January 2025 Reads

January is the coldest month of the year here, with temperatures averaging around -21°F. During this chilly stretch, I find myself buying more books and houseplants, and seeking warmth and comfort indoors more than usual.

It's the perfect time to dive into books, and I had the pleasure of visiting one of my favorite local bookstores. There, I picked up The Short Stories of De Maupassant and Russian Fairy Tales, translated by Marie Ponsot, and illustrated by Benvenuti.

In the world of classic literature, few authors capture the essence of human nature and storytelling quite like Guy de Maupassant. His short stories, filled with melancholy, and keen psychological insight, have remained staples of French literature for generations. Alongside him, Russian fairy tales, rich in folklore and mysticism, offer a window into a fantastical realm that continues to captivate readers worldwide.

In addition to my bookstore finds, I stopped by a nearby recycling center which has a fantastic selection of books. I couldn't resist checking out their classics section where I picked out a copy of Tess of the D'Urbervilles – it had been on my reading list for a while, and now I finally have it in hand. I also found a couple of those wonderful coloring books that are perfect for the use of Colored Pencils.

The Seven Little Sisters Who Live on the Round Ball That Floats in the Air by Jane Andrews – is a charming, whimsical read that offers a creative perspective on our world through the eyes of little sisters from different parts of the globe. I adore the illustrations included in my copy.

I Went Down to St. James Infirmary by Robert W. Harwood is a gripping and atmospheric novel that delves into the world of blues and the human condition, fascinatingly blending music and storytelling. I enjoyed listening to the different artists as I read along.

Angela Lansbury's Positive Moves: My Personal Plan for Fitness and Well-Being –  when I think of graceful I often think of Angela Lansbury who passed back in 2022. This book is a personal and inspiring look at her approach to staying active and maintaining a positive mindset throughout her life. The book offers a delightful mix of motivation and practical advice.

Where No One Should Live by Sandra Cavallo Miller is a thought-provoking novel that takes a deep dive into the medical field.

30 Essential Yoga Poses: For Beginning Students and Their Teachers by Judith Hanson Lasater, PhD – A wonderfully comprehensive guide for yoga enthusiasts, offering practical advice for beginners and teachers alike, and a great resource for deepening one’s practice.

Last year, our family grew by one very energetic addition—a puppy. Though she’s much smaller than our other dogs, she’s quickly taken the reins and become the leader of the pack. We're still navigating the ups and downs of puppyhood, but it’s been a thrilling ride so far.

While searching for resources to help us understand her better, I came across The Dog Decoder—a guide that immediately caught my eye. With its comprehensive coverage of dog behaviors, it seemed like just what we needed to support our growing pup.

I was particularly intrigued by the sections dedicated to terriers and poodles since she’s a mix of both breeds. The insights offered in these chapters have been super helpful in understanding some of her quirks.

Although the content is fairly straightforward, the true highlight of this book is its stunning photography. The images do an excellent job of illustrating canine body language, offering both a fun and educational way to learn more about our four-legged friends.

Each of these books has provided me with new insights, whether through storytelling, personal wellness, or exploring new forms of movement. It’s been an enriching month of reading!

On top of these great finds, I received some new books from publishers to add to my TBR pile. All in all, it's been a month filled with new books and literary discoveries.

January's top blog viewership is from the United States, Singapore, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, Russia, Canada, Germany, Austria, Mexico, Iran, South Korea, France, Argentina, India, Bangladesh, The United Kingdom, Sweden and the Philippines.

Thank you for visiting! I hope you enjoy the content here and find your next great read.