It’s official! Book reviews are back! It’s been awhile but I’m excited to share first thoughts after finishing brand new books in 2022!
Last year, I read 200 books (adjusted from 135 after I hit goal in July). It’s always an adventure trying to figure out the right medium for sharing books we read with everyone. If you’re on Goodreads, follow me and you will get updates and reviews instantly.
I started off 2022 strong with some amazing reads!
S by J.J.Abrams – ****
| This book was hard to rate but in the end it gets 4 stars because the creativity and journey it created. For the record – it’s basically like reading two books. The story and the story within the story. If you are a fan of JJ Abrams, and can handle a puzzling mystery, and a lot of hidden clues, this book might be for you. I’m still not 100% I was able to track the whole thing, but it was entertaining to read. I have no idea if I read it the right way, or the wrong way, and a part of me wants to go back and re-read the comments within the book now that I know the true sequence they were written. Tip – don’t take a long break between reading. Just keep powering through. |
A History of Wild Places by Shea Ernshaw – ****
| I started reading this book thinking it was a totally different story. The beginning hooked me and then I couldn’t put it down. I finished it in 1 day because I had to find out what in the world was going on. It has some unexpected twists and I wasn’t even sure with all my guessing what might be truth or lies. It was a very unique book and well worth a Sunday afternoon of reading. |
The Storyteller by Dave Grohl – *****
| Wow! I’m glad I bumped this one up on the list and the Amazon drivers braved snow to get it to me one day early so I could start to devour the story of Dave Grohl. Because it was epic! My only knowledge of Dave Grohl revolved around some early years with Nirvana was big and living some Foo Fighters songs. I have a whole new appreciation for the work life balance of an artist, the courage and perseverance, the passion and drive, all the things! He has remained start to finish his true self on his storytelling journey and that is hard to do in the spotlight. His book is open, honest, heartbreaking, loving, inspiring, and a flat good time! Now I want to become a rock star. |
A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham – ****
| I’m a sucker for a good thriller and this one definitely had me second guessing every moment what was really going on. Yes, I got some things right, and a lot of things wrong, but it was still worth the read. Plus, I always enjoy using my fake detective skills to try and crack the case before the last page. |
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover – *****
| You know it’s a good book when you sit down to read, then you look at the clock after finishing the last page, and realize hours have passed so quickly. My coffee got cold and I forgot to eat lunch. This book made me want to ugly cry and also throw things. It is an emotional roller coaster that I absolutely loved as I cheered on Lily on her journey through love. |
3 of 5 books can currently be found with the Book of the Month subscription. I have yet to pick a book that is not at least a 4 STAR review! Interested in joining? Click here to find out more and sign up with my referral link.
What have been your favorites so far this year?
<3, Lauren