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 2017

Friday Flicks: The Circle

Friday, April 28, 2017

Friday Flicks: The Circle

"Secrets are lies." In recent years, there has been tons of commentary about the effect of technology, social media, constant co...

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The Selection by Kiera Cass

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

The Selection by Kiera Cass

I recently backpacked across Europe with a group of sorority girls. One night, our conversations turned to reading. "You have to read T...

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Today Will Be Different by Maria Semple

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Today Will Be Different by Maria Semple

"Today I will be my best self, the person I'm capable of being. Today will be different." Like many other readers, I was ena...

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4 Reasons Why I Love My Little Free Library

Friday, April 14, 2017

4 Reasons Why I Love My Little Free Library

The Little Free Library was started as a way to get communities reading. The premise is quite simple. A Library box is set up in an easily ...

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The Fireman by Joe Hill

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

The Fireman by Joe Hill

"The people in charge can always justify doing terrible things in the name of the greater good." Over the years, I've become...

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Touch the Earth by Julian Lennon

Friday, April 7, 2017

Touch the Earth by Julian Lennon

As a twenty-six-year-old man with no children, I'm always a bit hesitant to review children's books. That being said, books occasion...

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The Racketeer by John Grisham

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

The Racketeer by John Grisham

"I guess under the right circumstances, a man will do just about anything." Malcolm Banister is currently in his fifth year of ...

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