I’ve chatted about books a few times on here, but to catch you up, this year I set a goal for myself to read 20 books. Now, for some people, that’s nothing, but for me, ever since graduating college, I pretty much stopped reading. I would read maybe 3 books a year, but each book would take me so long because I’d go so long in between reading sessions and would eventually lose steam altogether. I had so many books that were left unfinished due to just fizzing out.
During the second half of 2022, I started reading more again (it helps that my husband is an avid reader) and really got into mystery/thriller novels. I read probably 6 to 8 books- still not great, but better than 3 in an entire year haha.
Now back to the present, I wanted to regain my love for reading. So, this year, I’m only reading books I’m interested in, and I’m giving myself permission to stop any book I’m not enjoying. I’m proud to say that I’ve finished 14 books at the time of writing this (beginning of May). I’m so proud of myself for that!!
So, for anyone else out there who is in a rut with reading and wants to read but just doesn’t enjoy it, here are my favorite five books I’ve read this year (not in any order) and why I loved them …
I’m kind of cheating with this one, but it is The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry. I’ve talked about this book on another post on here before and technically I read it two years ago, but my husband and I are currently re-reading it together on our Sabbaths and so I’ll be finishing it (for the 2nd time around) very soon. But, this book is the best non-fiction book I have ever read. It is both refreshing and challenging. It’s the kind of book that is so eye-opening and makes me want to change everything in my life for the better. You MUST read this!
I Know Who You Are. This was one of my latest thriller novels and man, this one is intense. It’s been the one mystery book I’ve read that’s actually scared me and kept me up at night, so this is not the book for you if you don’t like mysteries (and maybe not for anyone right before they want to sleep). I wept multiple times as well, so overall, it’s an emotional read. But, I have never read a book that has intrigued me and kept me on the edge of my seat like this one. I read the first 2 chapters and was already texting my friend, Kat, to tell her she needed to read it because I was that engaged.
Reminders of Him. This is the only Colleen Hoover book I have read because I heard it was the tamest in regards to the *spice* most of her books contain. This book focuses on a mom and daughter relationship which was very special since I had my first daughter last year. Also a bit of an emotional read but for very different reasons. 5/5 stars for me with this one.
In My Dreams I Hold A Knife. This was another one of my favorite mysteries I’ve read this year (if you can’t tell, I love a good mystery). This one is not scary but is still filled with a lot of suspense (like any good mystery novel should).
Every Summer After. This was one of the first books I read this year, so it’s a bit fuzzy in my mind lol. But, it was a very sweet romance/drama novel that left me feeling very content and happy. I didn’t want to put it down and then was sad when it was over. Definitely a more chill read for those that aren’t as much into thriller/action books. But unlike other romance-type books, the ending was not predictable.
What books have you read this year? I’m always looking for recommendations. 🙂
Tia Marie
tia marie 