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.

Well, today marks the end of 2012. What a year it has been! When I started this blog as a way to hold myself accountable for reading one book each week, I never could imagine how much it would grow. A Book A Week has evolved from a simple review site to a community of readers. Thanks to everyone who has supported me, offered comments, criticisms, and recommendations. Without your help, this blog would fail to exist.

I'm sure that faithful followers of this site have noticed that I did not complete my goal of reading 52 books this year. Despite maintaining a strict reading schedule and managing my time, I was simply unable to fit 52 books into my year. A part of me is a bit disappointed by this, but I also am extremely proud of what I was able to accomplish this year. As some followers may know, I recently completed my final semester of school and now carry a music degree! As I'm sure you can imagine, the push towards graduation took a toll on my reading time. (Actually, I read a lot of textbooks, but I'm sure you wouldn't want to read my reviews of those!) Although I failed to reach my goal, I was able to read a staggering 47 books this year. For more details on how I achieved this feat, check out this article written in the Hartford Examiner where I describe my process.

Out of those 47 books, here are 5 of my favorite books of 2012 listed alphabetically:
Note: The selected books were not all published in 2012, rather, they are my favorite books that I read this year.

Banned for Life by D.R. Haney

A kind of Outsiders for adults, Banned For Life is the coming of age story of an outcast punk rocker struggling to find his way in life. Haney writes with a real grit and clarity that is truly refreshing. With all the sex, drugs and rock and roll that a novel like this requires, Banned for Life perfectly captures all of the triumph and heartache of being an artist and growing up.

Read the full review

Bleed For Me by Michael Robotham

Not only was this my favorite mystery/thiller novel of the year, but it was also one of the most vividly real portrayals of a character's attempt to regain control of his life. The protagonist, Joe O'Loughlin, a psychiatrist who assists in police investigations, tries to battle Parkinson's disease, patch his marriage together, and reconnect with his daughter, all while trying to solve the most difficult case of his career. In Bleed for me, Robotham provides readers with wonderful characters and a first-rate thriller.

Read the full review

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

What more can be said about this novel. The commercial and critical hype surrounding this novel over the years was well deserved. The story of of maids and their bosses during civil rights era America captured the hearts of audiences with its witty prose and meaningful message. If you, like me, waited to read this novel, wait no more! You certainly won't be disappointed.

Read the full review

The Kings of Cool by Don Winslow

Don Winslow made waves with Savages, his exceptional novel about young California drug entrepreneurs and their run in with the Mexican Cartel. In The Kings of Cool, a prequel to Savages, Winslow surpasses his best providing a tightly woven insight into the beginning of the young drug runners' operation. The edgy content and bare prose make this novel the coolest book of the year.

Read the full review

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

In what is perhaps the most charming and magical novel of the year, debut author Eowyn Ivey combines her knowledge of an Alaskan fairy tale with her obvious writing skill into this fantastic novel. The story of a couple who, out of loneliness craft a child made of snow and by their love for each other bring that child to life, rings with a timeless sense of fantasy that is sure to capture the imagination of anyone who reads it.

Read the full review

Well, there they are, my favorite books of 2012. As we enter into the new year, I look forward to reading more fantastic books, providing fun giveaways, and interacting with all of you. As always, feel free to contact me by either leaving a comment or using the info located in the contact page. Whether you have a book recommendation, giveaway offer, criticism, or just want to say hi, I'd love to hear from you. Thanks again for supporting this blog. Happy New Year, and happy reading!

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5 Comments

Comments

Man of la BookDecember 31, 2012 at 6:50 AM
Glad you liked The Snow Child, I've heard many good things about it.

http://www.ManOfLaBook.com
RyanDecember 31, 2012 at 7:55 PM
I really, really want to read Snow Child. Happy New Year!
EthanDecember 31, 2012 at 8:30 PM
Snow Child really is worth the read. Happy New year to you all!
joyceJanuary 5, 2013 at 8:46 PM
I'm surprised more people did not know about The Snow Child. It would Definetly be included in my top five picks for 2012. Congratulations on all you have accomplished this year. I am an admirer of your blog and wish you continued success.

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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