2018 in the Books

Yes, the last post I published was also about books. But, I read a lot so here we are again. Although the last week before Christmas I really stalled in the reading department and I'm STILL working my way through China Rich Girlfriend that I started almost 2 weeks ago. It's also like 4 days overdue at the library but I'm not returning it until it's finished! I should be finishing it tonight or tomorrow morning while sitting at the tire shop... and because Goodreads and I got into a fight, it's already listed as completed. 

As of right now, I have read 51 books in 2018. My goal was 36 so I'm pretty darn proud of this. I LOVE to read and I read pretty fast compared to people in my life (though the internet assures me there are many people reading a lot faster!) But, I had really gotten into the habit of watching TV or movies or scrolling through my phone instead of reading. 

In January, I set a goal to start reading again and low balled my goal in order to nudge myself back into it. I hit that goal right before we moved in September! The move definitely slowed me down but now that the holidays are over, I'm back in the groove and plan to set a higher goal for 2019. I haven't decided exactly what yet, but I'm thinking at least 60. 

Here's a screenshot of everything I've read from Goodreads: 

I tried to narrow down my top recommendation to 1 but...HAHAHAHA no way. So here' s a few. 

Best "if you haven't read this yet you are insane" book: All the Harry Potter books. This will always be my recommendation for this type of category. 

Best thriller: Final Girls - Riley Stanger. I'm actually surprised I'm putting this because it was kind of gory but I realize it truly had me on the edge of my seat and SHOCKED the absolutely heck out of me at the end. I would even read it again knowing the twist because I want to look for clues. 

Best lovey dovey story: The Wedding Date - Jasmine Guillory. I'm not even a romance/love story kind of book gal but this one was super cute! I am looking forward to reading her second book. 

Book that stopped me in my tracks: An American Marriage - Tayari Jones. I mentioned in my last post that this book hits really close to home for me so I was pretty emotional during it but I think everyone should read this book. 

Book that made me cry the most: The Hate U Give - Angie Thomas. Not only did I cry, I yelled, I moaned, I got angry and a plethora of other emotions were evoked. Read it. 

Worst book of the year: Nookietown - VC Chickering. I honestly don't even know why I picked this book up. I think I was trying to us up the last of a gift card last year after Christmas. 

Definitely worth a read: Everything I Never Told You - Celeste Ng. I read this after Little Fires Everywhere and liked this one a lot more! 

Still to be finish before 2019 if I can: China Rich Girlfriend, I Found You and The Third Wife. Wish me luck! 

Linking up (a day late) with Steph and Jana!

Recent Reads

I haven't linked up in a few months, so I won't do a full breakdown of every book I've read since August, but I will highlight a few that need explaining :)

After Anna // Lisa Scottoline

Rating: 3.5/5

Crazy Rich Asians // Kevin Kwan
Rating: 4/5

Of course I jumped on this train! And as always, the book was better than the  movie but the movie is still worth seeing - just read this first. I just picked up the second book from the library so I'm excited to see where the story goes.

Ghosted // Rosie Walsh
Rating: 4/5

Lie To Me // J.T. Ellison
Rating: 4/5

This is a SOLID mystery/thriller. I never saw the ending coming!

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo // Taylor Jenkins Reid
Rating: 4/5

Gosh, I really liked this book. There was an overlying mystery in the book but it's not a mystery book like I normally read but I was so taken in with Reid's storytelling that I've already got another book of hers on my nightstand now to read!

Cross Her Heart // Sarah Pinborough
Rating: 3/5

Meh. This one was fine but a traditional thriller. I read it quickly, but it was easily digestible.

Pretty Girls // Karin Slaughter
Rating: 3.5/5

I read another book by Karin Slaughter earlier this year and enjoyed it ( The Good Daughter) but this one was much more violent than the last one. I was drawn in because it took place in Atlanta/Athens/Watkinsville, GA. I was born in Athens and grew up there/in Watkinsville (they're basically the same place) so it was cool to read about landmarks and things I know but then the violence and gore was tough to stomach for that same reason.

The mystery/thriller aspect was great, but be prepared for some seriously messed up violence.

The Last Mrs. Parrish // Liv Constantine
Rating: 3/5

Truth be told, I originally had this book as 4/5 but once I thought about it some more, I don't love the ending. The book was a great read and kept me guessing but I just didn't love the "gotcha" at the end once I stepped away.

Tear Me Apart // JT Ellison
Rating: 3.5/5

I liked this one in that it had a mystery element but it wasn't scary, per se. The characters were well written and believable which is always a plus when you're dealing with sometimes out of the ordinary situations.

An American Marriage // Tayari Jones
Rating: 4/5

Everyone should read this book immediately. What an amazing, heartbreaking story. This one hit really close to home for me in ways I don't think it will for the vast majority of readers... But, regardless it's an amazing story about our "justice" system and how it tears families apart even as hard as the families try to stay together. I was so empty at the end.. in a good way? If that even makes sense. Just read it!

The Perfect Mother // Aimee Molloy
Rating: 3/5

I felt that the "twist" in this book was just too out of left field. I never guessed it because it just didn't make a lot of sense.

The Last Time I Lied // Riley Sager
Rating: 4/5

Oooo this was twisty but also believable. I really loved that it took place at a summer camp because I always wanted to go to a camp but never did. The author did a great job of immersing you in the camp and also keeping your second guessing literally everyone.

The Widow // Fiona Barton
Rating: 4/5

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets // JK Rowling
Rating: 5/5

I'm currently listening to the audiobooks with my husband. He's never read them so it's so fun!

My Oxford Year // Julia Whelan
Rating: 3/5

When can I go to Europe?

Linking up with Steph and Jana!