The Book I Read in Jan '25

 Yes, only one book. HAHAH But by that one statistic from Washington Post I am already doing more than half the people will do the whole year. Also have you seen the literary statistics for '24? We must do better. My reading goal this year: 12 non-fiction books. Last year I read 45 books and most of them I would never recommend to anyone. In order to try and avoid another year of unremarkable reads I chose enrichment. 

I want to learn more about history, courage, feminism, science, paranormal activities, political power, while staying in my usual fiction worlds (looking at you Robin Hobb). I do already have a list of the 12 non-fiction books I want to read which I compiled by discussions with friends, my own interests, and what I've picked up from used bookstores. First on my list was Miracle in the Andes by Nando Parrado.

 I have seen the movie Alive and it was so inspiring to me that I NEEDED to read the book, plus I bought it for my coworker's birthday gift and had to read it before I gifted it. The biggest question this book has me asking myself is "who am I?" What makes up Athena. Faced with adversity and an almost certain death scenario I want to have courage and resilience like Nando. 

Favorite part: There's a part in their journey to the tail where the boys have brought along Roy (whiny and has little will to fight to live). On the trek back to the main cabin Roy falls and does not want to get back up. Nando beats him down and then proceeds to mostly carry him back to the plane. Nando could not live with himself had he left Roy, but he also still had a moment of weakness in beating him up. He found strength to take himself and Roy back to the main plane because Nando knows who he wants to be and is willing to suffer to become.  

Favorite Quote: "I would rather walk to meet my death, then wait for it to come to me." This ownership of your life even when faced with circumstances outside of your control is why I LOVE this book and movie. I have the choice in my life to feel and to change myself. 

Recommend To: Those seeking to be courageous. If you love winter tales of hardship. Did you like the book Alone in elementary school? If yes, then yes. Do you watch RHOSLC? Maybe, if you imagine it's the cast on the mountain instead of the rugby team.

Best Time of Year to Read: Winter. You can go outside and pretend you are in the Andes.

Questions to Ask Your Friends/Book Club: Who that you work with would you be able to be stranded on snow covered mountains in the Andes? Which parent would be able to help you survive the longest? What is your will to live? HAHAHA Do you think if we were in this scenario we would survive? 

 I read other books during January I just did not finish them - stay tuned for what books I finish through the year. If you have any PHENOMENAL non-fictions recs I will take them and evaluate you. 

xoxo