Hey, what’s up, hello!

As many of you know, i’m on a mission to surpass my goal of reading 50 books again this year. I went from averaging 3 books a year, to 5 books a month. All without giving up even a minute of TV! Anyways, since I’ve decided that moving forward i’m going to do more individual book reviews, I have decided to briefly review all 15 books I’ve read so far in 2018. I’m here to tell you whether or not the books I read were worth reading, or if you shouldn’t waste your time.

Books that are *starred* were gifted by publishers, but that doesn’t impact my review at all.

If you haven’t read last year’s list, here it is. 

Absolute favorites

There are book’s i’d recommend to pretty much anyone.

The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory*

While the Wedding Date certainly falls into the category of breezy romantic beach reads; it doesn’t lack in substance. This story is perfect for anyone who has “fallen in love” with the person sitting across from them on the subway. It’s a cute story with a strong, black, female protagonist. I really enjoyed this one, and as has everyone I’ve lent it to.  Ladies of all ages must read this by a pool this summer. 

Fierce by Aly Raisman

Of all the books I read this year, I was most surprised by how much I loved Aly Raisman’s memoir “Fierce.” I was inspired to purchase her book after she came out against Larry Nassar, but put off reading it until after his trail. My expectations were pretty low, but I wanted to support a fellow Boston woman/feminist icon. Holy shit, this book is great. Aly Raisman is my hero. Not only does she do an excellent job engaging with her readers, but it is obvious that she did not use a ghostwriter. Aly’s story is absolutely worth reading, even if you aren’t into sports (#SAME.) Please, please read this book.

How to Murder Your Life by Cat Marnell

To say there was a lot of hype surrounding How to Murder Your Life would be an understatement. It was on most book lists of 2017. That said, it lived up to it. Cat Marnell, who I engaged in some twitter banter with and decided to buy her book, is the real deal. By that I mean, for a twenty-something beauty editor to write a memoir THIS good is a bit shocking. It would be hard not to enjoy this, but it’s especially great for those of us with a wild side. After all, it’s dedicated to the party girls. Read if you’re the fun friend.

really enjoyed

I really liked these books, but you’ll want to read the description to see if they are a good fit.

Song of a Captive Bird by Jasmin Darznik*

It’s impossible to read this book without having an emotional reaction. If you’re into history, geography and feminism– the story of Iranian Poetess Forough will touch you. Though it was not a super easy read, it felt important. I highly recommend this book for avid readers and activists. This book has the potential to change the way you think. 

After You by Jojo Moyes

Me Before You was amazing. The sequel, was very good. If you are a fan of Lou, then you will like this book. It will satisfy your craving. You will cry, you will feel close to Louisa, you will miss Will. 

Still Me by Jojo Moyes

The third installment of Me Before You, and in my opinion– better than After You. Still Me takes place in New York City, and as someone who lives here– I just loved that Lou came to visit me.

Need to Know by Karen Cleveland*

If Mueller’s Russian collusion investigation is moving too slow for you, read Need to Know by Karen Cleveland! This spy novel will be devoured in under 24 hours. If you like thrillers + love stories, this is a good combo. A great beach or commute read. I found this book to be original, and the writing to be very good. 

Woman in the Window by A.J Finn

Lil Cam gave me the Woman in the Window for my birthday + it did not disappoint! This is another page-turning thriller. It’s like Inception meets Desperate Housewives. A perfect book to read on the plane or at the beach. You won’t be able to lose focus.

Hello, Sunshine by Laura Dave

Hello, Sunshine is another light, fluffy, easy read. That said, I did enjoy it! If you’re someone who might be a little addicted to social media– or dependent on it for work, i’d recommend this book. Also, if you’re a person who loves cooking youtube videos. I saw a little bit of myself in Sunshine. Though I’m obviously a better person (you’ll understand when you read it.) I liked this book quite a bit.

good, but not memorable

I’d only recommend these if you could get them for free; at your library or on Kindle.

Queen of Hearts by Kimmery Martin*

If you’re looking for something light + fluffy, you’ll probably enjoy Queen of Hearts. Though it was an easy read that I did enjoy, there was nothing profound about it. If you’re into Grey’s Anatomy and don’t like to read anything more serious than Big Little Lies, give this one a go. It’s certainly entertaining, and if you work in the medical field you’ll probably like it.

Green by Sam Graham-Felsen*

As a rule, i tend to read books that are written by women. I make exceptions, like I did for Sam Graham-Felsen– who previously worked for the Obama administration. It’s a coming of age novel that tackles race + privilege. The setting is Boston, and the narrator is a 6th grade boy. I never thought i’d read about a middle school boy’s experience masturbating, so that was awkward– but informative! Anyways, it was a relatively easy book– but I think it would be more enjoyable for a dude to read.

The Burial Society by Nina Sadowsky*

The Burial Society was an easy read, though I was never entirely sure if the protagonist was a hero of the villian. I will say, the ending was smart and unexpected (until the last 20 pages or so.) If someone is going to lend you this book, or it’s on sale on kindle, read it. Otherwise I probably wouldn’t buy it.

Sunburn by Laura Lippman

Sunburn is really just another romantic thriller. If that’s your jam, which is probably is, then i’d read it. Again, it’s not the best book i’ve ever read. I’d probably only recommend if you found it at your local library, or if it’s on sale on Kindle. I could live without it, but I did enjoy it.

 

learn from my mistakes

Unqualified by Anna Faris

I’m not a huge follower of Anna Faris’ work. Obviously i’ve seen the Hot Chick, and like any respectable stoner has watched Happy Face– but that’s about it. However, I love Chris Pratt and I am a nosy bitch who obvi wanted the divorce scoop. After all, Unqualified is about RELATIONSHIPS. Specially, Anna Faris’ romantic relationships. Chris writes the foreword, and acknowledges the breakup, but that’s it. I dragged myself through 300 boring pages of her talking about how great their marriage was, with no conclusion. Nothing. Holy shit, what a waste of my time. This was probably the worst celebrity memoir I have ever read. Oddly enough, I actually really like Anna Faris after reading it. Still, her book was boring. Do not read.  

Sex and Rage by Eve Babitz

Who am I to judge a classic? Sure, Sex + Rage wasn’t a super difficult read. It takes place in Los Angeles, and maybe if I lived there I would understand it more. It was published in 1979, and re-released last year. I wanted so badly to like this book, but as someone else on Good Reads put it– it was tedious to read.