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

Send a Message

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Archive for April 2020

A Mother's Lie by Sarah Zettel

Thursday, April 30, 2020

A Mother's Lie by Sarah Zettel

"Her secrets were more than burdens. They were vicious, living things with claws and fangs." This year marks the eighth year for...

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The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Monday, April 27, 2020

The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates

"Slavery is everyday longing, is being born into a world of forbidden victuals and tantalizing untouchables---the land around you, the ...

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Cold Storage by David Koepp

Friday, April 24, 2020

Cold Storage by David Koepp

While I certainly wish I could be going to work and going about my life as normal, I do enjoy some of the perks of staying at home. At the s...

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Perfect Little Children by Sophie Hannah

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Perfect Little Children by Sophie Hannah

Week 6 of our stay at home order began yesterday, and it is safe to say that I am getting tired of staying home. Now don't get me wrong,...

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Kindness and Wonder by Gavin Edwards

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Kindness and Wonder by Gavin Edwards

"Hello, neighbor!" Let's face it. We are currently living in a frightening time in human history. As the reality of the glob...

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Texas Ranger by James Patterson

Monday, April 13, 2020

Texas Ranger by James Patterson

There are days when you are looking to be moved by the characters, words, and situations an author writes. Other days, all you need is an es...

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Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson

Saturday, April 11, 2020

Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson

When I was a freshman in high school, I was really struggling to find suitable reading material. While I loved the Harry Potter series, I wa...

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The Need by Helen Phillips

Thursday, April 9, 2020

The Need by Helen Phillips

"The need to go home. The need to dispense with this intruder, this nightmare, and return to two small impeccable bodies. the excruciat...

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Strike Me Down by Mindy Mejia

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Strike Me Down by Mindy Mejia

"People killed for money. People died for it. Love could hurt, but money would strike you down forever." I've been a fan of ...

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Please See Us by Caitlin Mullen

Sunday, April 5, 2020

Please See Us by Caitlin Mullen

"Heartbreak is the human condition in this town." The once-booming Atlantic City is seeing the glitz and glamor of its heyday di...

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