February Reading Round Up

The good, the bad and the ugly.

This month has been a mixed bag for me. I read more than I thought, especially in the later part of the month when I was battling the flu. Incidentally, I am writing this article from my daughter's hospital bed, as she was taken very poorly with the flu.

Despite everything going on, I read seven books this month, but it was a very mixed month because, in addition to the seven I read, I did not finish three: Blood Meridian, Burmese Days and The Trial. I am not saying these are bad books, but they were not right for me then.

Also, remember that I am pretty harsh with my star ratings.

⭐️ - Awful

⭐️⭐️ - Okay

⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Good

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Excellent

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Life Changing

Far From the Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy

Let me start with my favourite read of this month, Far From the Madding Crowd. If you have followed me for a while, you will know that Tess of the D'urbervilles was one of my top three books last year; this next Hardy I read did not disappoint.

Far from the Madding Crowd is a classic novel set in rural England. It follows the independent and spirited Bathsheba Everdene.

She inherits a farm and becomes entangled in a complex love triangle with three very different suitors: the steady and devoted shepherd Gabriel Oak, the wealthy but reserved farmer William Boldwood, and the reckless yet charming soldier Sergeant Troy.

I loved this book mainly because of the fantastic characters: the ever-loyal Oak, a man every woman would like to call her friend; Troy, whom you want to hate but end up feeling sorry for; and the quiet, sensitive Boldwood. The strength of the characters is the strength of the book.

It also explores an unfamiliar story of a woman running a business in Victorian England and explores the themes of what happens to the woman when she marries. I am addicted to Victorian history and literature, this did not disappoint me. It is also easier than many of the classics I have read.

The Fireman - Ray Bradbury

The Fireman by Ray Bradbury is a short story that served as the foundation for his later full-length novel Fahrenheit 451.

Set in a dystopian future where books are outlawed and "firemen" are tasked with burning them, the story follows a fireman who begins to question the society he serves. As he secretly collects books and seeks knowledge, he becomes increasingly disillusioned.

Fahrenheit 451 is one of my top five books, so I was always going to explore the stories that inspired it. Ray Bradbury is a genius at telling short stories, so it was an easy read for me.

I enjoyed aspects of this novel more than 451, and it is an unusual spin on the story. Some aspects of the story never made the full novel, but it is clear which parts were included. Again, Bradbury has a knack for seeing into the future.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck - Mark Manson

The first thing to say about this book is I probably would have enjoyed it much more had I read it as a book rather than an audiobook. There was a lot of information to take in without having a physical copy to take notes with.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson is a self-help book that challenges conventional positivity by advocating for a more realistic and resilient approach to life.

Manson argues that people should stop trying to be constantly happy and instead focus on what truly matters. Individuals can lead more meaningful lives by choosing which struggles and values are worth caring about.

This book had a mix of very thought-provoking parts and parts where my mind wandered. Overall, I enjoyed it, but I am not racing out to the bookshop to read more by this author.

The Running Grave - Robert Galbraith

The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith follows private detectives Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott as they investigate the Universal Humanitarian Church, a cult-like group holding a client’s son, Will, under its influence.

Robin goes undercover in the cult’s Norfolk compound, uncovering disturbing secrets while facing personal danger. As the case unfolds, both detectives grapple with personal and professional challenges. The novel blends psychological suspense with themes of manipulation and resilience.

This is a brilliant story which is truly horrific in places. It’s well-researched and keeps you reading. However, I wonder if Rowling could do with an editor who isn’t afraid to tell her to cut words out. For example, there is one occasion when we learn that both Robin and Strike use the toilet.

Jack Bauer went a whole 24 hours and never used the toilet; we don’t need to know these two do. Maybe if this and similar description was cut the book wouldn’t be 1200 pages long. Having said that, I can’t wait to read the last instalment, and the good far outweighs the bad with this detective novel.

Feel Good Productivity - Ali Abdaal

Feel-Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal challenges traditional productivity methods by emphasising joy, energy, and well-being.

The book introduces three key pillars: Energize (making tasks enjoyable), Empower (building confidence and control), and Sustain (avoiding burnout by aligning actions with values).

Abdaal argues that by integrating positive emotions into work, productivity becomes more effective and sustainable. Packed with practical exercises, the book offers a fresh, science-backed approach to doing more of what matters.

I wasn't sure if I would like this book, as productivity bores me. I saw a selection of his YouTube videos, which is how I found out about the book. However, I have to say, despite my reservations, I was pleasantly surprised.

One of the facts I really liked about the book was that he gives practical advice for single productivity and those with children, which is very rare for anyone writing about productivity.

The book also has a good, consistent structure throughout, which helps with my OCD and makes the book flow well, even in audiobook format.

The summaries at the end of each chapter are invaluable because you can go back to them to remind yourself what the chapter was about.

Ali Abdul has a good speaking voice. Although I love books narrated by the author, not all of them are a success. This is not the case with this book. He was easy to follow, and his voice did not annoy me.

Overall, this is well worth picking up. If you are serious about productivity, buy the paper copy, as you will be taking notes. If you just want to get a feel for the book, the audiobook is a good listen.

The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath

The Bell Jar is a semi-autobiographical novel following Esther Greenwood, a talented young woman who wins a prestigious internship in New York City but soon spirals into depression.

Struggling with societal expectations, personal identity, and mental illness, Esther feels trapped—like living under a bell jar, isolated from the world. As her mental state deteriorates, she undergoes psychiatric treatment, including electroshock therapy.

Although hard to read in places, this book is one of the most unique portrayals of depression and mental health I have ever read. Esther is not a very likeable character at the beginning of the book, but as time goes on, I warmed to her.

Had I been in a different frame of mind this month, I may have scored it higher, but I think the rating was fair for the enjoyment I got at the time.

Reading is Not a Competition

Although I share my reads with you every month, some months are better than others, I do not want you to think it is a competition. Reading one book deeply is far better than reading twenty that you can't remember.

Reading is a personal hobby and should not be about numbers. I share my reviews in the hope that someone might think something sounds good and pick up a copy.

The final book I read this month was Runnin' No More by G.T.Dipe, where you can find a full review here.

Hit reply to this email and tell me your favourite book of February.