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.

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.

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.

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.

"I wasn't sure if I wanted to hear such a big secret. It might not fit in my head and then it would spill out everywhere."

A Head Full of Ghosts begins as many horror stories do. The Barrett family is a pretty normal group. Mom, Dad, and sisters Marjorie and Merry live a peaceful life in their suburban home. Things change when older sister Marjorie begins to exhibit odd behavior. The doctors and specialists can't seem to find a medical explanation for her condition. Dad turns to the church and becomes convinced that Marjorie is possessed by a demon.

Given their unusual circumstance, the Barrett family does what any American family would do. They cash in on their troubles by allowing a television crew to film their life and attempts at exorcism for a reality show. What ensues is the tragic erosion of a once happy family. The parents don't agree on how to approach treatment for Marjorie, Merry is ignored by the rest of her family, and Marjorie is pushed to physical and emotional limits. Is the girl truly possessed, or is the Barrett family merely enacting a hoax for financial gain?

A Head Full of Ghosts is a refreshing addition to the horror genre. Paul Tremblay writes with a self-awareness that gives an original perspective to an otherwise familiar story. Tremblay clearly has an extensive knowledge and appreciation for all things horror. There is nothing overtly shocking or gory about this book. Rather, the story unfolds with a slow build that gives just enough suspense to keep us hanging onto every word. I like my horror stories to make me think and fill with dread. By that mark, A Head Full of Ghosts is an excellent novel that will leave you with an anxious paranoia of every little bump in the night.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.

(2017, 13)

Reviews

A growing library of books and the thoughts they inspired.

Browse the Library

Showing reviews Sort by:

No reviews match those filters.

A Book A Week by the Numbers

14 Years of A Book A Week

— Book Reviews

— Authors Reviewed

— Books Reviewed This Year

8 Comments

Comments

Kimberly @ Caffeinated ReviewerMarch 29, 2017 at 12:08 PM
Thus sounds good Ethan. I love a good possession and like that this makes you think and question.
Olivia's CatastropheMarch 29, 2017 at 5:07 PM
Suspense and tension are such key aspects of any read, but especially in the horror genre. I am happy the slow build up really works for this one. I don't really read the horror genre though, so probably not one for me.
RebeccaMarch 31, 2017 at 4:22 PM
Possession stories always creep me out. Zombies, aliens, slenderman - none of it fazes me. Give me the unseen and I will hide under the bed for a week!
Rebecca @ The Portsmouth Review
Bec @ Happy IndulgenceApril 2, 2017 at 1:58 AM
I remember hearing about this for the first time a few months ago and it definitely sounds interesting! I don't read all too many psychological thrillers but I might give this one a go someday.

A Book A Week

Reviews

Browse the Library

A Book A Week by the Numbers

About Me

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.

Reader. Blogger.
Book lover.

Honest reviews, always.

Contact