Last year, I saw a great bunch of posts about what book bloggers were reading the year before, and it got me curious. What was I reading this time last year—and the year before that, and the year before that? Never one to do things halfway, here’s everything I read every January of 2010-2020—and which ones come out on top!
.

2020
Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling [thoughts here!]
The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling [thoughts here!]
The Witch’s Book of Self-Care: Magical Ways to Pamper, Soothe, and Care for Your Body and Spirit by Arin Murphy-Hiscock
Of course, Philosopher’s Stone takes this win home—as easy a pick as January 2019’s best book…
.
2019
My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout
You by Caroline Kepnes
The Power by Naomi Alderman
In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Clockwork Angel is one of my all-time favourites, so I’m not surprised it wins out January 2019!
.
2018
The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer
Scarlett Epstein Hates it Here by Anna Breslaw
This one has to go to The Belles, ranked solely on how much I want to reread it (though Scarlett Epstein gives it a run for its money).
.
2017
DC Comics: Bombshells, Vol. 2: Allies
Winner by default! I must’ve read something else in January 2017, but Goodreads isn’t telling me. 🤷🏻♀️
2016
The Joker: Death of the Family
Gotham City Sirens, Vol. 1: Union
Gotham City Sirens, Vol. 2: Songs of the Sirens
Batman: The Killing Joke
The Poison Eaters: And Other Stories
It’s almost like I was super into comic books that January, isn’t it? Seeing as I’m not sure comic books are on the same level as written books for me, I’m giving this one to The Poison Eaters.
.
2015
How to Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
By Any Other Name by Laura Jarratt
The First Time by Cher
How to be Bad by E. Lockhart, Sarah Mlynowski, and Lauren Myracle
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
I remember this reading month like it was only last year! And I remember the one that stuck with me—no prizes for guessing, given the title of this blog. 😅 Fangirl takes the win (though I definitely recommend the Cher memoir, too!)
.
2014
Emma by Jane Austen
Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter
Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter
Oh man, I adored the Heist Society books—I remember loving Uncommon Criminals the most, so I’ll call that the winner!
.
Apparently I’m missing 2013, 2012, and 2011 (can you tell which year I reliably started tracking my reading on Goodreads?), so on to the last of the decade…
.
2010
The Vinyl Princess by Yvonne Prinz
Fire by Kristin Cashore
Oof, Fire. When a series has such a strong villain you’re still repulsed a decade later. Bring on the reread ahead of Winterkeep!
.
So removing my all-time favourites of Philosopher’s Stone and Clockwork Angel, which January book takes the top prize as the Ultimate January Read?
Drum roll…

Fangirl!
Do you agree? Which of these would be your favourite–or what’s your favourite ever January read?
(February’s best coming soon!)
I think Fangirl would also be my favourite out of the ones you’ve read! I love this post idea!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a hard one to beat! Thank you ☺️☺️ it’s fun to look back on if you get the chance to give it a go!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does look like a good idea! I joined Goodreads in March 2013 so will only have like 7 years worth but I may do it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I mean I was missing some years and it was suuuuper annoying haha but d be interested to see yours! ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a great idea for a post! I enjoyed reading your answers as well. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! ☺️ it was a lot of fun – hope you enjoy it if you give it a try!
LikeLike