I hope your 2025 is off to a swimmingly great start. Below are the books that I read for the month of January! I started spring semester this month, so I have not read as many books as my usual load. The books I have chosen this month are also longer reads- especially the history picks.
Golden Son by Pierce Brown
This is the second book in the Red Rising saga—my latest obsession! I was hooked from start to finish. The series has gained immense popularity, so don’t be surprised if there’s a long waitlist for this title at your local library. I plan to take a short break before diving into book three to savor the experience and keep the excitement alive. From what I’ve heard, Brown is already working on the next installment in the saga—how exciting! 5/5 stars for me! You need to dive into this saga! For my review of book number one, read in December 2024, click here!
Frontsoldaten: The German Soldier in World War II by Stephen G. Fritz
This text explores the diaries of Wehrmacht soldiers throughout the Second World War. I like that the content is mostly centered around the Eastern Front. I approach a text like this as one of a reference book. The content, pace, and mood are not to be confused with sitting down to read a novel. There are some serious raw emotions in this book, as the author is pulling directly from the entries of those who experienced the deadliest war in history. I skipped the final few chapters as I felt I had lost interest in the book (this is mostly because I have read a lot of WW2 literature this past year and feel that I have a solid idea of the end times of the war.) I won’t rate this book, as I think it is a very niche one to get into. If you are a WW2 buff, maybe check it out!
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
I have seen this book pop up all over my book feeds in recent months. It is a short novel and has ‘cozy’ vibes throughout. I am not sure what I expected from this book. The plot is pretty simple and I look at this book as more of a (very) quick read with a heartwarming story. Perhaps something to keep on the bedside table or in your bag for your quick bus commute. 3/5 stars for me, nothing was gained or lost from reading this book (if that makes sense.)
The Crusades by Thomas Asbridge
This account of the Crusades is a true masterpiece, and for more than one reason. Asbridge excels at organizing the various Crusades in clear chronological order, providing a coherent narrative that is both engaging and informative. He draws from both Latin and Muslim perspectives, offering a balanced view of each Crusade and its broader impact. The author skillfully keeps the reader oriented, summarizing each section with clarity and ensuring the main points and focus are easy to follow. I never felt lost while reading, thanks in part to his precise use of full dates (month, day, year), which helps anchor the events in time.
Although the book is lengthy, it is undoubtedly worth the effort. I was struck by the weaknesses of the individual Crusades and the complex nuances of each. Asbridge brings the key leaders and characters of the era to life, including familiar figures like Richard the Lionheart.
I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking an authoritative and comprehensive guide to the Crusades. 5/5 stars for me!
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Though Mayest. East of Eden is an American classic, perhaps our ‘Homer’ of the modern world. Steinbeck is an expert writer, there is no need for me to elaborate on that. In fact, most of my readers have probably found themselves between pages of a Steinbeck novel (most high schools teach Of Mice and Men.) East of Eden blends tragedy with meaning and the ending is satisfying, but seems to come too soon. One of those stories that you want to go on forever and ever. I found myself teary eyed at a few sections- which is rare for me when reading. East of Eden can hold its own ground, and I recommend the book to everyone! 5/5 stars for me.
The Stand by Stephen King
I read the uncut, full version of this book—and wow, it was a long read! That said, I really enjoyed the character development, and it never felt “boring,” even with its length. As a fan of post-apocalyptic novels, this one didn’t disappoint overall.
However, I found the ending a bit rushed. After such a massive buildup, with the sense of an epic conflict looming, the conclusion felt abrupt and left me wanting more. The story is definitely more focused on the characters and how they adapt to a world turned upside down, which was captivating. The very ending of the book (like that last few pages) is really suspenseful!
I recommend this book, though I do wonder if the shorter version might offer a tighter experience. Either way, it’s a solid read—4/5 stars from me!
Waterloo: The History of Four Days, Three Armies and Three Battles by Bernard Cornwell
This epic and authoritative account of the most famous battle of the Napoleonic Wars was an incredible read. The author does a brilliant job of recounting the fateful events at Waterloo hour by hour, vividly portraying the battle that sealed the fate of Napoleon and France. Cornwell masterfully incorporates firsthand accounts from soldiers and officers on both sides, bringing the drama and chaos of the battlefield to life. To me this book strikes the perfect balance between detailed storytelling and accessibility, and I felt that Cornwell stays on track masterfully. I felt transported to Waterloo, gaining new insights into both Wellington and Napoleon. I highly recommend this book to anyone even remotely interested in Napoleon or the Napoleonic Wars. 5/5 stars for me!
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
After reading East of Eden and enjoying it so much, I wanted to read another classic by Steinbeck: The Grapes of Wrath. Unlike many, I did not read this book in high school (we read Of Mice and Men instead.) This book highlights the tragedies of those who migrated from the infamous dust storms of America’s west. I found the book to be overly-poetic and at time I felt lost of what the author was trying to convey. I found myself skimming some chapters out of boredom, mostly the ones where the family’s progress to California wasn’t talked about but, instead, Steinbeck goes into poetic monologues about the California countryside. I think it’s still a book that should be read- but I think that is more out of respect for the famous Steinbeck himself and not this novel in particular. This book does have an overall lower rating than East of Eden; and, I can’t help but think I would have enjoyed it more without Steinbeck’s other books setting the bar so high. That’s to say- read The Grapes of Wrath before reading his other works. 3/5 stars for me.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by S J Maas
I am quickly finding my love for world-building fantasies (especially in light of recent events in our world.) It’s been great to pick up a lot of fiction and fantasy books as of late. The ACOTAR series has been on my radar, and I was impressed with how well-written Maas’s first book was. I enjoyed it, and the character development was great. The plot never felt slow, and I was intrigued through most of it. I am going to be bold here and say that this series doesn’t seem super geared towards a male audience, and that is 100% ok. So, guys, don’t be scared of this series’s romance label; I promise, it’s packed with some action and world-building. 4/5 stars for me!
Thanks for checking out my reading list for January! I have thoroughly enjoyed this month’s reading list and I am still working through some books that I began this month. They will now go to February’s reading list- so keep an eye out for that. If you get a chance to read any of these books, let me know your thoughts in the comment section below. Be well. – Gabe.
Leave a Reply