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.

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

I'm back this week with another review for a fantastic new children's book. Lucy Loves Sherman, written by Catherine Bailey with vibrant illustrations by Meg Walters, is a love story of sorts. Our heroine, the young Lucy immediately falls in love with Sherman. She is certain the two will become best friends. The only problem. . . Sherman is a Lobster!

The fateful meeting occurs at the local fish market. Lucy is visiting with her Nana when she eyes the large crustacean. She begs Nana to allow her to take Sherman home with them. Lucy argues that the 18 pound lobster would be the perfect pet. "No shedding! No barking! No chewing on the furniture!" Naturally, Nana refuses. That's when things take a turn for the worse.

The chef from a local restaurant quickly purchases Sherman with the intent of featuring him as a special meal. The resourceful Lucy springs into action. When sabotage and deceit fail her, Lucy turns to peaceful and informative activism to save her strange friend.

Lucy Loves Sherman is a delightful tale of the unlikely friendship of a girl and a lobster and the power of celebrating friendship despite differences. Bailey's book teaches that anything is possible if you believe that it can be done. The resolution sees Lucy teaching her town about how important Sherman is. She uses the facts about him and her love for him to convince the town to rally behind his release. Walters fun illustrations bring the story to life with a colorful flair. Lucy Loves Sherman is sure to entertain your little ones and inspire them to appreciate all the creatures that fill their world.

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

(2017, 23)

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4 Comments

Comments

Kimberly @ Caffeinated ReviewerMay 26, 2017 at 3:01 PM
Wasn't this adorable, and I loved the message. Great review Ethan.
Olivia's CatastropheMay 27, 2017 at 4:59 AM
This sounds like such an adorable and cute read! Friendship is such an important message to send out to kids, and it sounds like it does a good job of doing so.

My recent post: http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/2017/04/alice-in-wonderland-through-looking.html

A Book A Week

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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.

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