About Me

The story behind A Book A Week, and the reader behind the reviews.

It started with a New Year's resolution:
1 book a week, 52 books in a year.
I kept reading, and it grew into something much more.

Back in 2011, I was an avid reader who had somehow lost my way with reading. Between working and being a full-time student, reading for pleasure had slowly fallen by the wayside.

I wanted to change that. So I gave myself a New Year's resolution to read one book every week for a year. I started A Book A Week on January 1, 2012 as a way to hold myself accountable and share what I was reading along the way.

I didn't quite reach my goal that first year, but I kept reading. I kept reviewing. And all these years later, I'm still here, looking forward to whatever book comes next. Some years I crush my goals, some years I don't, but my love for a good book has never wavered.

Line drawing portrait of Ethan

Hi, I'm Ethan

Reader. Blogger.
Book lover.

I'm a lifelong reader with a particular soft spot for mysteries and thrillers. I've always loved the genre, and I credit those stories—the twists, suspense, and need to know what happens next—with keeping me a reader as an adult. My reading has taken me in all kinds of directions since then, but I'll always come back to a good mystery.

I love creepy horror novels. A fascinating work of nonfiction can completely pull me in, too. And I've found plenty of favorites in science fiction, literary fiction, romance, and other genres I might never have picked up when I first started the blog. That's part of the fun. I never quite know what kind of story is going to grab me next.

When I'm not reading or writing reviews, you'll usually find me at home with my husband and our pets. I'm a classically trained musician and composer, an enthusiastic home cook, and a backyard gardener. There's usually a trip to look forward to or some new project that has caught my interest, too.

At the end of the day, I just really love books. There's nothing quite like discovering a story I can't put down or finding an author I can't wait to read again. Even when a book doesn't quite work for me, I still enjoy thinking about why and putting those thoughts into words. That's what keeps me reading, reviewing, and sharing it all here on A Book A Week.

Loose hand-drawn fountain pen illustration

Review Disclaimer

Honest reviews, always.

Some of the books I review are ones I've purchased myself. Others are provided by publishers or authors in exchange for an honest review. Either way, what I write here is always what I really think.

Not every book is going to work for every reader, and that's part of the fun of talking about books. I'll tell you what worked for me, what didn't, and hopefully give you enough to decide whether a book might be right for you.

Good, bad, or somewhere in between, you'll always get my honest take.

Contact

Have a question about the blog, a book you think I should read, or just want to say hello? I'd love to hear from you.

Drop me a note using the form below.

Let's Connect

I'm always happy to hear from readers, publishers, authors, and fellow book lovers.

Review Copies

I'm always open to considering books for review. I read across a pretty wide range of genres, though mysteries and thrillers tend to be particular favorites. If you'd like me to consider a book, send along a little information about it and why you think it might be a good fit for A Book A Week.

Publishers & Authors

Review requests, interviews, features, or something else you have in mind? Send me a note. I'm always happy to hear about new books and opportunities that might be a good fit for the blog.

General Inquiries

Have a question, a recommendation, or just want to talk books? Those messages are welcome, too.

Find Me Elsewhere

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Book Review

January Recap

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

A Book A Week
Review / archive
Well, it has been a month since I challenged myself to read a book a week, and I must say, things seem to be progressing nicely. I'm five books into my goal, and I'm finding that setting deadlines has really helped me to make a conscious effort to read every day. What has surprised me the most in this month is the encouragement of this blogging community. I really am astounded at the interest that has been shown in this blog. In one month, this site has gained 35 followers(thats more than one new follower each day!) and over 300 views! While I started this as a simple means to hold myself accountable to my goal, it has become a place to inform readers of different books, and, more importantly, a place of thoughtful discussion.

Because of this, I am determined to make this blog an even more engaging community of readers. In order to do this, I am interested in hearing your opinions, ideas and suggestions. I have noticed that many of my blogger buddies offer giveaways on their sites, and I plan to do the same, as soon as I ascertain the best way to go about doing this. With so many books and so few days in a year, I'm also considering posting guest reviews. This would provide a greater variety of opinions and a different perspective on books. In addition, I'd like to be able to interact more with those who have joined my challenge, and hear from those who have set different goals for themselves. Being a novice blogger, your advice will help me to improve the quality of this blog, and bring an enhanced experience to all readers.

I have some exciting books lined up for review for this month. There are four weeks in February, so look forward to at least four new reviews this month(I'm finding that I may complete more than one book in a week, so I may post more reviews accordingly). As always, I love getting feedback from readers, so please don't hesitate to comment and voice your opinion. I wish each of you a great February and happy reading!

-Ethan
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Comments

  1. Quilters' QuartersFebruary 5, 2012 at 8:01 PM

    Hi Ethan,
    I found you at Goodreads, and followed you here. I've only read a few of your reviews so far, but find them worthwhile reading. knowing what you are looking for helps me to know both what to look for in my review and in my writing. I'm a retired schoolteacher, all subjects but I found my true love in US History, and my last four years were in an 8th grade classroom devoted to the late 18th to early 20th century. The biographies of that time span are fascinating.

    I admire your goal, and encourage you to keep at it!

    Terry Crawford Palardy
    http://terrysthoughtsandthreads.blogspot.com
    www.beyondoldwindows.com

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  2. EthanFebruary 6, 2012 at 10:47 AM

    Thanks Terry! It is always great to hear about teachers who really care about what they teach. Many of my biggest influences were educators who refused to give up on me. I look forward to reading your blog.

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