What I Read | January 2022

It has been a long time since I've written a good report out here on what I'm reading. Aside from some random vague mentions of books,  October 2020 was the last time! But I have been reading and January is just boring enough that I cranked through a lot of good stories. There is literally nothing else to distract me and as much as curling up with a good book, a blanket, a beverage with a fire going sounds so romantic and cozy in August, I'm ready to move this hobby outdoors. Swap the crackling fire for some beach waves, and a blanket for a beach towel. Beverage and book can stay. 


What I Read in January 2022 | www.biblio-style.com


Bringing Up Bebe - Pamela Druckerman

Non Fiction // 4 out of 5


I have read *very* few parenting books. Winging it and hoping for the best is more my style, but this may change my tune. I mostly read this for the memoir part -- an American ex-pat marries her English husband they make their home in Paris - I was honestly so interested in the observations and actual studies between French parenting and American parenting. 


I'm obviously too late for a lot of the baby-centric stuff, but I did take to heart a bit called La Cadre, which is basically a framework that provides very freaking firm boundaries but a whole lot of freedom right up to those boundaries. Basically, say yes as much as possible, but when you say no, you better mean it and enforce the heck out of it. I like that. 


All Adults Here - Emma Straub

Fiction // 3 out of 5


I am generally a big Emma Straub fan. I've read The Vacationers and Modern Lovers and really enjoyed both. I think if I hadn't read those books, I would have really enjoyed this one too, but I found that her characters felt like carbon copies of characters in her other novels. She has a very distinct writer's voice and so it "felt" similar too. That said, if this is your first Emma Straub book, I say read it! It's as good as the others. 


Emma Straub's books always host a cast of characters and this one follows the Strick family. Mom has a whopper of a secret (it's revealed early) and some parenting regrets. Her three adult kids come with their own baggage. There's a pregnancy, a young character finding themselves, and as usual (for Emma Straub) a know-it-all teenage female who feels effortlessly cool. 


Taste: My Life Through Food - Stanley Tucci

Non Fiction // 5 out of 5


I will not be partial here. This is my new favorite book and as much as I tried to savor it in small, slow bites...I didn't. I binged it in huge gulps. 


This metaphor is intentional. I'm not really a foodie, but this made me feel like I could become one. 


Stanley Tucci, beyond being a delightful actor is also a delightful writer, and particularly so when he talks about food, which is a lot. He is charming, funny, and writes with so much personality. He shares recipes, name drops unashamedly, and will make you love food as much as he does. 


I loved this book and have dog-eared many of the pages to try myself. 


Atomic Habits - James Clear

Non Fiction // 5 out of 5


Okay, reading this book is like going for a walk or eating a salad for dinner. There's more interesting stuff out there (like laying on the couch or steak, respectively), but you know it's good for you so you do it anyway. 


It's not the most riveting book, but it is very helpful if you're looking to start the new year (or anytime) with some changes in your habits. It's easy to read and has some truly good methods for application. I honestly did lots of highlighting in this book. It covers four basic principles and James Clear spends time explaining how to apply them to create a good habit, as well as the inverse to quit a bad one. I think it's a valuable read and I think it'll stay on bookshelf to reference for years to come. 


It's also a book I'd consider gifting, but especially with non-fiction, I start spinning, thinking the recipient might think I mean something by it, so IDK. 


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PS // As a little appetizer for next month's report out, I just started The Wolf of Wall Street by Jordan Belfort. I'm already planning to rewatch the movie as soon as I'm done, but if you've seen it, you probably already know what a CIRCUS this book is. In for a wild ride. 


PPS // Some of these links are affiliate links. You guys are smart, you know what this means. If you click the link, I might earn a couple pennies at no cost to you. 

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