What I Read in January
📍 Darien, Connecticut
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I made a goal of reading 24 books in 2024 (AKA 2 books per month). Although having a reading goal has become an annual tradition, I always lose major steam in the summertime. This year, I’m sticking to it! This January started stronger than any other year with these 6 incredible books I devoured. Oh, the perks of getting a library card! I feel empowered and unstoppable in the book department. To help you reach your own reading goals this year, here’s what I read in January.
Social Engagement
Although I may sound hypocritical, with my blog and all, I keep many things away from social media in my life. In Social Engagement by Avery Carpenter Forrey, you meet Callie Holt. She’s freshly married, or is she? As she reflects on the events that led to her disastrous wedding night, we get a front-row seat via her social media profiles. Let this serve as a cautionary tale for all millennials who spend too much time on Instagram.
The Editor
It’s no secret that I adore and idolize Jackie Kennedy. Just wait until you see what else I read this year. The Editor by Steven Rowley first caught my attention because of the cover with Jackie’s signature coif and trademark sunglasses. Although we think so much of her time as First Lady, her career in the publishing world never ceases to inspire me. This is the story of James, whose novel has been freshly acquired. Although it’s a dream come true, he has to navigate his family dynamic and handle criticism from the world’s most famous woman.
Hitchcock’s Blondes
One of my favorite reads from 2023 was Capote’s Women by Laurence Leamer. And yes, I am obsessed with Capote vs. the Swans. As soon as I heard about Leamers’s latest book, Hitchcock’s Blondes, I almost instantly had it on my bookshelf. I’ve long been a fan of old Hollywood movies, so to read about the women behind some of Hitchcock’s most iconic films was such a treat! Although it’s dense with information about each leading lady, it reads like a novel. If you’re anything like me, you can easily devour this in a weekend.
Jackie, Janet, & Lee
Jackie, Janet, and Lee was a Christmas gift from my very dear friend, Sydney. She truly knows and appreciates my adoration for Jackie Kennedy. This book covers the lives of Jackie, her sister, Lee, and her mom, Janet, and lets us learn intimately about each woman. Showing different life events from the three perspectives, I couldn’t put this book down. The 500+ pages breezed by, which is not something you can always say about a dense biography. Because I enjoyed his writing style, I’ve already picked up J. Randy Taraborrelli’s latest book, Jackie Public, Private, Secret. You can expect that book in an upcoming monthly roundup.
Cultish
I’m way behind the ball with this 2021 book from Amanda Montell. Seriously, why didn’t I read Cultish sooner? Regardless of what arena, something that always makes me deeply uncomfortable is fanaticism. Whether it be politics, religion, or even make-up brands, I find too much value in autonomy and independence. This book sheds light on the language that some of our history’s most charismatic leaders use to sway the masses. After reading, I felt better equipped to keep a wary eye out for when things are too good to be true. They often are.
Mrs. March
With Mrs. March, I judged a book by its cover, and I’m so glad I did! This novel is a wild ride through the titular character’s life and her seemingly privileged life in the Upper East Side. Just when I thought I had a hint of where the story was going, there was a sudden twist to the plot that I didn’t see coming. I was on the edge of my seat until the book’s final line, which I almost finished in one swoop. Rumor has it that actress Elizabeth Moss loved the book and is interested in bringing the story to the big screen!
I’m currently working on two books right now. One is a fascinating but lengthy biography of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. In Bogie and Bacall, you learn about both individual actors and their lives together. I also have The Barbizon sitting on my nightstand for a pallet cleanser. The 60s in New York City is one of my favorite eras to read about. Located on the Upper East Side, the Barbizon Hotel served as a home for countless women ready to make their mark on the world. Before I get ahead of myself, you can expect a mini-review in my next issue of What I Read. Until then, happy reading!
Love from New England,
Katie
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