February Reads 2025
I find I get more reading in when I’m listening! I used to check out play-a-ways from the library which were little devices that you could plug in your headphones to and listen to books on the go; Of course this was before Audible was a thing! Now I listen on the app or website, depending on where I’m at and go about my day. I usually will listen when I am crocheting, drawing, working out or walking the dogs. This year I started off with a couple interesting reads.
My Time to Stand by Gypsy-Rose Blanchard
I have always had sympathy for Gypsy’s story and believe she was truly acting in self defense with what little she was given. We are all products of our environment and it should be noted that medical staff, police and pretty much everyone who came in contact with Gypsy at the time failed her. It takes a village and her village failed her. I will say I didn’t hear anything new that hasn’t been published already or that I didn’t learn from the TV show, but it was nice hearing her tell her story. I hope she finds peace and happiness in her new life.
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
I saw the movie first due to the very public ongoing lawsuits happening and wanted to read the books as part of research. I’m glad I watched the movie first for this one. Honestly I found it boring, both book and film. The film’s intrigue is the public drama, but the movie itself was subpar. I found the script, story and acting not the best. The supporting characters were actually the show stealers but I didn’t find much interest in this story. I do think it failed due to the behind the stage issues happening, it really made this movie flop.
The Duggars: 20 and Counting! by Michelle + Jim Bob Duggar
Read by a then pregnant Michelle, this book details different circumstances the Duggar’s experienced in their early years growing their family. They also comment on how their day to day functions and what types of systems they have in place, incorporating their religious values into everything they do.
Sorry Not Sorry by Naya Rivera
I knew of Naya from watching Glee. That show was influential in my early twenties and I will never forget hearing Naya’s rendition of Don’t Rain On My Parade. I was blown away at Naya’s vocal talent and obvious beauty. Hearing her childhood memories and early acting career with famous celebrities in her voice was pretty cool. May she RIP.