August Reads

45.  These Silent Woods (Grant) ~ 3.5/5 (good), audiobook, fiction

This was identified as a thriller.  I definitely didn't consider it as one.  I did think it was good, though.  The storyline was interesting and kept my attention.  8-5-23

46.  Birthday Girl (Douglas) ~ 2/5 (not enjoyable), ebook, romance, NetGalley

Ugh.  This was definitely not my thing.  I skimmed or skipped multiple spicy scenes.  What did I expect, you wonder?  Didn't really think about it actually.  I just went with some hype I had heard, but both the main characters were immature.  I'm not opposed to reading romance books ... just close the door!

8-10-23

47.  Boy, 9, Missing (Joseph) ~ 3/5 (just okay), audiobook, mystery

I'm fairly certain I would have enjoyed this much more had I read it.  For some reason, the narrator's voice just didn't fit the main character, so the whole book just seemed off to me.  8-11-23

48.  Divine Rivals (Ross) ~ 3/5 (just okay), ebook, YA fantasy

I keep thinking I like YA, and I keep trying fantasy, but for the most part ... I don't like either all that much.  This one was okay, and the fantasy portion wasn't so bad either.  However, the characters were a bit shallow, and I didn't connect, but was interested in where the story was going.  8-17-23 

49.  Don't Let Her Stay (Sanders) ~ 3.5/5 (good), audiobook, domestic thriller

I predicted the whole story, but enjoyed it anyway.  8-21-23

50.  Take It Back (Abdullah) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), audiobook, thriller, NetGalley

The storyline was difficult to read at times, but the writing was very good.  I will definitely read this author again.  8-26-23

51.  The Bodyguard (Center) ~ 3.5/5 (good), audiobook, romcom

This was a good story.  I enjoyed it. 8-30-23

July Reads

38.  Before She Finds Me (Chavez) ~ 2/5 (not enjoyable), ebook, NetGalley, thriller

The beginning was intriguing, and I was engaged, but soon it became mundane.  The ending picked up a bit, but by then . . . it was too late.  I didn't care.  7-2-23

39.  Good Rich People (Brazier) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), book, thriller

This was a peculiar one.  It actually kept my attention, but it never quite delivered.  I was hoping for something interesting to happen at the end that was redeeming.  It didn't happen.  7-6-23

40.  False Witness (Slaughter) ~ 3.5/5 (good), audiobook, thriller

I thought the storyline was tough to listen to, but I was invested.  It was a bit too long with some repetition of phrases or scenes - not a fan.  In general, it was good, but that's about it.  7-19-23

41.  The Senator's Wife (Constantine) ~ 3.5/5 (good), ebook, NetGalley, thriller

I predicted what would happen for most of this book, but still enjoyed watching it play out.  It reminded me of soap opera drama -- a bit over the top, but still interesting.  7-22-23

42.  And There He Kept Her (Moehling) ~ 3.5/5 (good), audiobook, NetGalley, thriller

The police procedural portion was enjoyable to follow and the characters were fine, EXCEPT for the girl he kept there.  The dialog between the two was ridiculously unrealistic.  7-26-23

43.  The Night Swim (Goldin) ~ 3.5/5 (good), audiobook, NetGalley, mystery

Another book that I liked following along, but this one was a court case.  I enjoyed the podcast within the storyline.  Parts of this book reminded me of the true story of Know My Name (Miller).

7-29-23 

44.  The Only One Left (Sager) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), book, thriller

Okay ... I thought this was a little bit better than good, but not quite very good.  I only guessed one twist out of many -- loved all the twists.  There were several points that were incredibly unrealistic that it was hard for me to enjoy the ride.  However, I was invested and wanted to know how it would all work out.

7-30-23

It's Been 17 Years!

 

Once again, here we are ... Blogiversary time!  While I don't spend a lot of time or energy here, I still value this space.  I enjoy keeping this log of books even though my thoughts are sparse.

Not much has changed in my reading life.  I'm reading via all the avenues and listening, as well.  My favorite genre is still thrillers, but I have added a little romance (blaming influencers for that), and I'm still not into any fantasy (yet).  

I have been content with the number of books I have been reading, but not with my enjoyment level.  Most books have registered around the 3/5 range, which make them "just okay".  I would really like to get more 4 and the elusive 5 star ratings, but it's just not happening.  Although, I am thankful to have books to read (oodles and oodles!) and at least they are not ending up as DNFs.  The hunt continues.  :)

May your hunt for 5 star books be successful!

   Thoughts of Joy    

June Reads

33.  Don't Go Down There (Modglin) ~ 3/5 (just okay), audiobook, thriller

There weren't very many twists and turns, but I still thought it was an okay listen.  I wanted to know what was going to happen.  6-2-23

34.  The Last Word (Adams) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), book, thriller

I loved the premise of this book - absolutely loved it.  However, I guessed a part of the story, which isn't that big of a deal, but it did lessen the fun.  There was a scene that not only shocked me, but made me temporarily not like the book.  It was just too gruesome for me.  I, also, had to suspend my disbelief a bit too much, but I loved the suspense.  6-18-23

35.  Love and Other Words (Lauren) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), book, romance

     I gave this one a .25 higher simply because I did want to continue reading it.  I found many plot points that didn't work for me.  I understand that it's fiction and not a memoir, but there were so many unrealistic scenarios that I couldn't buy in to this coming-of-age story.  6-20-23

36.  Take Your Breath Away (Barclay) ~ 3.5/5 (good), audiobook, mystery

Barclay has been a comfort read for me and this was no different.  It was easy listening and enjoyable.

6-23-23

37.  The Appeal (Hallett) ~ 2/5 (not enjoyable), book, fiction

This should have been a DNF.  By the time I reached 50% - nothing happened, and I was bored.  The last 1/4 was better.  Generally, I love epistolary writing, but that became too much when there were so many characters.  6-26-23

May Reads

30.  Local Woman Missing (Kubica) ~ 2/5 (not enjoyable), audiobook, mystery

Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this book very much.  I don't have much to say other than there were so many scenes that were highly improbable.  5-4-23

31.  Daisy Jones & The Six (Reid) ~ 4.25/5 (very good +), book, fiction

What I liked most about this book was the format in which it was told.  I loved reading the different perspectives through an interview process.  Reid is amazing at making her characters so real.  I have thought about them since.  5-10-23

32.  Then She Was Gone (Jewell) ~ 4/5 (very good), book, mystery

I liked this book a lot.  I wanted to pick it up every day when time allowed.

April Reads

23.  The Couple at Number 9 (Douglas) ~ 3.5/5 (good), audiobook, NetGalley, mystery

This was good, but I wish it didn't have a backstory.  I'm not always a fan of going back and forth.  Finding out the answer to the full mystery did keep me listening, but I wasn't glued to it.  The "stamp" at the end was perfect, though.  4-4-23

24.  The Inmate (McFadden) ~ 3/5 (just okay), audiobook, mystery

I thought this one was ridiculously unrealistic.  However, there was one twist I did not guess and another that I thought about, but forgot it by the time I heard it.  I would have given this a 2/5, but those two surprises boosted it to a 3/5.  It just had too many conveniences or foolish choices to rate it any higher.

4-12-23

25.  The Wife Stalker (Constantine) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), audiobook, domestic thriller

There were a few parts that I thought were too contrived, but overall, it had good twists.  I was intrigued.  4-17-23

26.  Hello Stranger (Center) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), ebook, NetGalley, romance

I enjoyed this story and the writing.  The topic of face blindness was interesting.  I liked the characters, but they seemed a little oblivious.  4-19-23

27.  The Inheritance Games (Barnes) ~ 3.5/5 (good), book, YA mystery

This book was pretty much an even keel of "good" all the way through.  I wasn't impressed by anything.  However, I did want to know the reason for leaving her the money.  The characters were all interesting enough, but I don't think I'm interested in reading any further in the trilogy.  4-20-23

28.  Finding Me (Davis) ~ 4/5 (very good), audiobook, Memoir

Viola's story is surprising, interesting and ultimately encouraging.  4-24-23

29.  I'm Thinking of Ending Things (Reid) ~ 3/5 (just okay), book, fiction

I'm going middle of the road with this one.  I was really into it - read it quickly, but felt the ending wasn't what I hoped for.  I prefer a little more clearly defined conclusion.  It was definitely a weird, little book and a little disappointing.   4-27-23

  

March Reads

13.  Speak (Anderson & Carroll) ~ 3.5/5 (good), book, YA graphic novel

I think I liked this graphic novel better than the book that I read years ago.  3-2-23

14.  The Madness of Crowds (Penny) ~ 3.5/5 (good), audiobook, mystery

I loved being back in Three Pines, as usual, but I was a little bored.  The mystery felt drawn out -- a little slow going.  However, I loved the nuggets of wisdom and the setting.  3-4-23

15.  The Writing Retreat (Bartz) ~ 2/5 (not enjoyable), ebook, NetGalley, Thriller

Loved the idea of this book and was enjoying the beginning, but it didn't deliver.  Sadly, I didn't care for quite a bit:  subplots, characters, book in a book, etc.  3-10-23

16.  Amari and the Night Brothers (Alston) ~ 2.25/5 (not enjoyable +), audiobook/book, bookclub, middle grade fantasy

I found that on occasion I enjoy a YA book and even a bit of fantasy, but this didn't work for me.  It's clever for the right audience.  3-11-23

17.  Long Way Down (Reynolds) ~ 3/5 (just okay), book, YA graphic novel

As poignant as this book was, I still didn't like it.  The message was obvious, but was it really?  Nothing was fully clear and the ending certainly didn't help.  If it had even more decisive, I would have appreciated it more.  Maybe it was a bit too artsy for such a serious topic.  ???  3-17-23 

18.  I Found You (Jewell) ~ 3/5 (just okay), audiobook, mystery

I liked the writing, but the story definitely required suspending my disbelief.  My first Jewell turned out to not be a stellar read for me, but I will pick up another -- have plenty on my shelves!  I do hope for a better outcome.  3-17-23

DNF - The Neighbor's Secret (Heller), book/audiobook, fiction

19.  Foster (Keegan) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), audiobook, fiction

The writing was good, but I didn't appreciate the ending.  3-24-23

20.  Small Things Like These (Keegan) ~ 3.5/5 (good), audiobook, fiction

Once again, liked the writing, but this one had a better ending than the previous book.  3-27-23

21.  Cici's Journal (Chamberlain) ~ (3.5/5) good, book, middle grade graphic novel

This book is perfect for middle graders.  It may even encourage some writing!  3-28-23

22.  The Risk (Abby) ~ 3.5/5 (good), book, #1 of the Minds*ck Series, Thriller

I'm definitely interested to see what happens!  3-30-23

  

February Reads

5.  The Night Before (Walker) ~ 3/5 (just okay), audiobook, NetGalley, psychological thriller

This was intriguing at first, but became mundane.  I was waiting for something, hoping to be surprised, but it never happened.  It was nothing special, just okay.  2-3-23

6.  The Flatshare (O'Leary) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), book, chick-lit

I enjoyed the dual POV and communication between the main characters.  I'm not so sure the plan would work in real life, but it was a cute idea for a book.  2-10-23

7.  Ballad for Sophie (Melo & Cavia) ~ 4.25/5 (very good +), book, graphic novel

This was a very cohesive, full story that captured my attention.  It reminded me of an old movie.  2-11-23

8.  Oona Out of Order (Montimore) ~ 2.25/5 (not enjoyable +), audiobook, bookclub, magical realism

The concept could have been done so much better.  The entire book had a negative overtone and some stuff didn't make sense.  I wasn't drawn to any of the characters, especially Oona.  2-16-23

9.  A Quiet Retreat (Modglin) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), audiobook, thriller

This book had more to it than I expected for a short thriller.  It was an enjoyable, quick listen.  2-18-23

DNF  Sloppy Firsts (McCafferty), audiobook, YA

10.  Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (Riggs & Jean) ~ 1/5 (don't bother), book, graphic novel

Ugh.  Not for me.  2-20-23

11.  Saving Noah (Berry) ~ 3/5 (just okay), book, domestic thriller

I'm not sure how I feel about this book.  So many emotions and thoughts that I can't quite sort through to end up with a rating.  There were several errors in the book - annoying.  Wasn't expecting this type of read ... at all!  The writing was simplistic, as well as, very sad and depressing.  I think I had a sour look on my face during the major it.  I'm going middle of the road, because I was interested in reading it, but I really don't think I would recommend it to anyone.  I like thrillers that shock or surprise me, even with unpleasant plots - not make me feel sad and icky.  2-24-23

12.  Hello, Transcriber (Morrissey) ~ 2.75/5 (eh +), audiobook, NetGalley, romantic suspense 

While the title held a lot of promise, it did not deliver.  I was mostly bored and didn't care about any of the characters.  It was definitely heavier on the romance than a police investigation.  2-24-23

January Reads

 

1.  The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (Schwab) ~ 3/5 (just okay), book/audiobook, bookclub, fantasy

I probably would have really like this had it been a short story or novella.  It was WAY too long.  The writing itself was a bit wordy, and it took forever for the story to pick up.  It never really delivered, because I predicted the main plot line, so nothing was surprising.  Everything else was just okay.  1-4-23

2.  Never Fall Down (McCormick) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), audiobook, YA realistic fiction

This heart-wrenching story was told by a young boy who survives the torment of the Cambodian genocide.  It definitely gave a very clear picture of his horrific experience.  This was based on a true story.  1-8-23

3.  The Last Mrs. Parrish (Constantine) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), audiobook, domestic thriller

This was very similar to The Housemaid (McFadden), but didn't keep me as engaged.  1-22-23

4.  The Drift (Tudor) ~ 2/5 (not enjoyable), ebook, NetGalley, horror

I was incredibly excited to get to this arc.  Unfortunately, my first Tudor book was not a success.  I thought the writing was perfectly fine, but the whole plot was very bleak, and I simply didn't enjoy it.  It just wasn't for me.  Also, I never cared for the characters.  1-22-23

Best Reads of 2022

This was a very good reading year for me.  There were, also, some positive changes within my Book World.  I started a Book Club, which will continue in 2023.  I finally purchased a BOTM subscription, and I'm loving that.  And, I've been selling books on PangoBooks, as well as, donating to my local library and Little Free Libraries.  While it has been a little difficult to actually say goodbye to some books, it has been necessary to house the new ones coming in.  More purging to come.

I had a whopping 20 books that I rated 4 (very good) or higher!  That definitely is a very good reading year for me!  I didn't give any 5s, but I think anything that rates a 4.5 and up is probably a 5.  Those real 5s are hard to come by.  So without further ado, in order of how I read them . . .

Here are my 2022 Best Reads:  

*memories of the book are .25 higher

 1.  No Exit (Adams) ~ Thriller

4.5/5 (excellent)

2.  Salt to the Sea (Sepetys) ~ YA Historical Fiction

4/5 (very good)

3.  Verity (Hoover) ~ Romantic Thriller

4/5 (very good)

4.  The Shadows We Hide (Eskens) ~ Mystery

4/5 (very good)

5.  The Midnight Library (Haig) ~ Science Fiction

4.25/5 (very good +)

6.  Playing Nice (Delaney) ~ Fiction

4/5 (very good)

*4.25 (very good +)

7.  Project Hail Mary (Weir) ~ Science Fiction

4.75/5 (excellent +)

8.  For Your Own Good (Downing) ~ Thriller

4/5 (very good)

9.  An Anonymous Girl (Hendricks & Pekkanen) ~ Thriller

4/5 (very good)

10.  Know My Name (Miller) ~ Memoir

4.75/5 (excellent +)

11. The House in the Cerulean Sea (Klune) ~ YA Fantasy

4.75/5 (excellent +)

12.  To Kill a Mockingbird (Fordham/Lee) ~ YA Graphic Classic Novel

4/5 (very good)

13.  The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (Reid) ~ Fiction

4.75/5 (excellent +)

14.  The Collective (Gaylin) ~ Thriller

4.25/5 (very good +)

15.  The Arrangement (Modglin) ~ Thriller

4/5 (very good)

*4.25/5 (very good +)

16.  The Swimmers (Otsuka) ~ Fiction

4/5 (very good)

17.  When Stars are Scattered (Mohamed & Jamieson) ~ Children's Graphic Memoir

4.5/5 (excellent)

18.  The Housemaid (McFadden) ~ Thriller

4/5 (very good)

*4.25/5 (very good +)

19.  It Ends With Us (Hoover) ~ Romance

4/5 (very good)

20.  The Measure (Erlick) ~ Science Fiction

4/5 (very good)

*4.25/5 (very good +)

December Reads

68.  The Soulmate (Hepworth) ~ 3/5 (just okay), ebook, NetGalley

This was told by 2 characters in the past and present.  That worked for me (usually doesn't), and I liked the setting.  However, it was a little lack luster and a little slow (or it was slow, because of it lacking some oomph).  Ultimately, just an okay read.  12-3-22

69.  The Amendment (Modglin) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), audiobook

The first was much better than this one, but I was still interested.  Super fast listen.  12-5-22

70.  The Atonement (Modglin) ~ 3/5 (just okay), audiobook

I wanted to know how the couple ended up, so I continued with this trio.  It was enjoyable for a short and simple little series.  12-9-22

71.  The Woman in the Library (Gentill) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), audiobook, NetGalley

The title was definitely the draw for me.  Once I began, I was a little confused, then caught on to the book within a book trope.  I didn't necessarily dislike anything.  The plot wasn't what I had hoped for, and the characters were a bit dull, but I did keep listening to find out the killer - there's that.  12-18-22

72.  Never Lie (McFadden) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), audiobook

I like McFadden's writing style.  She keeps me engaged the whole way though her books.  This one was no different.  The storyline was good, but nothing special.  12-23-22

73.  They Never Learn (Fargo) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), book

I'm not sure what I was expecting (hype got me on this one), but I was hoping for something more.  It was a revenge story, which I enjoyed, but knew the twist.  It was still a good read.  12-26-22

       

Monthly - Yearly

Audiobooks:  4 - 27

Books:  1 - 39

eBooks:  1 - 7

New-to-Me Authors:  2 - 39

DNF:  0 - 4

November Reads

64.  November 9 (Hoover) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), book

I was rolling my eyes at the unrealistic nature of this book.  However, I did want to know what happened in the subsequent November 9ths.  11-5-22

65.  Don't Look For Me (Walker) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), audiobook, NetGalley

I don't remember much of this story.  It never really grabbed me, but I kept listening as I was in the car.  11-17-22

66.  The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches (Mandanna) ~ 3/5 (just okay), book

This was very similar to The House on the Cerulean Sea, but without the spunk.  Surprisingly, I liked the "witchy" parts and the gentle twists.  The "witchy" parts were new and fun for me.  I won't be seeking that out, though.  11-18-22

67.  Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six (Unger) ~ 2/5 (not enjoyable), audiobook, NetGalley

Sad to say, I didn't care for much in the book.  The worst part was the lack of flow.  Switching between backstory and present was jarring.  The story itself touched on a lot of issues, but ultimately it was boring. 11-30-22

       

Monthly - Yearly

Audiobooks:  2 - 23

Books:  2 - 38

eBooks:  0 - 6

New-to-Me Authors:  2 - 37

DNF:  0 - 4

October Reads

57.  Confessions on the 7:45 (Unger) ~ 3.5/5 (good), audiobook

This was an enjoyable read.  It kept my interest, and I liked the twists.  10-5-22

58.  Reckless Girls (Hawkins) ~ 2.75/5 (eh +), audiobook, NetGalley

This felt like a common "thriller".  It was a quick read and the pace was good, but it definitely did not thrill me.  There was nothing memorable about it and the ending was predictable.  I didn't care for any of the surface characters either.  10-14-22

59.  The Last Housewife (Winstead) ~ 2/5 (eh), book

WTH!  This was a very disturbing book.  Definitely not my idea of a fun, thrilling read.  I didn't enjoy the topic, and the beginning was interesting.  There were a few good twists, too, but it just got too weird for me.  10-14-22

60.  The Measure (Erlick) ~ 4/5 (very good), book

I read this very quickly due to its intriguing storyline.  I was invested in all the character's lives.  It really gives you something to think about.  10-22-22

61.  It Starts With Us (Hoover) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), book

I zipped through the the first half of this book.  I simply enjoyed being back in the presence of the characters to see what was happening.  Other than that, I thought it was okay.  A bit repetitive and the storyline added another character that was whatever.  Another easy reading experience.  10-26-22

62.  Too Good To Be True (Lovering) ~ 3.5/5 (good), NetGalley, audiobook

Most of this was enjoyable.  However, the last 1/4 went in a direction that I wasn't expecting, and that was disappointing.  Still good, though.  10-28-22

63.  Wrong Place Wrong Time (McAllister) ~ 3/5 (just okay), book

My expectations were a bit too high for this one, I'm afraid.  There were some good twists, but in general, I didn't care for the writing style.  I didn't know much about this book and was surprised to find time travel.  That turned out okay, except for the repetition.  10-31-22

       

Monthly - Yearly

Audiobooks:  3 - 21

Books:  4 - 36

eBooks:  1 - 6

New-to-Me Authors:  4 - 35

DNF:  1 - 4

September Reads

52.  Daisy Darker (Feeney) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), book

During the first half I wanted to keep reading, but then the storyline started to be repetitive.  I did guess one of the twists and some various tidbits, but that wasn't neither good or bad.  Definitely didn't care for the ending and thought it was highly unbelievable.  In general, disappointed.  9-3-22

53.  The Housemaid (McFadden) ~ 4/5 (very good), book

The first 2/3 was good, but the last 1/3 was very good.  First time reading this author.  I want to seek out more.  I discovered I like revenge stories.  9-10-22

Pieces of Her (Slaughter) ~ DNF (did not finish), book/audiobook

54.  It Ends With Us (Hoover) ~ 4/5 (very good), book

Hoover handles the sensitive topic with grace.  For the most part, the characters/dialog seems realistic.  I enjoyed the writing.  9-18-22

55.  The Prisoner (Paris) ~ 2.75/5 (eh +), ebook, NetGalley

I was very intrigued in the beginning, then I wasn't.  Nothing was gripping, even the parts that should have been (or intended to be).  Then the ending ... just a dump of explanations.  9-26-22

56.  Under the Whispering Door (Klune) ~ 2.75/5 (eh +), book

Loved the writing style and made me feel very present in the story.  However, I didn't care for all the magical stuff.  9-28-22

Monthly - Yearly

Audiobooks:  0 - 18

Books:  4 - 32

eBooks:  1 - 6

New-to-Me Authors:  1 - 31

DNF:  1 - 4

August Reads

47.  The Swimmers (Otsuka) ~ 4/5 (very good), book

The first half of this book was excellent.  I loved the writing style and was curious as to where it was leading.  However, maybe, just maybe, I should have read the front flap, so I would have been prepared for the second half.  It was a close-to-home topic, and I ended the book in a sad mood.  8-3-22

48.  Notes on an Execution (Kukafka) ~ 2/5 (not enjoyable), audiobook

Interesting at the beginning, but ultimately, slow and boring.  8-7-22

49.  When Stars are Scattered (Mohamed & Jamieson), 4.5/5 (excellent), book

This was an excellent graphic memoir of two young boys from Somalia growing up in a refugee camp in Kenya.  I learned a thing or two from this children's book.  8-9-22

50.  Part of Your World (Jimenez), 3.75/5 (good +), book

I don't read a lot of books within this genre, but it was good.  I wanted to know the outcome, so I kept reading.  It was definitely good, but nothing spectacular.  8-12-22

American Dirt (Cummins) ~ DNF (did not finish), book/audiobook

51.  The Island (McKinty) ~ 2/5 (not enjoyable), audiobook, NetGalley

This cat and mouse story crossed the line into ridiculousness.  I didn't like much about it, but enough to see it through to the end.  I definitely liked The Chain more.  8-21-22

Beartown (Backman) ~ DNF (did not finish), book/audiobook

       

Monthly - Yearly

Audiobooks:  2 - 18

Books:  3 - 28

eBooks:  0 - 5

New-to-Me Authors:  3 - 30

DNF:  2 - 3

July Reads

41.  Malibu Rising (Reid) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), audiobook

Here's a book that I don't understand the hype.  I enjoyed the writing style and really got to know the main characters, but overall, it was just okay.  The additional characters towards the end muddled it up for me.  7-1-22

42.  The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (Reid) ~ 4.75/5 (excellent +), book

Another book by Reid, but this one ... WOW!  Almost a 5/5 for me.  From the first page to the last, I was wrapped up in Evelyn's drama.  There wasn't only drama, though.  It was packed with issues of today.  I didn't want the story to end.

7-6-22 

43.  Before the Coffee Gets Cold (Kawaguchi) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), audiobook

I thought this had a great concept, but hoped for a little more oomph in its execution.  I think the translation felt a little stilted, and some of the storyline was repetitive, which affected my enjoyment.  7-15-22

44.  The Collective (Gaylin) ~ 4.25/5 (very good +), book

I didn't want to put this book down.  I was so curious as to how it was going to end.  This was a new-to-me author that I'm definitely going to look up again.  7-15-22

Stay Awake (Goldin) ~ DNF (did not finish), ebook, NetGalley

Seriously - don't know what happened here.  I was sure this was going to be a winner for me and the opposite happened.  First (hopefully last) DNF of the year.  I never wanted to pick it up, so it was deterring me from reading.  Not good.  Finally decided after 56% to just put it to rest.  7-15-22

45.  The Arrangment (Modglin) ~ 4/5 (very good), ebook

I was on the fence with rating this book, until I was typing this.  A pro and con was the very simplistic/basic writing style.  I didn't care for it, yet loved it because I could pick it up and zip through it WHILE enjoying the storyline.  It didn't hold much depth, but it had some good twists.  It was a fun read, and I will be picking up the next in this trilogy.  All of that warrants a 4/5.  7-30-22

46.  The Push (Audrain) ~ 3.5/5 (good), book

Another difficult book to rate.  The writing was good, but it made me feel all the main character's feelings, which affected me in a negative way.  It incorporated a LOT of frustration, confusion and sadness.  That cloud made me feel blah.  Not a great way to close the cover of a book.  7-31-22         

Monthly - Yearly

Audiobooks:  2 - 16

Books:  3 - 25

eBooks:  1 - 5

New-to-Me Authors:  4 - 27

DNF:  1 - 1

SWEET 16!

Well, I didn't realize that I totally missed my 15th year Blogiversary until a few days ago.  Oops!  No matter, I'm 16 now and feeling happy.  (Surprised that it actually has been 16 years, though!!!)

What to say ... 

I've continued to read, as always, but this year my preference has gone back to reading more physical books.  I'm still reading via an iPad (ebooks) and iPod/iPhone (audiobooks), but have thoroughly enjoyed the simple, handheld version the best.

Over the last few months, I have culled my bookshelves to make room for so many new books.  It has been so much fun - out with the old, in with the new!  My taste in genres hasn't changed too much (still a mystery/thriller reader), but I have now included a very little sci-fi/fantasy.  Both of those have to be rooted in modern times or grounded in something close to reality.  Reading sci-fi or fantasy that have new world systems is still not for me.  I don't rule it out, but for now, I'm good without it.  :)  My shelves are overflowing again, which is delightful to peruse.  My TBR shelves are very enticing and my Favorites shelves hold wonderful memories. 

I started this current calendar year out strong and hope to keep it up.  I had to change my Goodreads goal, already, due to surpassing the previous one I set for myself.  :)

May your reading bring you much enjoyment, as it has me.  

Thoughts of Joy

June Reads

28.  Book Lovers (Henry) ~ 3.5/5 (good), book/bookclub

I don't have much to say about this, other than it was good.  It was easy to read, but I wasn't drawn to pick it up.  The romance portion wasn't overly cheesy or spicy, and it wasn't the sole focus of the book, which I liked.  They both had extremely quick wit, which I enjoyed, but it didn't feel real.  6-3-22

29.  Fence Vol. 1 (Pacat) ~ 3/5 (just okay), YA graphic novel, book

I learned some things about fencing, which was good.  6-3-22    

30.  Heartstopper Vol. 1 (Oseman) ~ 3.5/5 (good), YA graphic novel, book

I couldn't resist all the hype - had to try it.  It was a cute teen, gay romance.

 

31.  Fence Vol. 2 (Pacat) ~ 3/5 (just okay), YA graphic novel, book

Nothing to say.  6-5-22

32.  Fence Vol. 3 (Pacat) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), YA graphic novel, book

Finding out who was going to make the school team was a bit more exciting than the other two volumes.  6-12-22

33.  The House in the Cerulean Sea (Klune) ~ 4.75/5 (excellent +), YA book

This book was so delightful!  It gave me all the warm fuzzies.  It was filled with wicked humor, serious topics, joyous adventures and felt like a home away from home.  All the friends were so much fun.  I loved Klune's writing style.  6-17-22

34.  To Kill a Mockingbird (Fordham/Lee) ~ 4/5 (very good), YA graphic novel, book

I read this book many, many years ago, but ran across the graphic novel and thought I give it a re-read in another format.  It was done very well.  The graphics and flow of the story were very easy to follow.  6-19-22

35.  Fence Vol. 4 (Pacat) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), YA graphic novel, book

The team played against their rival.  6-20-22

36.  The Good Lie (Torre) ~ 3.5/5 (good), audiobook

I was very invested in this one until a few things started to not make sense and those things remained even through to the end.  It was still a good read, but the storyline needed to be tightened up a bit.  6-20-22

37.  Heartstopper Vol. 2 (Oseman) ~ 3/5 (just okay), YA graphic novel, book

It was okay.  6-21-22

38.  Heartstopper Vol. 3 (Oseman) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), YA graphic novel, book

Deeper topics were brought to the surface.  6-22-22

39.  Heartstopper Vol. 4 (Oseman) ~ 3.5/5 (good), YA graphic novel, book 

Mental illness was explored.  6-22-22

40.  Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead (Cosimano) ~ 3/5 (just okay), book/bookclub

I wasn't in the mood for this, but read it for Bookclub.  It felt like a re-read of the first in this series.  I'm not interested in reading any more.  They are not bad, they just don't interest me at the moment - one was enough.  6-26-22 

Monthly - Yearly

Audiobooks:  1 - 14

Books:  12 - 22

eBooks:  0 - 4

New-to-Me Authors:  6 - 23

DNF:  0 - 0