This past month contained a long weekend which meant I could spend a few days just reading which felt like such a luxury. My January titles are a mix: some business/self help, some educational based, some mystery thrillers. I find that I jump around a bit, depending on my mood. Also, I’ve learned that I can only read really engaging mysteries on my iPad Kindle app. Anyone else? If it’s an involved text, it needs to be in my hands.
I’ve found that transitioning from my #52booksin52weeks goal to more relaxed reading deadlines hasn’t squashed my excitement to read any. However, it is winter and when it’s dark outside at 4:30, what better to do than dive into a book. I hope you’ll add one of the titles below to your reading list!
Grit by Angela Duckworth
The teacher who previously held my position left this book in the classroom she passed on to me and I found it incredibly informative. Grit is critical to consider, not only when teaching kids but when striving for growth in your own life. I had never really thought about grit prior to reading this book and now I can’t stop observing Duckworth’s theories in action. I see her ideas in the classroom and in my own life. I want to be grittier- I want to be better. Wirth rating: 4/5
The Book of Moods by Lauren Martin
This is one of those books that you read and say, “I will pass this on to my daughter one day.” Martin has hit on a very interesting idea within her “Book of Moods.” She analyzes ideas and concepts we, as women, have to deal with constantly and the way they present themselves in “bad moods.” The most intriguing part of this story is the journey Martin goes on and the raw way she shares that journey with her audience. Wirth rating: 4.5/5
One By One by Ruth Ware
I read this story in a few free hours during the Sunday afternoon of a long weekend. It’s one of those types. From page one, “One By One” will have you hooked. Also, if you’re a skier, you’ll find a fun little connection in that sense. I was guessing potential twists and turns while turning pages and never quite got it right, which I always find impressive on the author’s part. Overall, a fabulous read. Very entertaining. Wirth rating: 5/5
Who Moved My Cheese? by Dr. Spencer Johnson
This quick little story holds a lot of weight. If you’re looking for a guide to adjusting to new situations (an excellent tool for this day and age!) then this is it. “Who Moved My Cheese?” suggests that when we are faced with something unexpected, we must adapt and move forward with a positive mindset. Maybe you’ve needed a little kick in the pants to get going these days? If so, I suggest putting aside an hour and digging in to this book. Wirth rating: 4/5
The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
For anyone who works with kids, or just loves a good ‘ol mystery, you’ll find Ruth Ware’s story “The Turn of the Key” enthralling. It actually reminded me a lot of “The Haunting of Bly Manor” but (spoiler) not so supernatural. I found Ware’s main character to be just unreliable enough to make the plot interesting and I’ve decided I will never have a “smart” house in my life. A truly twisted, detailed, English thriller. Wirth rating: 4/5