5 Books to Read This January

Ah, January. Loved and hated in equal measure. Some people delight in that 'new jotter' feeling. A new year, all blank and shiny and waiting to be filled with plans, adventures, ideas and intentions. Others just want to curl up with a cosy blanket, a hot cup of tea, a good book and wait it out. I'm a bit of a mix of the two, but if forced to choose a side, I'd be under that blanket like a shot.

The winter can feel quite long in Edinburgh. It gets dark early and it's oh-so cold. Perfect reading weather, frankly. I have a bit of a thing about seasonal reading. By that, I mean trying to read books that complement the time of year. In winter, I like books that feel cosy. Rich, sumptuous stories that warm the heart and make you cuddle up that little bit warmer.

Here are five books I'll be reading this January...

The Book of Dust, Volume 2: The Secret Commonwealth

If like me you're a Philip Pullman fan, you'll have been waiting on the edge of your seat for The Book of Dust, Vol 2. I had this on pre-order and I can't tell you how excited I was when it thudded onto my doormat! I adore Philip Pullman and Lyra Belacqua is one of my all-time favourite heroines. I don't want to spoil this book for anyone so I won't delve into the plot but oh-my-gosh am I happy to be back in Lyra's world.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Illustrated Edition

One look at these stunning illustrations by Jim Kay will tell you all you need to know about this beauty! I started collecting the Harry Potter illustrated series when the Philosopher's Stone came out. They're such beautiful books and I cannot wait to read them with my (as yet non-existent!) children one day. Although I am slightly worried about the structural integrity of my bookshelf. These books are heavy! I've been eagerly anticipating the Goblet of Fire as it's my favourite of all the seven books. To me, there's nothing cosier than a Harry Potter book. This one is worth it just for the Triwizard illustrations alone!

The Binding by Bridget Collins

I will admit, I bought The Binding mainly on the strength of the cover. I know, I know... but can you blame me?! It's one of the most beautiful books I've seen in a long time. The story is brooding and melancholy and a delicious love story is slowly building. Perfect for long, dark autumn nights!

“Memories,’ she said, at last. ‘Not people, Emmett. We take memories and bind them. Whatever people can’t bear to remember. Whatever they can’t live with. We take those memories and put them where they can’t do any harm. That’s all books are”
The Binding, Bridget Collins

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

The long-awaited sequel to The Handmaid's Tale. I am so excited to return to the world of Gilead. There's been a lot of buzz about this book (rightly so!) but I often find that it can influence me when I'm reading a big new release. I've had this on the shelf for a while now, waiting until the clamour died down a little so I can get stuck in.

Great Goddesses by Nikita Gill

One of my new year resolutions (or let's just call it a general 2020 intention!) is to read more widely. I have a tendency to stick to one genre—fantasy, in case you hadn't noticed from this selection! This year I'd like to make more of an effort to read other genres. Memoirs, essays, poetry... starting with the rose gold beauty that is Great Goddesses. I was kindly gifted this book last year and so enjoyed dipping into it. I'm looking forward to reading it properly, cover-to-cover this month.

That's a wrap on my January reading list. I'd love to know what you have on your list?