What I've Been Reading This Winter

I feel like one of the most clichéd New Year's resolutions is to commit to reading a book a month, and while I'm not huge on setting resolutions for myself come January 1st, I really wanted to make a conscious effort in 2018 to pick up reading again as a hobby. Seeing as I was a history major in college, I did my fair share of reading for school (during my last year I was averaging about a book a week per history class) and because of that reading for pleasure fell by the wayside. Since graduating I've really craved the ritual of reading and I also have noticed that in my downtime my first instinct is to be enticed by a screen, a habit that I am trying desperately to break. So I set myself the goal of reading at least one book per month. Although I could easily be reading two or more books a month, I set myself the goal of just one book (at least) per month so that it didn't feel like too big of a goal to reach. I also have been writing down which book I have set myself to read in my planner at the beginning of each month to hold myself accountable. So far I've read some amazing books and I'm looking forward to this becoming a regular feature on my blog. 

The Night Ocean by Paul LaFarge ~ I had picked up this book several months ago and had yet to start it but I am so glad I did. The book is about a woman who's husband was researching HP Lovecraft, the famous horror writer, becomes obsessed with his work and eventually goes missing. At first I thought this book was going to lean towards a mystery, but it was much more about the research Charlie, the husband had done, and how his and his wife's marriage unraveled as a result. I had zero expectations going in with this book and I was pleasantly surprised. Even though it was long, I kept wanting to keep reading more and the writing is absolutely beautiful! Definitely going to look into more of Paul LaFarge's books for the future. 

Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman ~ Just about everyone and their mother has been talking about Call Me By Your Name  and now I completely understand why. I had been wanting to see the movie since it came out in the fall but was determined to read the book first since I had also heard a lot of amazing things about the book. This is easily one of the most beautiful and heart-wrenching books I have ever read. I honestly think every teenager or twenty-something should read it because it so relatable regardless of you identify as straight, gay, bi or anything in between. I am so glad I read it before I saw the movie because I feel like I was able to get a lot more out of the movie. Also it should be noted that the movie, on its own is gorgeous and completely deserves all of the accolades its been getting. *Not pictured because my mom is currently reading and loving it!*

Bluets by Maggie Nelson ~ After I read Call Me By Your Name I wanted a bit of a break from novels. Bluets is a tough book to classify, its not a poetry or essay book, but rather short little vignettes about the color blue and how that color has permeated so much of the author's life. It's definitely something different for me, but I really enjoyed it and because its so short and fast to read, I think it'll be a good one to revisit again and again.