January was quite productive for me. I managed to write 15,000 words and also read a handful of ebooks and audiobooks. Yay for the busy, full time SAHM!
Personally, nothing will ever replace the satisfaction of a printed book. There is no comparison to the ruffling of pages being turned, or the smell of distant lands of ink and paper. If it was up to me, I’d buy every book in paperback form. In all honesty, I have an addiction: buying more books than I actually read. Therefore, for the sake of keeping peace in my marriage–ha-ha–I now acquire the bulk of my literature in digital format. I’m unable to appreciate fiction in audio but now I consume most of my non-fiction that way while driving or doing housework.
As a writer, I know firsthand the hard work, dedication and soul it requires to create a novel. Highlighting the literary gems I discover is my way of celebrating the talent and achievements of my fellow writers. So, without further ado, here are my January “Reads and Reviews” for your consideration.
*Disclaimer: these are my personal opinions and I receive no monetary compensation for their endorsement*
The Porn Myth: Exposing the Reality Behind the Fantasy of Pornography
by Matt Fradd — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
This. Book. Period. —But honestly, everyone needs to read about the myths surrounding pornography and its effects. Sexualization is everywhere; we are sexual beings living in a hyper-sexualized culture. Human sexuality is a beautiful and wonderful gift that can be sadly misused and thus exploited. Coming from a logical and thoroughly researched perspective, Matt Fradd outdoes himself in this invaluable resource for all.
We Should All Be Feminists
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
Wonderful and inspiring! The words, experiences and opinions contained in this work are powerful. Communicated with love and passion, Ms. Adichie rallies a part of my heart I thought would remain forever misunderstood. I’d, until this moment, resented modern feminism—not because I hate women, but because I felt feminism had strayed from its mission of equality to domination. Ms. Adichie has put words to my beliefs by clarifying misconceptions and exposing the problem of our culture(s). This is a quick read, beautifully crafted and vulnerable. Thank you, Chimamanda Nigozi Adichie, for giving a voice to those of us who might have otherwise remained silent.
Feisty & Feminine: A Rallying Cry for Conservative Women
by Penny Young Nance — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
I definitely appreciated the conservative side of modern feminism because, as a conservative myself, I feel our views are often rejected as anti-feminism and this simply is not true. A feminist does not have to be a liberal to be passionate about women’s rights and equality for all.
Save the Cat Writes a Novel
by Jessica Brody — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
A clear and helpful guide to plot structure. I didn’t give it a five star rating only because I personally prefer the style of the hero’s journey over the beats.
Not That Bad: Dispatches from Rape Culture
by Roxanne Gay — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
Heartbreaking and deep to the bone—this anthology is difficult to read but reveals the great epidemic of rape culture. This cry to humanity is not for the weak of heart and yet needs to be told.
Why Authors Fail: 17 Mistakes Authors Make That Sabotage Their Success and How to Fix Them
by Derek Doepker — ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars
Clear and helpful, but a message I’ve heard elsewhere and across YouTube.
The Temptation of Adam
by Dave Connis —⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️ 3.5/4 stars
I really wanted to give this novel 5 stars. The beginning was phenomenal, clever and fresh! But at the 35% mark, I found my interest lagging as I got frustrated with certain plot questions not being answered soon enough. I also found the characters unbelievably melodramatic at times. However, this could be merely because I no longer enjoy teen fiction as I used to when I was younger.
That being said, the theme is fantastic and Dave Connis has undeniably crafted a text of quotable phrases that touched me to the core. I’d quickly recommend this to teenagers, giving it a 4 star rating. For the adult like myself, I regret to give it a 3.5 star rating.
I’d wish to see a novel like this in high schools though!
That concludes my January “Reads and Reviews.”
On my list for February so far, I have, “She Regrets Nothing: A Novel,” by Andrea Dunlop and “Fallen: Out of the Sex Industry and Into the Arms of the Saviour” a memoir by Annie Lobert.
Vanessa Marie Caron, Author 