January 2026 Reading Recap
I read nine books in the month of January and here is how I rated them.
Do you find yourself giving a lot of 4 star reviews but hold back on giving 5? I wonder if maybe I’m too harsh with my ratings 🤔
In my January reading recap, I noticed a pattern many avid readers might relate to—often giving 4-star ratings but rarely awarding that coveted 5-star mark. This hesitation can stem from a variety of factors such as personal expectations, the emotional impact of the story, or even a subconscious critique of the writing style or character development. For example, among the books I read were engaging titles like "Guncle" by Jesse Q. Sutanto, which blends humor and heartfelt moments, and "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig, a novel that explores the infinite possibilities of life choices. Both books are favorites in the reading community for their unique storytelling and depth of emotion, yet even with such compelling narratives, I found myself pondering whether they deserved a perfect score or just a very good rating. I’ve found that sometimes rating books can be as subjective as the experience of reading itself. Many readers hold back on 5 stars because they reserve it for those rare books that completely transform their perspective or resonate on a deeply personal level. This cautious approach to ratings ensures that when a book receives 5 stars, it truly stands out as exceptional. Additionally, discussing these ratings within reading communities, such as those tagged with #readingrecap or #readsthisyear, can enrich the reading experience by opening conversations about our personal benchmarks for what makes a book truly excellent. Sharing reasons behind ratings often leads to discovering new books and broadening literary horizons. If you're like me and find yourself frequently hovering around 4 stars, you might consider reflecting on what specific elements keep a book from earning that extra star. Is it pacing, character connection, or perhaps the ending? Understanding these factors can help you enjoy your reading more and give clearer feedback to authors and fellow readers. Ultimately, the joy of reading lies not just in the scores but in the stories that stay with us long after we turn the last page.
For feminine rage and unsettling horror with a dash of romance, you should read LAST STOP by Paul Lundy. Six nightshift nurse's try to survive Halloween night at a nursing home. A new patient, John Doe, arrives in a coma followed by a violent storm that cuts off all communications and all hope of being rescued. Only available on Amazon.