A Book A Week

With 2025 just around the corner, it’s time for one of my favorite yearly traditions. Since 2012, I’ve written a review for every book I’ve read and shared them here on the blog. Reflecting on the year in reading is always a joy—looking back on the great books I’ve discovered, the stories that stuck with me, and the moments they enriched.

2024 turned out to be my most productive reading year yet. I managed to read 95 books, falling just 9 shy of doubling my goal of 1 book per week. Among my 10 favorites, listed below in alphabetical order by title, you’ll find a diverse mix of genres, authors, and themes. It’s a small but vibrant showcase of the variety that defined my reading this year.

Camino Ghosts by John Grisham

John Grisham’s Camino Ghosts is a gripping legal thriller and the third installment in his Camino Island series. Returning to the Florida island, the story follows bookstore owner Bruce Cable and writer Mercer Mann as they uncover the haunting history of Dark Isle, where Mercer is drawn into a fight to protect the land from a corporate development.

Grisham’s masterful courtroom drama, compelling plot, and powerful characters make this his best Camino Island novel yet—a fast-paced, emotionally satisfying read.

Read the full review here.

Granite Harbor by Peter Nichols

In Granite Harbor, Peter Nichols crafts a gripping murder mystery set in the coastal town of Granite Harbor, Maine. When a teenage boy's body is discovered at a historic site, the town is shaken, and two perspectives take center stage: the local detective and the eerie, unnamed killer. 

Nichols blends a chilling mystery with deep character development, immersing readers in a tense, small-town atmosphere. Granite Harbor is an unforgettable, pulse-pounding read that lingers long after the final revelation.

Read the full review here.

Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay

In Horror Movie, Paul Tremblay weaves a chilling tale of nostalgia, regret, and the haunting secrets of a cult horror film. Set in 1993, a low-budget, guerrilla-style movie is made with an unknown actor playing a terrifying monster, but the film is never released. Decades later, the surviving actor is asked to remake the film, only to confront the dark events that occurred on set. 

Tremblay masterfully blends shifting perspectives, a retro horror vibe, and a critique of Hollywood’s obsession with reboots, creating a tense, gripping narrative that builds to a shocking, inevitable conclusion. Horror Movie cements Tremblay’s place as a master of the genre.

Read the full review here.

James by Percival Everett

In James, Percival Everett reimagines Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn through the eyes of Jim, the enslaved man who accompanies Huck on his journey. While staying true to the original plot, Everett adds depth and urgency, particularly with Jim's escape and the ensuing manhunt.

With sharp social commentary, rich character development, and Everett's signature wit, James is a compelling and thought-provoking reinterpretation of Twain's classic that enhances its humanity.

Read the full review here. 

Knife by Salman Rushdie

In Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder, Salman Rushdie reflects on the brutal 2022 stabbing that nearly claimed his life, an attack tied to the enduring controversy surrounding his 1988 novel The Satanic Verses. Offering a candid account of his recovery and philosophical reflections, Rushdie grapples with the miracle of his survival and the violence aimed at silencing him. 

Through introspection, humor, and imagined dialogue with his would-be assassin, Knife delves into profound questions about mortality, human nature, and resilience, making it a powerful meditation on life, death, and the strength of the human spirit.

Read the full review here. 

Like Happiness by Ursula Villarreal-Moura

In Like Happiness, Ursula Villarreal-Moura explores relationships, power, identity, and memory through Tatum, who grapples with her complex bond with author M. Domínguez. Living in Chile with her partner, Tatum's past is upended when assault allegations against M. resurface, forcing her to confront the unresolved emotions that have defined her life.

Villarreal-Moura’s debut beautifully captures the raw humanity of its characters. It offers a robust, thought-provoking narrative that showcases her emerging voice in literature.

Read the full review here. 

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune

Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a heartwarming sequel that builds on themes of love, acceptance, and belonging from The House in the Cerulean Sea. 

Arthur Parnassus, dedicated to protecting magical children, faces a government hearing designed to discredit his family. As the confrontation escalates, Arthur must fight for their future.

Klune explores societal marginalization, celebrating the power of love and empathy as antidotes to hate. This novel is a poignant reminder of the importance of finding—and protecting—your tribe.

Read the full review here.

The Ascent by Adam Plantinga

Adam Plantinga’s The Ascent is a thrilling debut novel that blends his 22 years of law enforcement experience with a gripping prison break story. The book follows Kurt Argento, an ex-cop seeking justice for his wife’s death, and Julie, a graduate student visiting a notorious prison. When a security malfunction unleashes violent criminals, Kurt and Julie must ascend six perilous floors to safety.

With its dark, detailed setting and relentless suspense, The Ascent offers a thrilling, emotional ride, making it an exciting start to Plantinga's fiction career.

Read the full review here. 

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

Liz Moore’s The God of the Woods is a captivating mystery set in the 1970s at a summer camp in the Adirondacks. When Barbara Van Laar, a member of a wealthy local family, goes missing, the search reveals eerie connections to her brother Bear’s decades-old disappearance and the presence of an escaped killer in the woods.

Moore's nonlinear narrative alternates between characters and timelines, slowly revealing hidden motives while immersing readers in the haunting atmosphere of the forest. The God of the Woods is a masterful, thought-provoking mystery with a shocking and satisfying conclusion.

Read the full review here. 

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

The Wedding People by Alison Espach explores the contrasting emotions of weddings through Lila, a bride planning her dream celebration, and Phoebe, a woman grieving infertility and divorce. Mistaken for a guest, Phoebe is drawn into the festivities, forming an unexpected bond with Lila. 

Espach skillfully combines humor and empathy to tackle heavy themes like depression, suicide, and loss. This thought-provoking novel offers a unique take on life’s challenges and is a summer read that balances dark subjects with moments of connection and grace.

Read the full review here. 

Have you read any of these books? What was your favorite read of 2024? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. This year has been a landmark reading journey for me, and I can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store. Whatever the future holds, you can count on me to share all my bookish thoughts right here on A Book A Week!

As we bid farewell to 2023, it's time to acknowledge the books that defined this remarkable year. I delved into a total of 93 books, marking a personal record for the most books read in a single year. The abundance was such that narrowing down my favorites to just five proved impossible. Instead, I'm delighted to share a list of the top 10 books that captivated me throughout the year.

The Trees by Percival Everett

Percival Everett's 2021 novel, The Trees, delves into the intertwined issues of racism and police brutality, echoing the disturbing history of Money, Mississippi, where the infamous lynching of Emmett Till occurred. Against the backdrop of an eerily repeated crime, Everett weaves a fast-paced murder mystery that defies classification. 

The plot's humor, derived from mocking the stupidity of racist characters, surprisingly complements the poignant and disturbing elements of the narrative. Everett confronts the violence inherent in hate crimes, using graphic details to underscore the bitter reality. The Trees emerges as a propulsively readable and challenging masterwork of modern fiction.

Read the full review here.

The Great Gimmelmans by Lee Matthew Goldberg

Take a road trip with Aaron Gimmelman and his son, Roark. To connect, Aaron shares his turbulent life story through an audiobook memoir that gives this novel a narrative nesting egg effect. Set against the backdrop of a 1987 stock market crash, the Gimmelman family's journey unfolds, with financial struggles leading young Aaron into a chain of criminal activities that shape their destinies.

Lee Matthew Goldberg's The Great Gimmelmans masterfully blends thrilling heist elements with reflections on parenthood and guilt. With its intricately crafted characters and innovative storyline, this enthralling book is a compelling read that defies genre boundaries.

Read the full review here.

Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane

Dennis Lehane's Small Mercies unfolds in the tumultuous Boston summer of 1974 amid the controversial desegregation of public schools. Mary Pat Fennessy, a struggling single mother in the traditional Irish enclave of "Southie," faces financial hardships while searching for her missing daughter, Jules.

Lehane's narrative skill shines as he weaves racial complexities into the story, bringing forth emotionally charged moments. Beyond the racial tensions, the novel delves into the essence of motherhood, portraying Mary Pat as a multifaceted character grappling with desperation, personal demons, and a profound desire for redemption. The story captivates with its exploration of societal shifts and the deep human struggle for understanding and closure.

Read the full review here.

Mothered by Zoje Stage

Author Zoje Stage, like many, found inspiration in the early days of the pandemic, giving rise to her novel Mothered. The pandemic's impact on livelihoods is palpably portrayed through Grace, a hairstylist facing uncertainty as her salon shuts down permanently. With a mortgage burden and limited options, she reluctantly turns to her estranged mother, Jackie, for help. 

Their cohabitation, initially seen as a chance for reconciliation, unravels into a complex exploration of their troubled history. Stage expertly weaves pandemic anxieties with familial tensions, blurring reality and nightmares in a riveting narrative. 

Read the full review here.

Tom Lake by Anne Patchett

In Tom Lake, Lara's unexpected venture into acting during Our Town auditions shapes her aspirations, leading to a divergent path in Los Angeles. Fast forward to 2020, and quarantined in Michigan during the pandemic, Lara shares her transformative summer with her three daughters. 

Anne Patchett's novel navigates youthful love, ambition, and family's enduring power amid the backdrop of the pandemic. Lara's story prompts reflection on life, relationships, and achievements, offering subtly impactful characters. Integrating the classic Our Town, Patchett crafts exemplary character-driven fiction that will leave you both introspective and deeply moved. 

Read the full review here.

Mister Magic by Kiersten White

Embark on a nostalgic journey with Kiersten White's Mister Magic, a thought-provoking allegory that twists the concept of a beloved children's show into a chilling narrative.

Decades after a tragic incident halts the production of Mister Magic, the surviving cast, known as the Circle of Friends, grapples with haunting memories and unanswered questions. The group reunites on a journey to reclaim their shared history.  

White skillfully weaves a mysterious tapestry, drawing readers into a narrative that not only captivates but also prompts reflection on childhood, authority, and indoctrination. Mister Magic is an exhilarating read that transcends its genre.

Read the full review here.

In Memoriam by Alice Winn

Alice Winn's debut, In Memoriam, redefines war narratives by focusing on a gay couple during WWI. The novel follows Gaunt and Ellwood's journey from an English boarding school to the grim realities of war. Gaunt, grappling with societal hostility toward his German heritage and a forbidden love for Elwood, enlists to escape. Soon, however, he learns that Ellwood has enlisted, too. 

The book vividly portrays war's devastation and loss while exploring the characters' poignant struggles with self-acceptance in an era hostile to non-conforming sexualities. The novel's emotional impact extends beyond the horrors of war, delving into the heartbreaking struggles and redemptive power of complex relationships.

Read the full review here. 

Wandering Souls by Cecile Pin

Cecile Pin's debut novel, Wandering Souls, is a powerful testament to resilience, navigating a family's history through war, immigration, and assimilation. Set in the aftermath of the Vietnam War, Pin’s novel shows the plight of immigrants striving for a better life. Promising reunions are shattered, and surviving siblings grapple with a broken dream in a foreign land, facing anti-immigrant sentiments and social inequality. 

Pin masterfully explores the complexities of memory and honoring the past while forging ahead. Wandering Souls is a poignant narrative that captures the challenges of immigrant life with haunting precision.

Read the full review here. 

All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby

S.A. Cosby astounds once again with All the Sinners Bleed, proving his prowess as a compelling novelist. From the acclaimed author of Razorblade Tears, this latest work blends contemplation on complex subjects into a gripping police procedural. 

Cosby's storytelling transcends the traditional procedural, delving into themes of community, racism, and religion. With vivid descriptions and rich characters, he paints Charon County as a palpable Southern town, weaving conflict into a narrative that propels this novel to the pinnacle of his remarkable body of work. All the Sinners Bleed is a must-read, solidifying Cosby's status among the finest American novelists today.

Read the full review here.

Wellness by Nathan Hill

Nathan Hill, renowned for his impactful debut novel The Nix, returns with Wellness, a captivating exploration of the disintegration of Jack and Elizabeth's once-thriving marriage. From the intricacies of modern marriage and the complexities of polyamory to reflections on psychology, art, and algorithms, Wellness transcends its substantial length, offering readers a rich tapestry of contemplative insights. 

With a skillful storytelling approach, Hill draws readers into a narrative that unfolds seamlessly, making Wellness an immersive and thought-provoking journey. Standing tall at over 600 pages, the novel emerges as a nearly flawless masterpiece, firmly securing its place as my favorite read of the year.

Read the full review here.

These books have left lasting impressions, each offering a distinctive reading experience. Have you delved into any of these captivating reads? Share your favorite book of 2023 in the comments! As I eagerly anticipate the literary adventures of 2024, I want to express gratitude for the joy, inspiration, and moments of introspection these books brought into my life. Here's to a new year filled with exciting reads and shared bookish delights!

2022 was a banner year for A Book A Week in more ways than one. In January, I celebrated my milestone 10th anniversary of the blog. It is crazy to think I've been doing this for as long as I have. The connections this outlet has afforded me have been the number one thing sustaining me through all these years. I'm so grateful for the friendships I've made and the fantastic books I've been exposed to. 

In addition to this being a landmark year for the blog, I also achieved a personal best of reading 59 books this year. There are always way more books on my TBR than I have time to read. I'm at a point where I enjoy reading most of the books I pick up (I usually set a book down if I don't like it), so distilling my reads down to 5 favorite titles proved to be more challenging than usual. I was surprised that the books I most enjoyed were also all published this year. That speaks to the quality and diversity of selections that were published this year. Without further ado, here are my Top 5 Favorite Reads of 2022 listed in the order that I read them. 

Unmasked by Paul Holes

Part memoir, part true crime, Unmasked sees Paul Holes recall his life as a criminal investigator on some of the most high-profile cases in recent history. From bringing the Golden State Killer to justice to investigating the murder of Laci Peterson and the kidnapping of Jaycee Dugard, Holes has had a front-row seat to the headline-grabbing crimes that have captured our nation. He writes of balancing the pressures of his demanding work with trying to be present for his young family. The book succeeds as both a fascinating inside look at the mechanisms of solving a crime and as a memoir of one man who has dedicated his entire life to seeking justice.

Read the full review

Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance by Alsion Espach

The loss of a child brings the kind of inconsolable grief that defies comprehension. Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance sees Alison Espach present her own contemplations upon grief and loss through the eyes of a young woman directly in the process of dealing with it. Espach doesn't pretend to have answers. Instead, she writes an intimate novel that allows her characters to naturally go through life, making decisions that seem authentic to each of them. I was riveted by this challenging yet rewarding work. 

Read the full review

Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley

It is hard to comprehend that Nightcrawling is a debut novel. Mottley has crafted a narrative akin to the best writing from the most seasoned and celebrated authors. Inspired by the true story of a young girl who was physically and mentally taken advantage of by a group of corrupt police officers, Mottley weaves the crumbs of that reality into a sobering portrait of poverty in America. Nightcrawling is a phenomenal debut from a promising author who is worthy of all the hype and praise she has already received.

Read the full review

The Measure by Nikki Erlick

What would you do if you knew the exact length of your life? In her debut novel, Nikki Erlick takes this grand "what if" concept of moral ambiguity and unleashes it upon an ensemble cast of well-crafted characters. Erlick effortlessly shifts perspectives as she tells the stories of people coming to terms with the lengths of their lives. The Measure is a novel that dares its reader to contemplate their own life and place within the world. You'll be thinking about it long after you turn the final page.

Read the full review

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

It is rare to find a nearly perfect book, but this one is. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is a big book filled with big ideas, all grounded through some of the most brilliantly crafted characters I've ever read. We follow these characters through three decades of life, feeling companionship, exhilaration, frustration, and heartbreak. Zevin shifts perspectives between the main characters, ensuring the plot moves in a way that is authentic and ever-compelling. By the end, Sam and Sadie are completely known to us, as real as the people we know in our own lives. I don't often heap universal praise upon a novel, but this is easily my favorite book of the year. 

Read the full review

Have you read any of these books? What was your favorite read of 2022? As always, thanks for supporting A Book A Week. I can't wait to share all the great reads that 2023 will bring.