January anxiety, fresh starts, and the books keeping me grounded
January 2026 Newsletter
Hi friends,
January always feels a little loud to me, which is why my newsletter is going out in February. 😂
New year energy.
Fresh goals.
Big expectations.
And underneath it all? A low hum of anxiety — for kids, for adults, for anyone trying to “get it right” this time around.
So this month on The Brave Bookshelf, I leaned into stories instead of resolutions. Books that help us slow down, name the feelings, and remind us we’re not behind — we’re human.
🎙️ On the Brave Bookshelf podcast
January’s episodes have centered on anxiety — the kind that shows up when we’re trying to get a head start on the year.
We’ve talked about:
Why January pressure can spike anxiety
How kids often show worry through behavior, not words
and how books open conversations without putting anyone on the spot
If you’re a parent, teacher, librarian, counselor, or just feeling that January knot yourself, these episodes are a gentle place to land.
👉 Listen here:
📚 Book Corner: what I’ve been reading in January
Here’s a peek at the books I’ve been diving into lately — all stories that sparked meaningful conversations on the podcast or over on the website.
🧠 Anxiety Spotlight
Little Monsters by Máire Roche
This one stood out for how thoughtfully it explores anxiety and big emotions through a lens kids can actually connect with. It opens the door to talking about fear, worry, and self-acceptance without ever feeling preachy. A great pick for kids who feel overwhelmed but don’t always have the words.
🔍 Dark & Thought-Provoking
Beth Is Dead by Katie Bernet
A haunting, layered story that lingers long after the last page. This one invites discussions about truth, grief, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.
👻 Cozy with a Twist
Soul of a Gentleman Witch by David Ferraro
A charming, magical read with heart. Perfect for readers who enjoy whimsy paired with deeper themes of identity and belonging.
🗺️ Adventure & Faith
Titus and the Christian Coin: An Adventure of Faith and Freedom
by Dennis Conrad with Derinda Babcock
An engaging adventure that explores faith, courage, and choice in a way that encourages thoughtful discussion.
✍️ For the Writers in Our Community
The Compassionate Writer by Anne E. Beall, PhD
This one lives over on the blog — a thoughtful, affirming read about finding your voice and writing with empathy. It’s especially timely if your creative goals feel tangled up in self-doubt this month.
👉 You can find episodes, reviews, and resources for these books at:
🧠 a brave takeaway
Here’s the reminder I keep coming back to this January:
You don’t need a perfect resolution.
You don’t need to rush your growth.
And you don’t need to quiet anxiety before you’re allowed to begin.
Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is sit with a story — and let it help us start the conversation.
Because you are here with me today, I’m giving away one (1) hardcover of “Beth is Dead” by Katie Bernet to one lucky reader! Enter here.
💬 let’s talk
I’d love to know:
Which book has helped you through an anxious season — or which one do you want to read next?
You can reply to this email. I read every message.
Thank you for being here and for making space for brave stories and honest conversations.
Happy reading and writing,
Kim
PS: If January felt heavy, you’re not doing it wrong. You’re doing it human — and there’s a book for that. 💛📚