A Month in the Books: January 2025
Hi, I’m Vin!
Thank you, new friend, for coming to my blog. I hope you enjoy today’s content and find inspiration and joy as you read.
So how are we doing in making progress on our personal goals? Let me know in the comments!
I consider my trip to Asia a crucial step in my journey into 2025. My perspective evolved in such a short time throughout this vacation. It provided not only the rest and revitalization for writing my book series, but also some new insights on how to approach life.
However, as an author, I will cover the two categories that have built me the most. Today, I will cover some of my personal milestones and some books I’ve read. With the ultimate end goal being to publish a book, I reflect on my strides towards that goal.
Join me in my TikTok journey in leading spiritually!
Reflecting on Personal and Professional Feats
From a writing standpoint, I didn’t write too much outside of what you’ve been reading on this site.
And I call myself an author.
But what if I told you that creating this blog is a feat? That’s right. I take a lot of pride in both this blog and my website as a whole. You can call it the ball roller of something great!
I never envisioned myself making something like this where I can present my more personal story to potential readers. That, and I find a lot of joy in opening the front doors of my mind to those curious about this young author. I have a platform, at last, to share my life insights with fellow dreamers and creatives like yourselves.
Lastly, I have started my new spiritual-based TikTok and Instagram channels.
I hope you have taken something from my blog. As I delve into content creation, too, my goal is to help fulfill your days with the same energy.
2. Books That Have Fueled My Journey
I’m a bit amazed that I had time to get through four novels through my travels. Did any stand out among them? Babel by R.F Kuang.
Babel by R.F Kuang
This masterpiece weaves together the core themes of my novel: colonialism and crony capitalism, systemic racism at every level of society, and the marginalization of women through blatant misogyny. As an Asian-American person who studied at Oxford University in my sophomore year, I felt especially convicted by the journey of the novel’s MC.
Other things I enjoyed include the unique magic system revolving around silver bars. It’s a concept that completely breaks the rules of what I’m used to. I was also enthralled by the diversity embroidering the story through a wide cast of ethnicities.
A solid 9.5/10. You also have an idea of what to expect in The Brave Haven!
The honorable mention of January would have to be Of Fire and Ash by Gillian Bronte Adams. What I can say is… I’ve been a long-time loyalist to Gondor, but for a change, I wondered if, deep down, I was secretly a Rider of Rohan—just for a moment.
Can you imagine yourself riding on a fire-breathing pony? Check this book out!
Books I’m enjoying — will only update with time!
3. Chasing the Moving Goalpost
I’m really feeling this year so far!
One month down. 60 reels filmed. At least 15k words written. My manuscript looked at by my editor. Entering the final polishing phase.
And the biggest W of them all: a new perspective gained from both the Philippines and Korea.
Now if I were to gauge my personal progress for 2025 so far, well… Here’s what it would look like!
For what it’s worth, I’m more than satisfied with the way January went down. With the year only just beginning, I will continue to walk by faith, and not by sight.
Until next time! :)
V.A.L
