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.

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.

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 accessible place within the community. Readers then take a book of their choosing and leave one behind. There's no library cards or registration. The only rule is that you must leave a book if you take one. Here are 4 reasons why I love my local Little Free Library.

1. It takes away the guilt of bringing home more books.

I'm sure many of you can relate to having more books than you'll ever have time to read. I always joke about my "To Be Read" pile, but I'm not exaggerating when I say that there are piles of books throughout my house that are just waiting to be read. On top of the books that I receive from publishers for review, I also find myself visiting used books stores, garage sales, trading with friends, etc. I know it is silly, but I feel guilty for bringing home even more books when I already have enough to last a lifetime. When I visit the Little Free Library, I'm forced to part with one of the books from my collection before I can take another. I don't end up with less books at the house, but I also don't end up adding more. That's a definite win in my book.

2. It forces me to get outdoors.

Our Little Free Library is located in the neighborhood park. When I made my new years resolution to get more exercise, I started jogging in the park. Imagine my surprise to discover a library there! If I would have known books were in the park, I would have gone there years ago! Now I look forward to my daily jog in part because I get to see if there are any new books to read.

3. It introduces me to books I might not have otherwise read.

I'll admit that I often end up reading the same kind of book over and over again. Different people put different genres of books into the library, so I find myself constantly discovering new books. Yes, there are still plenty of mystery/thriller novels there to satiate my usual tastes, but I've also picked up some titles that I wouldn't have given any thought into reading.

4. It is a great way to interact with your community.

Because the library is free to use for anyone who stumbles upon it, it attracts many different people from all walks of life. The library is maintained by a group of neighborhood members called, The Bibliophile Guardians, but the people who use it are truly the ones who make it flourish. Books have become a point of discussion as I meet people at the library. We talk about the books that we've read and inevitably end up talking about other things as well. All in all, it is not a bad way to meet new people in your area.

There you have it, 4 reasons why I love having a Little Free Library in my neighborhood. For more information about this initiative and to check your area for nearby libraries, visit the Little Free Library Website. I hope that you'll be inspired to seek out one of these fantastic libraries and start sharing your love of books with your community!

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A Book A Week by the Numbers

14 Years of A Book A Week

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4 Comments

Comments

LoriApril 14, 2017 at 8:38 AM
I love this! I just recently discovered that I have a Little Free Library really close to me. I live in a pretty rural area, so I was surprised. I have a bag of books all ready to take by there.
Bec @ Happy IndulgenceApril 16, 2017 at 6:02 PM
I love the concept of these free libraries! I think I might have seen one in passing one day, but they aren't that popular over here in Aus... YET! I really hope they do take off.

A Book A Week

Reviews

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.

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