A Cozy Start to the Year: Weekly Highlights and What’s Ahead
Reflections, content roundups, a sneak peek at upcoming essays, and bringing back our literary calendar.
The Weekly Wrap-Up: A cozy Sunday roundup of everything I’ve been creating, sharing, and loving this week, plus a preview of what’s coming next.
New Year Reflections, Highlights, and What’s Coming Next✨
Hi Bookish Besties!
Welcome to the first Weekly Wrap-Up of the New Year! This past week was the last hurrah of the holiday season for most of us. Who’s excited to get back into their routines or start new habits?
I have a funeral to attend this week, and there’s travel involved, so I won’t be getting back into my routine just yet. However, I’m really looking forward to mid-next week, when I’ll be back to regularly scheduled programming.
In this week’s wrap-up, I’ll share how I spent the start of 2025, a roundup of this week’s bookish highlights, a sneak peek at what’s coming next, and a literary calendar. I hope this newsletter brings a little inspiration and coziness to your Sunday.
Let’s dive in!
A Cozy Start to the Year
This first week of 2025 (technically, the first few days) has been quiet and reflective for me. I’ve spent time making plans for both my content and personal life. A big thing I did was step away from social media to avoid the noise and influence of what others are doing.
Instead, I’ve been sitting with myself and asking, “What do I really want this year to look like?” That clarity has been amazing. It feels good to make decisions rooted in my own desires and priorities rather than being influenced by others and reacting to external pressures.
How has your first week of the year been? I’d love to hear!
This Week’s Highlights
January's Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club Meeting
Join us on January 25th at 1 PM or 7 PM EST. Bring ANY book you’ve read recently and share it with fellow readers! Get the details here.Aligning Life and Bookish Goals
In this personal essay, I share how I’m setting meaningful goals and preparing for the 2025 Reading Goals & Vision Board + Bingo Card Workshop. Read it here.Weekend Edition: January Books and Adaptations
I highlighted 11 new books I’ve read and loved and 4 book-to-screen adaptations to check out this month. Catch up here.Classic Books to Read This Winter
On the blog, I shared 10 timeless classics perfect for cozy winter reading. See the list here and watch my YouTube video discussing five of them: Watch here.Tips for Starting a Reading Habit
On YouTube, I shared 6 practical tips for anyone looking to start or rekindle their reading habit. Watch the video here.
Coming This Week
The Journal (Weekly Series: Tuesday): The Art of Reading Slowly
A reflective essay on embracing a slower pace in reading and life, exploring how it deepens your connection to stories. I’ll also share practical tips for savoring books and enjoying the journey.
Seasonal Stories (Monthly Series: Thursday): Winter’s Quiet Magic
A reflection on winter’s slower rhythm, its impact on creativity, and how I incorporate its stillness into my bookish and homebody life.
Literary Calendar
If you subscribed to my OG newsletter, you know I used to share a literary calendar every week! Well, I’m bringing it back, and it will be a staple in The Weekly Wrap-Up.
January is Braille Literacy Month.
January 7th 1903: Zora Neale Hurston is born. Popular works include: They’re Eyes Were Watching God, Jonah’s Gourd Vine.
January 11th: Poetry at Work Day. On this day, workers enjoy poetry as a means of relaxation and recreation while at work.
January 12th, 1876: Jack London is born. Popular works include: Call of the Wild, White Fang.
Wishing You a Peaceful Week Ahead
As we head into the second week of the year, I hope you find moments to reflect, plan, and savor the quiet. Thank you for being part of this community—it’s always a joy to share this space with you.
Here’s to a cozy and fulfilling start to the year!
Until next time,
Victoria
