Happy February, everyone! My reading list this January was a bit of a “grab bag.” I don’t really follow a specific theme; I usually just scroll through my Goodreads TBR pile and see what’s available on Kindle Unlimited or grab whatever is calling to me from my physical bookshelf.

This month took me from the tense atmosphere of the Deep South to a deserted island, and even back to high school English class! Here’s what I read in January.

The Summer We Got Saved – Pat Cunningham Devoto

I found this in a Little Lending Library in the next town over, and it had been sitting on my shelf for a while. I finally picked it up and couldn’t put it down! It navigates the early Civil Rights movement in the deep South in such an authentic way. It even uses humor without downplaying the tension. Between the complex family dynamics and an unbelievable twist at the end, it was a fantastic, quick read.

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Best for: Fans of historical fiction with a deep heart and unexpected turns.

Frannie and Tru – Karen Hattrup

I’ll admit it: I totally judged this book by its cover and grabbed it from the library’s free pile. Luckily, the story was just as good as the art! Frannie is such a wonderful, relatable character. Her desire to feel something and be someone of her own brought back so many memories of my own teen years and the unique struggles young women face. This is another one I just couldn’t put down.

Disclaimer…this one does color outside the lines of Christian values.

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Best for: Anyone who remembers the beautiful ache of being a teenager.

And Then There Were None – Agatha Christie

I first read this in elementary school (back then it was titled Ten Little Indians), so this was a nostalgic re-read for me. I remembered the general premise, but the ending was a total blank.

The Kindle Crisis: I finished what I thought was the “last” chapter, and my Kindle popped up the “Rate this book” box. I was so frustrated! I actually went and complained to Cole that the mystery was never solved, and I never found out who the murderer was. It wasn’t until the next night, when I accidentally opened the book again, that I realized there were extra sections after the final chapter that explained everything. I’m so glad I found them, or I would have been grumpy about this for weeks!

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Once I actually found the ending!)
• Best for: People who love a puzzle (just keep clicking “next” on your Kindle!).

Make Your Bed – William H. McRaven

This book is packed with so much wisdom. Admiral McRaven breaks down discipline, perseverance, and teamwork in a way that feels applicable to everyone, not just the military. I’ve already decided that this is going to be my go-to graduation gift for high schoolers this year. It’s the perfect foundation for “real life.”

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Best for: Anyone looking for a motivational kick-start to the year.

Julius Caesar – William Shakespeare

Cole was assigned this for his English 10 course, so I decided to read it along with him. While I’m glad I can finally check this classic off my list, it wasn’t my favorite. The character names were so similar that it was a bit of a struggle to keep everyone straight! I think Cole got a bit more out of the political maneuvering than I did, but hey, another classic down!

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
• Best for: Completionists and fans of political drama.

What was the best thing you read this month? Have you ever had a “Kindle fail” as I did? Let me know in the comments!