Now, it’s been a while since I said I’d share my 2022 book reviews, and luckily, for you my book bud, I remember the books I’ve read like vivid blips of a movie trailer. Books, well reading in general, can be funny that way. The words play movies in your mind so you can create the scenes that you so desperately want to come alive.
And so, I actually have a few favorites this year—authors that truly supported my love for descriptive literary works that create these vivid mind-movie trailers.
In November, I felt my mind rushing to get through pages so I can meet my quota. So as I neared my goal deadline of completing 25 books by December 31st, 2022, I moved through each one with more care and ensured I was digesting the impactful work of the author.
Although, I didn’t meet my goal (I fell 3 books behind) creating a goal, in general, has reinvigorated my love for storytelling and the joyful feelings of getting lost in imaginary places and narratives.
So, I want to share some reads, stories that stuck in my mind's eye with you, in case you're thinking about creating [another] book goal for 2023. (I also have my favorites blog posted *insert wink* in case you wanted to know my top picks.)
And, don’t worry! There aren’t any spoilers here. Just a general consensus of my personal imaginative mind’s perspective, comments, and thoughts about the general narrative of each book.
Other books leaning toward my least favorite list, can stick to my Goodreads star reviews—ha! (I’m working on writing a written review after I finish each book. For now, I’ve rated each book by stars. Anything in this post is rated at least 4 stars by me and rated with an average of at least 3.6 to 4 stars on Goodreads.)
So make sure to check out my ’Read’ and ‘Want to Read’ list and add me as a friend on Goodreads, my new book buddy!
First up…starting from the highest rating to the lowest….
(My rating: 5 stars - GR rating: 4.36)
Rating it 5 stars, this book almost made it to my favorites list. I fell in love with the main character and how Holly creates a natural bond with us, as the audience, and Pippa, as the shining star. A relatable girl, with a unique opportunity to do some justice, brings a page-turner where you feel you’re part of her story. An unnamed or unmentioned character who grows to be friends with a fictional teen trying to solve a murder mystery.
I feel if I could give this a half rating on Goodreads, like a 4.5, I would. The only thought I had (the reasoning behind it not going on my favorites list) is that I feel the climax took you on a "too quick" of a whirlwind. The apex could have been extended to give it more of a thrill to make the moment of resolution, a slow burn. I love that feeling when you aren't sure if it really will work out, but then things fall into place and it just does...but I’d love to hear your thoughts, my fellow book lover.
(My rating: 4 stars - GR rating: 3.87)
You know those smooth-to-read books, where your mind can go blank, you can let go, and let the words flow and do all the work? As I mentioned before, words can play movies in your mind, but depending on the book, sometimes it requires a little more focus to do that because of the literary voice. But Laura shares the details of Hannah’s life with a smoothness that makes it a natural page-turner, something you want to grab whenever you have a moment to get a little more of her story.
The whole premise of the book is that Hannah's husband goes missing. (Another mystery, surprise!) But unlike the first book, the climax was a slow burn (in the best way) and it was written to give a picturesque thrilling but realistic story. However, this didn't make it on my favorites list, because I wanted more from the meat of the book.
But I wanted more from the falling action, right after the heightened point of the storyline, or even more to the resolution, although the ending truly was the most to-the-point and pragmatic wrap-up.
Maybe I loved the book so much that I was just upset it ended—ha! But seriously, such a great, pleasant, and effortless read. I would also give this book a 4.5 if Goodreads allowed half ratings!
(My rating: 4 stars - GR rating: 3.81)
With the blending of true historical events, knowledge, and plenty of imagination, Adele shares a story that takes you on a whirlwind.
You grasp the many ways women had to endure life during the time of booming tobacco products in the United States, the complications and damaging effects of the industry, how families were affected, and what women had to move through politically, not only in the outside world but within family dynamics, to get where we are today.
As someone who is looking to constantly empower my voice, I feel this book can uplift its readers to share their stories, truth, and passions as we all have the right to do. If you’re looking for a good narrative with thrilling components, that also sparks inspiration, this is the book for you.
The Girls in the Garden Lisa Jewell
(My rating: 4 stars - GR rating: 3.59)
This book brings me back to how the world shapes and turns as you observe and watch life unfold in adolescence. This mystery has a storyline that loops you in for a ride speaking to you through the perspective of a young main character trying to digest the adult world through her own eyes and experience.
My favorite thing about this book is how the storyline unfolds, the flashbacks, letters, and connections that are made implicitly as you learn more about each character and moment in time. A mystery is pieced together, to find who murdered the tenants living near the garden. I'd say it does have some triggering components, so keep that in mind, dear reader!
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If you're a mystery lover, I'd say any of these is a great pick to start off your 2023 reads. Especially if you’re looking to add to your tbr (to be read) list! But if you’re looking for fall-on-the-floor, I-have-plans-because-I’m-addicted-to-this-book-see-ya-never type books, then my favorites blog post review is 200% ready for your eyes to set on it.
See you in my next post book bud,
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