Welcome to a new spot to talk more about books! Because we are just starting out with this, I thought I would condense a bunch of books I have read this year into this post with short summaries and then post longer summaries for the future when I don’t have as many to summarize (and I can remember them better;). Also, I didn’t include any books that I didn’t love because I would feel horrible to detour anyone from reading a book that maybe they would have fallen in love with!
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon: A historical fiction novel that had me hooked on the ‘who did it’ aspect of it all and understanding the main character (a midwife and healer in the 1700s). I made my mom read this one to and she also absolutely loved it.
The Push by Ashley Audrain: This was probably the darkest book I have read in a while. It was absolutely addicting and had me constantly questioning EVERYONE involved in the story. Her experience of motherhood was pretty shocking to me, and I have a STRONG opinion on who I found to be the villain of the entire story, but I don’t want to ruin it by saying that here for anyone who hasn’t read it.
What Happened to You? By Oprah Winfrey and Bruce D. Perry: This book was heavy but needed. If you want to find more empathy for others and/or yourself, this book clearly explains how trauma affects each individual. It made me look at others differently and want to know everyone’s story so I never judge another human again.
The Maid by Nita Prose: My SIL told me about this one, and I really enjoyed it. I fell in love with Molly, the main character, and just wanted to jump into the book and help her.
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell: Sometimes, I need a good psychological thriller. This was an entertainment-only book for me, but it sure made me look forward to doing laundry… and question why we trust others so easily.
Wild Game by Adrienne Brodeur: A memoir. Every now and then I want a memoir about a life that is so opposite of mine that it just throws me for a loop (aka I couldn’t imagine having this type of relationship with my mother or having this type of relationship with my girls). Weird. But interesting. And I need to visit Cape Cod and eat more delicious meals;).
In an Instant by Suzanne Redfearn: I read this one quickly. The storyline was different from any other I’ve read and hooked me from page one. It is about a girl who was killed and how she watches everyone in her life handle the aftermath of the accident. I sobbed in parts.
The Women by Kristin Hannah. My absolute favorite author did it again. Historical Fiction is my favorite because I feel like I get to experience what it was like to live during a certain time period while getting lost in the storyline. This book opened my eyes to what these women went through during the Vietnam War and how vital they were in the hospitals and then being treated horribly once they returned home from war. The love stories along the way had me needing more and more, and I love how it ended. This one, The Great Alone, and Four Winds, are my favorite book by Kristin Hannah.
Within Arms Reach by Ann Napolitano: Hello Beautiful by this same author is in my top three favorite books, so maybe I went into this one with way too high of expectations. It didn’t quite hit the mark compared to Hello Beautiful, but I still loved reading it. The story is about many different characters who are all related. I liked it the least out of Hello Beautiful and Edward, but I was still very happy I read it.
Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover: I read this one incredibly quickly because I wanted to know what was going to happen. It is a beautiful story of a mother trying to be reunited with her 4-year-old daughter after getting out of prison. Some spice!
After Annie by Anna Quindlen: I don’t know why I love sad books, but I just do. They make me feel so much, and maybe it’s because I am fascinated by how people cope and grieve. I enjoyed this read!
The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter: Nothing will make you want to get off the couch and live life bigger than this book. It explains why doing things that cause discomfort brings us so much joy and fulfillment.
The Housemaid and The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden: I COULD NOT stop listening. These both had so many surprises and twists that I didn’t expect. I really enjoy Freida McFadden.
The Inmate by Freida McFadden: I read this one, and it was a quick and easy read. I also didn’t want to put it down (I may or may not have been grumpy when interrupted;). All three of her books I recently loved are psychological thrillers if you are into that, grab them!
As far as some of my 2023 reads go, I don’t have a deep memory of many of them, so I am just copying and pasting some from my notes app:
In Five Years: Obsessed. I already want to read it again.
Normal People: LOVED but the ending wasn’t my favorite.
The Way I Used to Be: Heartbreaking but so good.
The End of Normal: So interesting, but I would love to hear different sides of the story.
I’m glad my mom died: Speechless? But fascinating.
November 9: A very different love story. Spice!
Woman on Fire: Enjoyed!
The Midnight Library: A must read.
One True Loves: I am jealous of anyone that is just about to start this one.
Anxious People: LOVED
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Have you read any of these? What did you think?
I want to have a monthly book we read together! Any suggestions for September?
