Books I read in January 2025
It may have felt like the longest month of the year, but I'm not sure I fully utilised all those extra days for reading. My main issue...getting bogged down in one particularly challenging read, which ultimately became a dreaded DNF (did not finish)! 😬 You can read longer reviews for each book in my January Book Reads Blog (Amazon Affiliate Links)
My 1st book of the year! It was a slow read for me. I really wanted to love it, but it just didn’t click. There wasn’t anything glaringly wrong, I just couldn’t get into it. That said, every so often, Haig drops in a line or paragraph so profound that I find myself noting it down to remember. He has a real gift for distilling life’s big questions into simple but meaningful observations, even if the story itself didn’t quite land for me.
My 1st non-fiction read this year, and it was insightful, thought-provoking, and packed with fascinating case studies. It explores how we make snap judgments, often unconsciously, and whether those instinctive decisions are better than carefully reasoned ones. Some of the concepts were really interesting, particularly around thin-slicing (our ability to make quick, accurate assessments based on limited info.), though at times, I felt the examples stretched a little far.
This was my book club’s January pick and, without a doubt, one of the most challenging books I’ve attempted in a long time. It’s ambitious, complex, and undeniably clever, but also, for me, infuriatingly difficult to engage with. There's a more comprehensive review in my January Book Reads blog but this was ultimately a DNF for me.
I opted for the audiobook of this one, narrated by Steven Bartlett himself, which made for a compelling listen. It’s structured as 33 ‘laws’ for success, covering everything from self-discipline to emotional intelligence. Some parts resonated, particularly around the importance of adaptability and resilience in business and life. However, at times, it felt a little formulaic, and some of the ‘laws’ were things I’d heard before in other self-development books.
Another audiobook choice, and a really enjoyable listen. Tom Daley narrates his own story, which always makes an autobiography feel more personal. He reflects on his career, the pressures of elite sport, and his personal life with honesty and warmth. One of the most interesting aspects was his discussion of mental health, how he learned to balance the intensity of professional competition with self-care and perspective.
I'm currently halfway through the 2nd of my reads from my 'most anticipated list' for this year. I'm really enjoying it so far...it’s got a great hook, an elderly woman receives a prediction as a teenager that she’ll be murdered, and when she’s found dead decades later, her great-niece starts investigating. It’s giving me cosy mystery meets Knives Out vibes, with a witty, engaging writing style. More on this next month once I’ve finished!
I have this coming up to read for my February book club meeting. I’ve heard mixed things about this one, so I’m intrigued to see what it's like.
This is a bit of a hangover from December. I was looking for a nice easy read after finishing my last university assignment as I started to wind down over the festive period so I picked this from my TBR pile. I've been struggling with it ever since. I've not given up but I can't read more than a couple of pages before getting annoyed with it...very much a work in progress, and a watch this space to see if I actually manage to finish it.
This one I actually started even longer ago and has been sat on my bedside table gathering dust for months. This is a modern re-writing of David Copperfield, one of my favourite books and I struggled to get into it and then picked up something else to read. I really want to get back into this but think I might need to start from the beginning again.
Contact Me
Book a free initial introductory call with me here
Message me on WhatsApp
Katie HR Consulting
Derbyshire, England, United Kingdom
Email: hello@katiehrconsulting.co.uk Mobile: 07871 222621
Steps, Stillness & Skye: The Power of a Simple Walk
It doesn't have to be far. It doesn't have to be fast...
Just stepping outside, moving your body, & breathing fresh air can be one of the most powerful things you do all day.
To celebrate National Walking Month, I’ve written a blog about the benefits of walking, not just for our physical health, but for our mindset, creativity & wellbeing. I've also created a free resource:
🌿 Walk With Me: A Weekly Reflection Guide
Full of gentle themed prompts & a printable weekly log to help you get the most from your walks, whether you’re out for clarity, calm, inspiration or just a moment to breathe.