Unplug and Read: January 2014 Wrap-Up

Friday, January 31, 2014


As I mentioned in my Unplug and Read update, I thought it'd be more beneficial to compile my monthly reading and thoughts in one post instead of separating them into different reviews. So here's my first 2014 wrap up! I'm very excited that I'm on track with reading 50 books this year since I completed four books this month.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me by Mindy Kaling
I have been wanting to read this book for a good three months now — and I am glad to say it didn't disappoint! It was pure awesomeness and had me laughing out loud (feel free to picture me on the living room couch with my mom throwing confused looks at me.) If you have no idea who Mindy Kaling is, you should still consider reading this book. She is a hilarious human being who I wish was my real life best friend.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
When I first started this book, I didn't enjoy it very much. It felt very much like a "this happened, and then this happened" kind of story and I wasn't interested. Surprisingly, as you may have guessed by my rating, I ended up liking the book and its message. I respect Asher for writing about a serious subject in a way where it causes you to think about your actions and what you do that may harm other people. Although it didn't have an exciting plot line and lacked depth, the lesson this story brings is one that everyone should read about.

Looking for Alaska by John Green
As this was a book that has gotten a lot of love, I was excited to finally dive into it. Sadly, I did not like it as much as I thought I would because of the high expectations I had after reading The Fault in Our Stars. I didn't like the majority of the characters and because of that, didn't really care what happened to them. I know that makes me sound heartless, but I just really wasn't into them and their antics. It reminded me of The Perks of Being A Wallflower so if you enjoyed that book, you'll probably enjoy Looking for Alaska.

Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom
I was given this book as a Christmas gift from my roommate, who stated that this was her favorite book. I was a little hesitant to read it in fear that I would not love it as much as she does, but (knowing her personality) I can see why she really liked it. I was really surprised when I found out that it is a true story — it's incredibly rare to find someone who still appreciates the beauty of life whilst (yes, I really used the word "whilst") dying. It really made me think about who I am as a person and what I want to achieve while I'm still living on Earth. Although I may not agree with everything mentioned in this book, I did like it.

After looking over the publishing dates, I realize that I've been reading books that are out-of-date. I didn't mean for that to happen, but I guess that's how it is if you've been out of the reading loop! I promise that I'll be reading more current books in February, so look forward to that!

READING CHALLENGE UPDATE
Books read in January: 4
Books read this year: 4/50
Reading goals completed: 0/7

Have you read any of these books? What type of books do you enjoy reading?

3 comments

  1. I've read all of these except for Looking for Alaska! I also liked these books! I thought Mindy's book was hilarious and Asher's was interesting and I ended up liking it more than I thought I would!
    ~Sara

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  2. I think I'll add Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me to my to-read list.
    I personally didn't like Looking For Alaska that much and I was disappointed with The Fault in Our Stars because I felt the plot was not THAT original, it kinda reminds me of A Walk To Remember. I loved Paper Towns though, I suggest you read that if you haven't done so yet :)

    I think I'm inspired to do a january wrap up but I'm not sure what to call the series :p

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  3. Ooh great books :D I love Tuesdays With Morrie! It's one of those books that I can read over and over once in a while. I need to check out Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? now.

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