I've Read 50 Books So Far This Year
I promise to be short-winded.
Something I’m really proud of this year is that I’ve read a lot of books. Typically, I set a goal for myself of between 25-35 books and almost never achieve it. This year, I decided to get down to it and see where I land. I set a lofty goal of 75 books and said “let’s see what happens if I really prioritize reading this year.”
Presenting the 50 books I’ve read so far and what I thought in (hopefully) two sentences or less.
1. Endgame: Inside the Royal Family and the Monarchy’s Fight for Survival by Omid Scobie — 5/10
This didn’t tell me anything I didn’t know but I thought it was a very fair take on both sides of the Sussex/Wales conflict if you’re interested in this very niche portion of culture.
2. The Woman in Me by Britney Spears — 8/10
Highly highly recommend listening to this book because it’s brilliantly narrated by Michelle Williams. A wild ride and a heartbreaking one.
3. Open by Andre Agassi — 7/10
I think it’s hard to read a memoir about a grand slam champion who hates tennis and not be interested, but, as an artist learning to define success in different ways, I found his story really captivating.
4. 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins — 4/10
As self-help books go, this is a very high rating from me because I tend to think all self-help books are about 75 chapters too long filled with about 100 anecdotes too many. But I like her and I like this method — I still use it today — just feel free to skim the stories unless one resonates.
5. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides — 6/10
A mystery about a silent artist in a psychiatric facility and the psychotherapist dying to work with her. If you love an unreliable narrator and a good plot twist, I recommend.
6. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros — 10/10
I have been searching for a world to get lost in since 2021 when I read A Court of Thorns and Roses for the first time. If you’re a romantasy lover who loves a bit of action, I seriously cannot recommend these enough (and it’s becoming a series on MAX! WE LOVE!)
7. Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros — 10/10
Sequel to Fourth Wing (with its third installment coming in January). A perfect sequel if you enjoy romantasy with elements of Divergent and The Hunger Games. Chef’s kiss.
8. Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas — 6/10, a reread
I read this last year and was exhausted by the world-building, long list of characters, and, frankly, the protagonist, but I decided to give this SJM series another go. Nothing is ACOTAR, but this was fine.
9. One in a Millennial by Kate Kennedy — 9/10
If you like long-winded-wit with hyper niche millennial references and personal relatable anecdotes that will make you laugh out loud and cry, I highly recommend. This one’s for the girls, and I highly recommend listening to it because it’s definitely written in Kate’s voice.
10. I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jeanette McCurdy — 10/10
Heartbreaking but hilarious and not to be missed. I cried, I laughed, I gasped. Listen to it, if you can.
11. The Midnight Library by Matthew Haig — 12/10
This book is magical and will find you when it’s meant to. I can’t say enough about it. My favorite book of the year.
12. House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas — 8/10
Measurably better than the first book and introduces a slew of supporting characters I enjoy miles above the main love interests. This book made me glad I stuck with the series and the end made me cry iykyk.
13. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt — 10/10
This book is so special, and I highly recommend listening to it. Run, don’t walk.
14. House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas — 7/10
A good final book in this trilogy. Still not ACOTAR, but nothing is. All in all, I think the series is worth reading if you like fantasy but push through the first book and don’t expect it to fully sweep you away.
15. The Most Fun We Ever Had — 6/10
A deeply layered portrait of a family and the complicated dynamics that come with it. I recommend reading this one over listening to it since there are so many children and spouses and grandchildren and siblings, I sometimes found it hard to keep it all straight.
16. Book Lovers by Emily Henry — 10/10
An absolutely perfect enemies to lovers romance novel and I flew through it in 24 hours. No notes.
17. Happy Place by Emily Henry — 7/10
I don’t know if it was the book or the fact that second chance is my least favorite trope or that I read this directly after Book Lovers, but this one didn’t do it for me as much. I think it will really transfer well as a series, though, and I still recommend it.
18. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett — 9/10
You must listen to this book because it’s narrated by Meryl Streep and she is good at everything. The story of a young actress’s showmance with a now famous movie star retold to her own children. Very funny and heartfelt and human. Loved.
19. The Senator’s Wife by Liv Constantine — 4/10
I really loved The Last Mrs. Parrish but I think calling this a psychological thriller is generous. I guessed the plot twist about 30% of the way in and was bored by the writing. It’s a pass for me.
20. Funny Story by Emily Henry — 9/10
My second favorite Emily Henry novel and I really didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. Fake dating trope. No one does banter like Henry.
21. Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez — 7/10
First of a trio that I do recommend reading “in order”, but my least favorite of the three. Still a good read, but I didn’t connect with the love interests as much as I did in her other books.
22. Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn — 8/10, a reread
I reread this book before Season 3 of Bridgerton began because I wanted it fresh in my brain as I watched the show. It’s not my favorite of the series but it’s a good one.
23. Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin — 8/10
A modern and thoughtful re-telling of Pride and Prejudice set in a Muslim community. Verrrrrry well done. Cried at the end.
24. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston — 7/10
A thriller about a girl who travels and takes on secret identities from her mysterious boss. Very cat and mouse, very fun!
25. I Didn’t Know I Needed This by Eli Rallo — 9/10
I highly recommend listening to this book because it’s so clearly written in her voice. I wish I’d had this book in my twenties, but I can’t recommend it enough if you’re a person in a major city trying to date and find your self-worth.
26. The Idea of You by Robinne Lee — 5/10
I read this after watching the series on Amazon Prime and was disappointed. Pass.
27. Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez — 9/10
My favorite of the trio. Excellent characters, fun easter eggs, and a focus on mental health. Run don’t walk.
28. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden — 9/10
A verrrrry good thriller that really kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved it.
29. Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood — 8/10
Ali Hazelwood slowly sells me on science being sexy and I really liked this one.
30. American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins — 9/10
This book is the story of a mother and son’s journey to the United States from Mexico. It took my breath away at parts and I had to take breaks reading it. If it’s good enough for Oprah, it’s good enough for me.
31. The Dutch House by Ann Patchett — 7/10
This one wasn’t as good as Tom Lake but ultimately, I did really enjoy it. The audiobook is narrated by Tom Hanks, and was a joy to listen to.
32. The Humans by Matt Haig — 9/10
This weird book about aliens stole my heart and made me laugh my ass off. Verrrrry good but not at all in the way I expected.
33. Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera — 8/10
Highly recommend listening to this because parts of it include a true crime podcast and the audio reflects that. I don’t think I would have enjoyed it as much had I not listened to it. My only complaint is that the guy who does the podcast didn’t voice the male character, but otherwise it’s a great thriller about a girl accused of killing her best friend.
34. Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez — 8/10
The third installment of the Abby Jimenez trio, I liked this more than Part of Your World but less than Yours Truly. That being said, I still liked it quite a bit.
35. My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite — 6.5/10
Part thriller part dark comedy. I found it clever and spooky and I think it would make a great streaming series!
36. Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross — 8/10
Rivals to lovers meets you’ve got mail meets warring gods, this is the first in a fantasy duology. I really liked this one!
37. Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross — 7/10
Not as good as Divine Rivals and could have used less twists and turns, but still good!
38. The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins — 8/10
A multi-generational story with a complicated legacy but it definitely kept my attention the entire time. Big suspense energy.
39. Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton — 5/10
I really wanted to like this more than I did, but I found the writing pretty self-indulgent. I did enjoy the anecdotes about the other cast members though! (I don’t recommend listening to this one).
40. The Guest List by Lucy Foley — 8/10
A super captivating story that kind of gave me White Lotus-suspense and tension vibes. I really enjoyed this thriller and it truly did keep me guessing.
41. Yes Please by Amy Poehler — 4/10
Another memoir I really wanted to enjoy but didn’t. I don’t really vibe with her sense of humor and I didn’t find a lot of her anecdotes entertaining.
42. Anita de Monte Laughs Last - Xochitl Gonzalez — 10/10
Dual story lines about two different Hispanic female artists battling parallel outsider struggles in a privileged-dominated industry. I really loved this book, cried at the end, and highly recommend it.
43. The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren — 8/10
This romance is so heartwarming. And there’s a sequel (ish!)
44. Hard By a Great Forest by Leo Vardiashvili — 6/10
I really liked the overall story but it became laborious to read. I’d pass.
45. The Villa by Rachel Hawkins — 5/10
I was hoping I’d like this as much as I liked The Heiress but alas, I didn’t. This book was all over the place and kind of gave A Simple Favor vibes, for better or for worse.
46. This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune — 8/10
I bought this in the MKE airport on my flight home and finished it that night. I really liked it and am excited to read her other books!
47. The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren — 10/10
My absolute favorite Christina Lauren book. I loved the main character and the pacing of this book. Great banter, no notes.
48. Check Mate by Ali Hazelwood — 8/10
This filled my romance Queen’s Gambit box. Soooo fun.
49. Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren — 7/10
Second chance trope, very sweet. I liked it! Didn’t love it!
50. Bear Town by Fredrik Backman — 10/10
A story about a small town that places all of its hopes onto its junior hockey league. An incredible story about what happens when tragedy strikes a small town and how it affects culture and humanity. (tw: SA, rape)
xx,
KDC.