerges slowly but leaves hints at a big reveal. It was so well written, and I can’t recommend it enough!

The Westing Game // 4 ★ // I vaguely remember reading this in middle school but forgot the ending, and it was so fun to re-read! It is pretty short and fast-paced, and I was guessing up until the very end. I loved the last few chapters where we get to see each of the characters five years later after the mystery was solved!

Celebration of Discipline // 5 ★ // This is one of my favorite Christian books I’ve ever read, and I can see myself reading this again and again! I think my two favorite chapters were the first and the last, about meditation and celebration. Foster discusses each spiritual discipline in a way that truly makes you want to draw near to the heart of God and allow him to penetrate every part of your life.

Summer of ’69 // 3.5 ★ // Not my favorite Elin Hilderbrand book, but a fun story to listen to on audiobook. I really like how detailed and realistic all the characters are, it really makes you get sucked into their storylines! This was her first historical fiction novel, but set in Nantucket like usual.

The Ripple Effect // 3 ★ // This book was interesting and factual, but nothing special or groundbreaking. It talks about the importance of sleep, exercise, food, and mental health on our overall life and wellness. I feel like it was really repetitive and basic information at times tho.

The Secret History // 3 ★ // This book was very well written with lots of intricate characters, but it felt like it dragged on a lot and definitely could’ve been shorter. All the characters had flaws and weren’t super likable, in my opinion. I did really like the setting of the prestigious college and the scenes at Francis’s country house- very gloomy/fall vibes. Overall, I’m glad I read it to see what the hype was about!

Book Lovers // 4.5 ★  // I always really enjoy Emily Henry’s books, not just for the romance but the detailed characters and the settings/other relationships as well. I loved the setting of small town North Carolina and the relationship between Nora and her sister, I thought this one was so cute!

A Court of Thorns and Roses // 4 ★ // Okay I finally caved and had to see what all the hype was about. The first half of the book was a little slow and the characters are cringey at times, but I really liked the world building and descriptions. The second half of the book got way better. I read for two hours straight this morning because I couldn’t wait to see what was next.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People // 3 ★ // This book was 50/50 for me. I really liked the first half, when it discussed all the inner habits and taking accountability for change in our lives. I especially liked the idea of proactivity and taking control of our thoughts instead of letting outside situations affect us. But the second half of the book got so boring and repetitive to me. I was just trying to trudge through and finish.

Find Your People // 4 ★ // This book was really encouraging to me to be more intentional in my existing friendships, but also showed me the importance of being bold and making new friends. God created us for community, to be messy and vulnerable and share life with one another. I would recommend!

 

What’s your favorite book you read this month?