Well, hello to all my readers out there. All 5 of you 😊 (p.s Share this blog with one friend!). I was taking stock of the lack of a blog post last week and turning it into this week. Starting in January 2026, and as of the day I type this post, I have started at least 18 short stories, novels, or audiobooks. Out of that 17, I completed 13 of the literary compositions. Mainly the Amazon Original stories, and the Rachel Rodgers Audiobook.
I asked myself, why didn’t I finish the other 6 books? The main reason was that I split my attention. I would start one book and get to chapter 10. Somewhere around chapter 10, I wanted to read another book.
While reading “The Psychology of Money”, I had this strong urge to read romance novels. Which led me to read the Amazon Original Stories, Scared Sexy Collection. I wrote a post about three of the six books. I had to sit by myself. Why did I stop reading the psychology of money? It’s a relatively short book and can be completed, I think, in a week. I felt parts of the book had too many anecdotes. The author does a great job of being clear and concise, but at times, it was too anecdotal. I wanted solid facts and methods to address my money issues. I am back to reading the book I want to finish and have realized that maybe I wasn’t in the right mindset in January, but now I can listen, take notes, and implement a better, more rational plan for my money. The biggest takeaway I got from this is that sometimes, if your brain is not processing the information, walking away and coming back is a better option.
Another book I started, got 50% through, and said maybe later was Kevin Fredricks’s “Successful Failure.” I was so excited to read his book. It was both autobiographical and offered lessons on succeeding in content creation. I brought this book after finishing Issa Rae’s original shorts about her creative process and journey from YouTube to producer to executive producer. It’s a good book, solid, but again my brain dinged and said I want some adventure! I want to read about lands that are not here and bump into your creative journey. I want monsters and fights. I obliged my brain, which led to reading the Scared Sexy Collection of Monster Romance short stories.
I also wanted to write a Love-inspired blog post, so I started reading a book on my “To Be Read” list by Tati Richardson, “Losing Sight.” I love this book; it deserves the hype from Book-Tok and BookGram. It’s about Nikki, a woman finding love after 40. Many romance novels I’ve read focus on women in their 20s and 30s, so it was refreshing to read about love after 40. (Technically, in Hot for Slayer, the characters were thousands of years old.) I’m about 60% done, but adult responsibilities distracted me. I plan to finish the book in March because I need to know if Nikki got the promotion—and who she ends up with! This is a great book and deserves all the hype!
Another book on my TBR, and I came across several TikToks. I brought “I, Medusa” by Ayana Gray. Can I tell you another Book-Tok Recommendation that I would recommend to everyone who has an ear! It’s a phenomenal book, creates imagery, the history is accurate to Greek History, and the emotion! I could not put this book down. I am at 45% done, and I need to know! What will happen to Medy? I am invested! The storytelling, the imagery, and another book I will be finishing in March. Now, you may ask Che why you didn’t finish this in February? Life, the bills come due, and work must get done. I love this book so much.
Honorable mention goes to Granger, “The Secret World of Maggie Gray.” I started this book in December and was enthralled, but I ran out of time on Spotify and never finished it. I’ve now purchased the book and plan to read it in April, since I already have five books to complete in March. Having one lined up feels right, and this year is shaping up to be one of fantastic world-building and solid storytelling. I’m especially interested in learning about The First Family, but need to get through Maggie’s story to enjoy the series.
I hope you enjoyed the monthly update. I have to get to reading, well, later today. Right now, I am on the beach having the time of my life.
Until Next Time,
Che Michelle
Che-Michelle Tales 
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