My plan this year is to read at least 35 books.  Follow my journey on Goodreads if you are interested, but I will also be updating you here as well.  You may not share my taste in books or think that my choices are intellectually stimulating, but for me, reading is an escape.  An escape into worlds where people have bigger problems than mine like whether or not their vampire boyfriend wants to eat them or why their Fae father left them with humans when they were a baby.  I prefer young adult (YA) fantasy, dystopian, and mystery books. I enjoy romance, but it’s not required and the setting must be either on a high school or college campus, in a big old house full of secrets, centered around a young adult’s self-discovery or one that whisks me away to a fantasy land.  Bonus points if the main character is a true badass, an independent who saves themselves from whatever conflict they are facing.

If you are still reading, you will love my monthly book recaps.  I’ve devoured every single one of these books and stayed up way too late on a few occasions.   Below are each book’s description and my new-fangled rating system (it’s totally gonna catch on - haha).

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell

Synopsis:  

Libby is a typical English 20-something working at a job she doesn’t necessarily love and living in a very tiny apartment.  Her world changes the day she finds out she has inherited a very large, very old, very famous house in London. The secrets she discovers within the walls of the house, with the help of an unknowingly romantic interest, will keep you guessing.  The book is dark, twisted, and surprising. Plus it’s told by the perspectives of three different characters whose stories seem worlds apart though connected by the dark happenings that occurred inside Libby’s inherited house years ago.

Rating:  Hard to put down, but I did manage to eat, sleep, and continue with daily life.

This book was full of drama, mystery, and secrets.  I had never heard of Lisa Jewell before and I really enjoyed her writing style.  I’m excited to read more from her. This wasn’t technically a YA book in my opinion, but the main character, Libby, is in her early 20s so I allowed it.  I’m usually pretty good at figuring out the end of a book. This one took a while to crack!

Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Synopsis:  

Alex is the son of the first woman President of the US.  He and his sister are beloved by America and being in their early 20s, are daily tabloid headlines for their fabulous parties, dating life, and philanthropic interests.  However, when Alex is forced to spend time with Henry, the Prince of Whales, to save his mom’s presidential re-election campaign, his entire world is turned upside down. What started as annoyance turns into something Alex never even expected - a secret love that could ruin everything.  

Rating:  You will do nothing until you finish this book - stock up on provisions.

I can’t even begin to tell you how much I loved this book!  Of course, I’m obsessed with all things British so if there is a movie, TV show, or book with an English accent, count me in.  Red, White, and Royal Blue was raw, vulnerable, honest, and sexy! Please make this your next read - you will not regret it!  

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Synopsis:  

Based mainly in the 50s and 60s the main character, Kya, lives in the marsh she sees as beautiful.  She is connected with every living thing there and knows each whisper of the trees and every snake of the river.  She has lived off the land since she was a young girl and has experienced more in her life than anyone in town. To the locales though she’s just the untamed “Marsh Girl.”  

With the help of some unlikely friends, Kya learns to navigate her world and thrive in the marsh until the unspeakable happens and she is ripped from the land she loves and needs to prove she can take care of herself.

Rating:  Hard to put down, but I did manage to eat, sleep, and continue with daily life.

This book is beautiful.  It was written by a nature writer so the imagery of the marsh is so clear you will feel your presence there; hearing the birds and feeling the ripple of the water.  Take your time with this book. Usually, I’m the type of reader to skip over detailed wording. This book is beautifully written and deserves to be read word for word.  Sorry so vague. The plot of the story is so good I just don’t want to give too much away. If you love romance, true crime, nature or mystery, you will love this story!

If you read any of these let me know what you think! Also, I am always open to suggestions for my next read so comment below with what you are reading right now so I can join you!

xoxo,

you might also like