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

Your information will only be used to respond to your message.

Archive for January 2024

Alex Cross Must Die by James Patterson

Sunday, January 28, 2024

Alex Cross Must Die by James Patterson

What's in a name? When James Patterson's publisher initially provided me with a copy of his latest Alex Cross novel, the book bore t...

Read the review →
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Friday, January 26, 2024

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Can you recall the last book that completely caught you off guard? TJ Klune's The House in the Cerulean Sea has graced countless best-o...

Read the review →
Whalefall by Daniel Kraus

Monday, January 22, 2024

Whalefall by Daniel Kraus

The enduring fascination between humanity and the vast sea has a rich literary history. Renowned authors like Ernest Hemingway and Jules Ver...

Read the review →
Only If You're Lucky by Stacy Willingham

Friday, January 19, 2024

Only If You're Lucky by Stacy Willingham

Stacy Willingham's first book, A Flicker in the Dark , showcased the author's talent for crafting unique psychological thrillers, an...

Read the review →
The Fury by Alex Michaelides

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

The Fury by Alex Michaelides

Winter has firmly taken hold of South Texas this week, with temperatures refusing to rise above freezing for the past two days and even a fe...

Read the review →
The King of Torts by John Grisham

Friday, January 12, 2024

The King of Torts by John Grisham

John Grisham holds a special place on my bookshelf, serving as a cornerstone of my love for books. Back in high school, I was grappling with...

Read the review →
The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins

Rachel Hawkins has firmly secured her place on my must-read list. Reading her latest popcorn thriller each January has become a cherished tr...

Read the review →
The Ascent by Adam Plantinga

Thursday, January 4, 2024

The Ascent by Adam Plantinga

January brings many thrilling releases this year, unveiling new works from esteemed authors such as Rachel Hawkins, Stacy Willingham, and Ad...

Read the review →
Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Monday, January 1, 2024

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

I don't typically make New Year's resolutions. The passage of time naturally ushers in changes, so I haven't felt the need for s...

Read the review →
Powered by Blogger.