The One With The Books

HELLO! This post is going to a little different. In December of 2022 I posted on Facebook, that I wanted 12 of my friends to recommend a book. I love reading but since having the girls it has been pushed aside. I cannot read at night as I end up falling asleep and have to reread what I read. I get up early and love my quiet mornings with coffee. I noticed that I was just watching mindless tv and could instead use that time to read, even if it was only for 15 mins.

I got some great recommendations and I was so excited to dive in! Here is my opnion of each book. Just like I tell my girls, just because someone else loves or hates somethings doesn't mean you will have the same opinion. These are just my thoughts.

Book #1 Braving The Wilderness by Brene Brown

I absolutely love self-help books and books about motivation. This book is about finding where you fit in. I have never felt like I was good enough or that I really fit into any group. Often times you find me sitting in the corner or in the background of any size gathering, trying to figure out what to say or do. It didn't matter if it was a large group or small family gathering. I just didn't know where I belonged. I like to sit and take it all in. Often times not saying a word for fear of judgement or embarrassment. This book felt like it was speaking right to me. One part did get a little political which does not interest me.

Pretty easy read and I would give this a 10 out of 10

Book #2 Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney

I can honestly say that mystery or thrillers were not usually something that I would gravitate towards. I never would have grabbed this book at the library or store to read. I AM SO GLAD IT WAS RECOMMENDED!!! It defiantly grabs you and you never want to put it down. It constantly keeps you guessing on who is telling the truth and will they ever get to tell their truth!!! It was so good! You will finish this book and quickly google what the sequel is called so you can order it. Then cry because there is no sequel. I just read that it is going to be a series starring Sarah Michelle Gellar.

Fast read because you will get hooked, so I give this a 10 out of 10!

Book #3 The Wish by Nicholas Sparks

Ok Ok!!!! These are the books I tend to read most often. I am a sucker for the hopeless romance. So, I just knew I'd love this one. Normally his books are relatively predictable (kind of like the Hallmark movies we all secretly love), but I thought it was great that this one had twists and some shock. Besides Safe Haven and The Notebook, this is probably one of my favorites of his!! So excited for this to become a movie soon!!

I love a good love story definite 10 out of 10!!

Book #4 Friends, Lovers and The Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry

I won't lie, this was a tough read. I read this back in March of 2023 when Matthew Perry was still alive. I am an avid Friends watching and fan. I knew that he had addiction problems but did not know to this extreme. It was a very heavy read, which had me taking breaks often to process what I just read. The internal demons this poor man faced is just heartbreaking. At the end when you feel the peace that he finally felt and the joy of finally being sober, makes his death even more sad. He finally could see his worth in this world and was so excited to start a new chapter but reading everything that he went through, his poor body just couldn't take anymore.

It's a difficult read for a few reasons. Very heavy and sometimes tough to follow as it's from his point of view when he is remembering things. When I finished, I had mixed feelings, sometimes wishing I had not known so much and just remembered him as Chandler and also extreme sadness trying to understand everything he went through. I am proud of him for being so honest and hopefully this book/his story helps someone out there. I give it a 10 out of 10.

Book #5 Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover

Before I read my first Colleen Hoover book, Chris and I had been walking through Target and he saw all her books on display. He asked me if I had read any of her books and I said I hadn't and hadn't even heard of her. With how many were on display, I wasn't shocked when one (or many) were recommended. This is one of her stand-alone books and it was a great one to start with. There is a reason this woman is so popular as an author. This one is about a woman who goes to prison for an accident she was involved in and returned to her hometown in hopes of reconnecting with her 4-year-old daughter. Each chapter brings different emotions!

Another 10 out of 10

Book #6 The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

Oh, my word! Where to even begin with this one? One chapter you are on Millie's side, a recent parolee who gets a job as a housemaid and nanny. Next chapter you feel for Nina, the wife that seems to be completely losing her mind. A great description of how hard Nina is to work for is think Meryl Streep in "The Devil Wears Prada". Trying to figure out why Millie's bedroom is a tiny room in the attic that can only be locked from the outside and the window is even painted shut. Why is Nina so difficult? And where does the husband fit into all this madness? Lastly, why did the gardener tell Millie to RUN??? Another thriller you will not be able to put down. I am excited to read the next one!

I give this one 10 out of 10

Book #7 It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

Another great Colleen Hoover book!! This one does have domestic violence which can be tough to read. Lily Bloom struggles with the battle of loving someone but escaping the pattern of violence that she had grown used to. Lots of shocking moments as info from her past pop up at unexpecting times. A beautiful story of empowerment!

Definite 10 out of 10!!!

Book #8 It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover

I love when good books are series. I never want it to end. Make sure you read these 2 in the correct order because it is confusing by the titles. You will understand the titles when you read them though. I don't want to ruin the book, but this one is great at showing how-to walk-through life after domestic violence and learning how to start over!

Shocker....10 out of 10!

Book #9 The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

This book will have you on the edge of your seat with every chapter. I remember my friends telling me that every chapter had a twist, and I just didn't think that could actually happen. Well guess what? It does. Just when you think you know who did it.... nope! It's about a Criminal Psychotherapist taking a job at a hospital because of a certain patient who killed her husband and has remained silent since.

For sure a 10 out of 10.

I didn't get to read too much when school started again in Sept. Life got busy and other things were much more important. I posted again for suggestions of books for this year, and I am so excited to get through the list. I will definitely keep you posted. This is a great way to read books that you never would have thought to pick up!

I love suggestions on good books so keep them coming!!

And remember tomorrow....BE THE ONE WHO IS KIND!!