One of my favorite things to talk about is reading. I love to discuss books with bookish people and with people that “don’t really get the whole reading thing”. I feel confident that with the right book anyone can totally “get it”. I’ll always share what I’m reading because I love consuming content of what other people are reading, and I know I’m not the only one who loves that. I get some of the best recommendations from this kind of content, and if that helps you with even one book, then I’ve done my job.
I decided to break it down into some unique categories, so this won’t necessarily be a list of my favorites but rather a fun spin on what all I’ve read this year.
Favorite So Far
There’s just something about the writing duo that is Christina Lauren. I was loaned this book by my friend, and I loved it so much. The story of Elliot and Macy was so very good. I laughed and cried my way through it. I loved the dual timeline and truly fell in love with these characters and was rooting for them the whole time. Grab your copy here.
Least Favorite
This one came with high praise and nothing but wonderful things said about it causing me to go in with very high expectations. And yet I didn’t like it. It was the longest short book I’ve ever read. If you want to be a little sad and read about a crack in a pool and someone with Alzheimers, then maybe you’ll like it, but it just wasn’t for me. The writing was actually interesting and kind of beautiful, but the story was a different, well, story. If you’re curious, get it here.
Prettiest Cover
I don’t know what it is about this cover that got me; it’s so simple. But I do love these pink flowers with the muted gray background. I would have picked Pineapple Street, but I couldn’t get through the audiobook due to the narrator. This caused me to be put at the bottom of the wait list for the ebook copy. Anyhoo, The Magnolia Palace is a dual timeline story about Lillian and Veronica and how their worlds intertwine all because of the famous Frick family. Get your copy here.
Longest
In the last book of the ACOTAR series, we get a story written mostly about Nesta and Cassian. I started out unsure of this book, but it did turn out to be an incredible story that I could not put down. It left me with quite the book hangover, and I cannot recommend enough. However, I cannot recommend it to you as a stand alone. You MUST read the entire series in order for this book to make sense. But don’t be scared of a series or of fantasy. It is 100% worth your time. Get yours here.
Didn’t Meet Expectations
I know I just said what I said about this series being worth it and all and now you see this book under the “didn’t meet expectations” category. Here’s what I mean- It is a necessary part of the story, but if you’re in the thick of the ACOTAR universe, this book pales in comparison to the one you will have just finished. However, it is a lovely little palette cleanser, and I would never suggest that you skip it. Get it here.
Exceeded Expectations
After almost writing off Emily Henry altogether due to what I thought were terrible audiobook experiences, I was urged by some friends to give her one more try and to read the book rather than listen to the audiobook. They were indeed right, and I could not have loved this book more. I think I even gave it five stars on Goodreads. Nora and Charlie are work rivals. While on a vacation with her sister, Nora bumps into Charlie and finds out their quaint vacation spot is actually his hometown. Well, it’s a romantic comedy, so what do you think happens? It was so much fun! Get it here.
Favorite Author
I’ve read four Christina Lauren books this year. F O U R. I recommend both reading and listening to their books. The narration for all the ones I’ve listened to have been great. Here’s the list: The Soulmate Equation, Love and Other Words, Something Wilder, and The True Love Experiment. Another favorite of their’s is The Unhoneymooners– you’ll laugh so hard! I’m looking forward to reading In a Holidaze during December.
Best Non-Fiction
I’ve usually read a bit more non-fiction this time of year, but I just haven’t been feeling it lately. I’ve read three, and Beth Moore’s memoire was by far my favorite. It’s a beautiful, difficult story but one full of Jesus. If you love Jesus, you should read this memoire. And if you’re an audiobook listener, she reads the book, and it is 100% the way to go. Get your copy here.
Most Fun
Killers of a Certain Age is a fun, action packed story about four 60-something women on the brink of retirement. So on the brink that they’re on a celebratory cruise for that reason. They have earned this relaxing trip because they’ve been working as assassins, and they’re darn good at their jobs. Being so good at their jobs helps them to realize that maybe this cruise isn’t going to be so relaxing after all and that just maybe they are the mark this time. I loved this one! I listened to the audiobook, and thought it was a very nicely done. Get your copy here.
First, how is this year half over?! Second, what a fun way to analyze what you’ve read thus far in 2023. I hope I’ve inspired a few books for you to read. I hope you’ll chat with me in the comments or over on Instagram, where I mostly hang out, about these books. I’d love to know your thoughts if you’ve read them. Speaking of the comments, tell me one book you think I should read before the year is out.
Happy reading!
