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.

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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.

Facing the unimaginable grief that comes with the loss of a newborn child, married couple Jack and Mabel have moved to the rugged wilderness of 1920's Alaska. Upon their arrival, they realize that despite their best efforts to escape, grief has followed them to their new home, bringing even more troubles bare. Not the strong young man he once was, Jack struggles to keep up with the heavy labor of maintaining a farm. Left to the solitude of the cabin and a husband who can barely look her in the eye, Mabel has nothing to do but wallow in her loneliness.

But there is hope. Jack, who has to take several trips into town, befriends a local man who invites him and Mabel to have dinner with his wife and sons. Although Mabel would rather stay in the quiet of their cabin, she agrees to go to the dinner. After that evening, the couple leaves the neighbors place with their spirits slightly lifted. Upon their arrival home, a frivolous snowball fight ensues, culminating with the construction of a small snow child.

In the night, Jack awakes, startled to see that the snow child is gone. He sees small footprints leaving the site where the child stood, and as he looks out into the woods, he glimpses a young, fair-haired girl running through the trees. The next day, Jack attempts to keep what he saw to himself, but soon, Mabel notices the tracks as well. When she too sees the girl running amongst the trees, the couple is truly puzzled. Is this child the answer to their prayers, or simply the "cabin fever" effect of their grief?

This debut novel by author Eowyn Ivey is a modern day fairy tale filled with a powerful emotional presence. Ivey's simple portrayal of this grief stricken couple leaps off of the pages and stays with you for a long time. I really enjoyed the way that the setting/tone seemed to reflect the main character's emotions. The opening, when the couple is overcome with the grief of their lost child, is written in a way that I could almost feel the coolness of the landscape. This tale of love, loss, and moving forward combines the fantastic with the harsh realities of the world, providing an extremely satisfying read.

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

(2012, 12)

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13 Comments

Comments

UnknownMarch 13, 2012 at 8:58 PM
This is a lovely giveaway idea! I have completed step 1.

ErinKSeals@gmail.com
KHAIRU DHANANIMarch 14, 2012 at 3:04 PM
Can't wait to win this giveaway ,
I have completed step 1 , I hope I win

parwaizriaz@gmail.com

www.khairusworld.blogspot.com
AceshaeMarch 14, 2012 at 10:43 PM
interesting review.
I have completed step 1
h_vo2293@yahoo.com
ShoshanaMarch 15, 2012 at 6:56 AM
I'm captivated by this review. I did the amazon step and hope I can win this book.
thisbookforfree@gmail.com

Thanks!
AnonymousMarch 16, 2012 at 8:07 AM
I did the steps requested ( great review by the way )
ambersplace@otelco.net
AgelessJenMarch 18, 2012 at 11:52 AM
Makes me think of my stepdaughter, who lives in Alaska! Read the review & indicated that I found it helpful. Email: agelessjen@gmail.com
Sandra VanHoeyMarch 18, 2012 at 2:34 PM
I completed step 1
sandy1955 at comcast dot net
KathyMarch 18, 2012 at 9:01 PM
Thanks for the chance to win!
MippyMarch 19, 2012 at 5:39 AM
Hi!
I completed step 1!
Thanks for the chance!
~Mippy :)
bunnysmip (AT) yahoo (DOT) com
Barb K.March 21, 2012 at 6:07 PM
I completed the first step. Checked yes this review was helpful. This book looks like a good read.
Me4Wrest@gmail.com
Andrew BeckMarch 22, 2012 at 10:01 AM
Very good review, Ethan. I've heard good buzz about this book and your review helped to confirm that. I hope you've found some people to talk about books with--though I get a great deal of pleasure out of reading, it's also good to be able to share my thoughts and reactions and learn how other people feel.

abeck01@snet.net
EthanMarch 25, 2012 at 8:17 PM
Congratulations to Barb, Mippy, and Khairu! They will each receive a copy of The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey. Thanks to the publisher for making this giveaway available, and thanks to all who entered. Be sure to check this site for future giveaway opportunities.

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.

Contact