Misti’s 2020 Book Review

A review of the 36 books I read in 2020.

book book pages bookcase browse

2020 brought a lot of changes on a macro and micro level. COVID-19 impacted every facet of how we live and during this time my mom was also diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

In times of uncertainty, one constant for me has always been reading. I love reading because it is such a great escape from every day life. And who didn’t need an escape last year?

In 2020, I read (or listened to) 36 books! Multiple times a week traveled 2.5 hours each way to help care for my mom and this afforded extra time to listen to audiobooks.

Below you will find the reviews for the books I read in 2020. I hope you find one that you would like to escape with for a while!

PS: Looking for more great books? Check out my 2019 Book Review and 2018 Book Review!

Fish On,

Misti
Party Girl

#1. Party Girl, Rachel Hollis

Grade: A

Overall Thoughts: Did you know that before Rachel Hollis was a self-help guru, she wrote fiction? Party Girl is the first book in a three-part book series (and you all know I love a good book series!). The series is based on Rachel Hollis’s previous life as a Hollywood party planner and the lives of three best friends. The characters are delightfully complex and relatable. This was such an easy read and I highly recommend!

 

Sweet Girl

#2. Sweet Girl, Rachel Hollis

Grade: B

Overall Thoughts: Surprise! This is the second book of Rachel Hollis’s three-part book series. I liked the first book so much that I immediately dived into the second book. Each book is written from the perspective of a different character. While I liked the main character of this book, I liked her more as the sidekick she was in the first book. However, it was still a good, easy, and enjoyable read.

Smart Girl

#3. Smart Girl, Rachel Hollis

Grade: B-

Overall Thoughts: This was the last book in Rachel Hollis’s fiction book series. I liked it the least. This book revolved around the last of the best friends, Miko. She is a strong, ambitious character who loses her way while trying to find love. I felt very frustrated while reading the book, but maybe that was the intent. It did have a good ending AND an epilogue, which I always appreciate. I still recommending reading the book to finish the series.

Criss Cross

#4. Criss Cross, James Patterson

Grade: A

Overall Thoughts: If you’ve followed my book reviews for a while, you know that I love two different James Patterson series – The Woman’s Murder Club series and the Alex Cross series. The latest Alex Cross book does not disappoint. There is so much action and it ties up many different story lines. AND…the book ends with a huge cliffhanger! I can’t wait until the next installment is released.

The Greatest You

#5. The Greatest You, Trent Shelton

Grade: A+

Overall Thoughts: Read or listen to this book right now. It is so inspirational and wonderful. I first discovered Trent Shelton when he was a guest on Rachel Hollis’s RISE podcast and then I saw him speak in person at the RISExFtMyers conference in January. Trent’s story is incredible and he offers sage advice in a no-nonsense way. This book is such an easy and motivational read. And if you like it….check out Trent’s weekly podcast, Straight Up with Trent Shelton.

City of Girls

#6. City of Girls, Elizabeth Gilbert

Grade: B+

Overall Thoughts: This was a really good, well written book. The characters were well developed and quite interesting. I laughed a lot, cried a lot, and was also in suspense. I thought this book was a little on the long side which is why I didn’t give it an A rating.

The Testaments

#7. The Testaments, Margaret Atwood

Grade: B

Overall Thoughts: I waited FOREVER to get this book from my library’s waitlist. This is the long-anticipated sequel to The Handmaids tale. I really enjoyed the different story lines and the different characters – some new, some old. However, I thought the ending was confusing, very weak, and not conclusive.

Silent Patient

#8. The Silent Patient, Alex Michaelides

Grade: B

Overall Thoughts: I love a good thriller, so I was very excited to read this book. It kept my interest and I thought about the plot a lot. It was an interesting story line. However, I suspected the ending about halfway through the book (and I was right) so I was a little disappointed by that! If you like this genre, it is still a good read that’s worth your time.

Heartburn

#9. Heartburn, Nora Ephron

Grade: C

Overall Thoughts: What do you do when your husband is having an affair, you have a small toddler, and another baby on the way? That is the premise of this book. It was recommend on many lists – including the Skimm reads where I initially heard about it. I listened to the audio book that Meryl Strep narrated. She did an excellent job. I was extremely frustrated with the main character, which I think was intentional. She is a food celebrity and random recipes are thrown into the book and a lot of the book revolves around food, which can be distracting and unfocused. At one point I thought about abandoning the book, but I felt I was already too committed. I think it is an okay read, but I was not super excited about it.

Get Out of Way

#10. Get Out of Your Own Way, Dave Hollis

Grade: A+

Overall Thoughts: Dave Hollis’s first book is EXCELLENT! It has a similar structure as his wife Rachel Hollis’s self-help books. However, his tone is extremely different and very relatable. He has a completely different perspective and point of view that is valuable, vulnerable, and easy. I took a lot of notes while reading this book, and I highly recommend for anyone who often finds themselves being their biggest roadblock in the pursuit of a greater life.

Such a fun age

#11. Such a Fun Age, Kiley Reid

Grade: B+

Overall Thoughts: My manager recommend this book and it was also one of Reese’s book club picks. I describe it as a beach read – something you want to read that is enjoyable and not too strenuous. It does discuss some serious topics but it is still a nice escape from reality.

Fierce

#12. Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire, Jen Hatmaker

Grade: B+

Overall Thoughts: I first met Jen during Rachel Hollis’s RISE conference in January. I really enjoyed her speaking style and message so I signed up for her email newsletter. When she sent a message asking for people to be part of her book launch, I was so excited and intrigued. I have never been part of a book launch before, but wanted to get involved. I was thrilled to be selected and received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of the book. It was so fun to be part of the book launch and the book was great. It was easy to read and had a lot of great takeaways and suggestions to be the woman you were meant to be.

Open book

#13. Open Book, Jessica Simpson

Grade: A+

Overall Thoughts: THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD! I waited for MONTHS to get this book off the waitlist and I was giddy to start reading. This truly is an open book – from her childhood, marriage to Nick Lachey, other relationships, poor coping mechanisms, and struggles with the music industry in general,she lays it all out there in an extremely honest and matter-of-fact way. My husband is probably so glad that I finished this book, but I literally talked about Jessica Simpson’s life every night at dinner. I just found it so fascinating and I truly admire her and what she has accomplished in her life, both personally and professionally. Side note: I listened to the audio book. This book is narrated by Jessica Simpson, and I must admit – it was difficult to get used to her narration. I felt like she mumbled and lacked inflection. But once I got used to her narrating style, I did appreciate her ability to stress certain points and convey emotion.

Educated

#14. Educated, Tara Westover

Grade: A

Overall Thoughts: WOW – this book is so interesting and heart wrenching! Again, my manager recommended this book and I love a good memoir. If you liked The Glass Castle, you will like this. The author shares about her experience growing up in a Mormon family in Idaho. Her dad is bipolar. She doesn’t go to school and isn’t even properly home schooled. She doesn’t even have a birth certificate until later in life and nobody is even sure of her exact birth date. I won’t give away the plot, but she does eventually go to school and documents everything in this poignant memoir. It is really long so make sure you are in the mood for a longer book before you commit to it. I had to check out this book (virtually) from the library twice in order to complete.

#15. Evvie Drake Starts Over, Linda Holmes

Grade: B

Overall Thoughts: Evvie Drakes Starts Over is a highly entertaining, occasionally heartbreaking, and always engrossing story. The book is set in a small town in Maine and tells the story of Evvie Drake and Dean Tenney, two very different individuals who are hurting and need help recovering from their own personal traumas. This book reminds us that not everything is as it seems, and that grief and loss are different from all.

#16. Born a Crime, Trevor Noah

Grade: A+

Overall Thoughts: My book club selected this book for our spring read. I had never heard of Trevor Noah, but those in the book club who already read the book raved about it. And I LOVED it! Trevor tells the story of his life in such a real and captivating way that just hooks you from the very beginning. It was so educational to learn about Trevor’s experience growing up in South Africa and how much his family had to endure. I highly recommend this book, especially for a book club.

#17. The Hating Game, Sally Thorne

Grade: D+

Overall Thoughts: In the beginning, I HATED this book, almost abandoned it, and probably should have. The main characters work together at a publisher, are vying for the same promotion, and make each other’s lives miserable. My first thought was that these people are supposed to be ADULTS but yet they are so immature. Spoiler alert: they actually like each other and the taunting is their way of showing affection like they are in elementary school. The last half of the book was way better than the beginning, but I would still recommend not wasting your time with this one.

#18. The Rosie Result, Graeme Simsion

Grade: A+

Overall Thoughts: I LOVE this book series! If you have not read The Rosie Project or The Rosie Effect, stop what you’re reading and switch to these books NOW! In this book, Don Tillman is navigating the responsibilities of parenting his tween son after his family relocated back to their native Australia. Don is the same quirky, lovable character and his antics will not disappoint.

#19. It’s Not All Downhill From Here, Terry McMillan

Grade: A+

Overall Thoughts: After an unexpected loss, Loretha Curry takes a somewhat reluctant, but necessary, stock of her life, family, and friends. As usual, Terry McMillan gives us a story about real women who deal with life as it comes. Life sometimes gives us bad apples and McMillan’s characters show us how important it is to deal with them with the help of your friends and family. I appreciate the strong black female characters that McMillan depicts. I love Terry McMillan’s books and this one did not disappoint. While I am not the target audience for this book, I really enjoyed it, and I think someone who was an empty nester would find this book even more relatable.

#20: Big Summer, Jennifer Weiner

Grade: B

Overall Thoughts: This was a great summer read full of love and mystery. I enjoyed the realness of the characters. This book is a thought-provoking, poignant exploration of friendship, self-esteem, body image, social media, and whether people truly are capable of change. The book is definitely a roller coaster and is jam packed with turns and twists.

#21: Make Something Good Today, Erin & Ben Napier

Grade: A

Overall Thoughts: This book is such a happy read. If you enjoy the HGTV show “Hometown” you will love learning more about Ben and Erin Napier, their upbringings, love story, and how they came to stardom. They truly adore each other and I loved learning more about their relationship. This book is a great reminder that with hard work and an open mind, life can be happening FOR you and not TO you, and that your life can take you farther than your wildest dreams.

#22: All Adults Here, Emma Straub

Grade: B

Overall Thoughts: In All Adults Here, Emma Straub’s unique mix of wisdom, humor, and insight come together in a story about adult siblings, aging parents, high school boyfriends, middle school mean girls, the lifelong effects of birth order, and all the other things that follow us into adulthood, whether we like them to or not.  The book reminded me of This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper (NOT the movie, the book), so if you liked that book, you will like this one. I loved all the characters and the dynamic between them. This book covers a wide variety of topics, which I enjoyed. But if you like a more refined and singular focused book then you may not enjoy this.

#23: Untamed, Glennon Doyle

Grade: B

Overall Thoughts: This book is SO POWERFUL! I was not familiar with Glennon Doyle before reading this book but now I want to know more and plan to read Love Warrior soon. Glennon discusses how she has become fully aware of the way that society has taught women to be tame and how to become untamed (hence the name of the book). The book seeks to liberate women from the societal expectations that bind them, and to honor beauty and rage equally. I listened to the audiobook, which was read by the author, and I recommend because Glennon’s passion comes through. I will say, there were times where I got the vibe that she feels like she has this all figured out and is superior, which is why I didn’t give this book a higher rating. Maybe it is just me though.

#24: The Great Alone, Kristin Hannah

Grade: A-

Overall Thoughts: I LOVE Kristin Hannah and was so excited to read this book. In Hannah’s latest novel, a desperate family seeks a new beginning in the wilderness of Alaska only to find that their unpredictable environment is less threatening than the erratic behavior found in human nature. This book is so thought provoking and explores the complex family dynamic. You will go through a wide range of emotions reading this book, so be prepared! This book is good but not as good as my all-time favorite book by the author, The Nightingale, which is why I gave it an A-.

#25: Straight Up, Trent Shelton

Grade: B

Overall Thoughts: You should get familiar with Trent Shelton if you are not already. Trent is a former football player who had to reinvent his life after getting cut from the NFL. In his latest book, Shelton shares his own story of finding himself and a better path forward, providing straight-up truths and uplifting advice to help you through the issues you face at school, at home, or within yourself. This book was good, but not as good as his other book, The Greatest You. You can follow Trent on Instagram and listen to his podcast, Rehab time for a regular dose of motivation.

#26: Sex and Vanity, Kevin Kwan

Grade: C-

Overall Thoughts: This book is NOT at the level of Crazy Rich Asians. I found this book very superficial and actually thought about abandoning it at one point. I felt it was unnecessarily long and just flaunted a lot of big designer brands throughout without really providing a lot of substance. Just meh!

#27: Party of Two, Jasmine Guillory

Grade: B+

Overall Thoughts: This is my favorite Guillory book so far. It explores the relationship between Oliva, an attorney, and Max, a senator. Things are a little complicated for this couple due to Max being so in the public eye, but they start to fall in love anyway. If you’re looking for a sweet and enjoyable romance that will leave you with a smile on your face, check out this book!

#28: The Other Mrs., Mary Kubica

Grade: A

Overall Thoughts: This book is CRAZY and full of twists and turns! Sadie and Will Foust have only just moved their family from Chicago to Maine when their neighbor is found dead in her home. Sadie is disturbed by this and other things as well, including her creepy niece who lives with them. If you like thrillers, I think you will like this!

#29: Turn of the Key, Ruth Ware

Grade: C

Overall Thoughts: Rowan Caine stumbles upon an opportunity to be a live-in nanny to four children in a remote house in Scotland. Something goes awry and she is telling this story via letters to a solicitor while she is in prison. The buildup of the thriller is very slow, and there are a lot of twists and turns. The ending did throw me off so if you like a surprise ending you will appreciate this.

#30: Let’s Pretend This Never Happened, Jenny Lawson

Grade: B+

Overall Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book and Jenny Lawsons over-the-top and hilarious depiction of her life. This book will make you feel better about your own life and many times you will think to yourself, “How could this have ever happened to Jenny?!” My mom and I listened to this book on the way to and from medical appointments and we laughed a lot.

#31: One for the Money, Janet Evanovich

Grade: B-

Overall Thoughts: A couple people recommend this book series to me, since many know that I love a good book series. Stephanie Plum is an interesting character who is beginning her career as a bounty hunter. The book is based in the early 90s so a lot of it was outdated. The book was good, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I would have read it when it was initially released.

#32: The Rosie Project, Graeme Simsion

Grade: A+

Overall Thoughts: My book club decided to read this book towards the end of the year. I read this book many years ago and decided to read again so I could be well versed for our discussion. I am not the type of person who rereads anything, but I am so glad I read this book again. I found myself laughing out loud, forgetting about so many parts of this book that made me fall in love with Don Tillman. I know I have mentioned this before, but this is one of my favorite books. Everyone in my book club loved it, and you should read it too!

#33: Two for the Dough, Janet Evanovich

Grade: B-

Overall Thoughts: I decided to read the second book in the Stephanie Plum series to see if I wanted to proceed with the entire series. This book was just okay. It was easy to get through but it didn’t leave me wanting more. I don’t think I will read any more of this book series, but I am glad that I tried it out.

#34: Deadly Cross, James Patterson

Grade: A

Overall Thoughts: I love the Alex Cross series and this book did not disappoint. Kay Willingham led a life as glamorous as it was public. When she is found dead in a school parking lot, Alex has to solve the case. It was a consistent Alex Cross book and I can always appreciate that!

#35: The Return, Nicholas Sparks

Grade: B

Overall Thoughts: I enjoyed The Return. It is is a typical Nicholas Sparks romance with two people that shouldn’t be together falling in love. Trevor is a great character who has to recreate his life after a huge trauma. I was curious to find out what Natalie was hiding and why she was so hot and cold. The mystery of Trevor’s grandfather and Callie was also very interesting. There were so many different aspects of this book that keeps the reader interested. This is a great “beach read” if you are looking for something less serious.

#36: Everything Beautiful in its Time, Jenna Bush Hager

Grade: A

Overall Thoughts: Jenna Bush Hager shares moving, funny stories about her beloved grandparents (George and Barbara Bush, as well as her non-famous maternal grandparents) and the wisdom they passed on that has shaped her life. In this moving book, Jenna remembers the past, cherishes the present, and prepares for the future while providing a wealth of anecdotes and lessons. Everything Beautiful in Its Time is a warm and wonderful story about family and an exploration of the things that truly matter most. I highly recommend!

My COVID-19 Reading Recommendations

A review of the books I’ve read during quarantine.

book book pages bookcase browse

2020 has brought a lot of changes on a macro and micro level. COVID-19 has impacted every facet of how we live and during this time my mom was also diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

In times of uncertainty, one constant for me has always been reading. I love reading because it is such a great escape from every day life. And who doesn’t need an escape right now?

I have completed 14 books already this year, which is higher than normal for me. Multiple times a week I have been commuting 2.5 hours each way to help care for my mom and this has afforded extra time to listen to audiobooks, which mode I support wholeheartedly!

Below you will find the reviews for the books I’ve read so far in 2020. I hope you find one that you would like to escape with for a while!

PS: Looking for more great books? Check out my 2019 Book Review and 2018 Book Review!

Fish On,

Misti
Party Girl

#1. Party Girl, Rachel Hollis

Grade: A

Overall Thoughts: Did you know that before Rachel Hollis was a self-help guru, she wrote fiction? Party Girl is the first book in a three-part book series (and you all know I love a good book series!). The series is based on Rachel Hollis’s previous life as a Hollywood party planner and the lives of three best friends. The characters are delightfully complex and relatable. This was such an easy read and I highly recommend!

 

Sweet Girl

#2. Sweet Girl, Rachel Hollis

Grade: B

Overall Thoughts: Surprise! This is the second book of Rachel Hollis’s three-part book series. I liked the first book so much that I immediately dived into the second book. Each book is written from the perspective of a different character. While I liked the main character of this book, I liked her more as the sidekick she was in the first book. However, it was still a good, easy, and enjoyable read.

Smart Girl

#3. Smart Girl, Rachel Hollis

Grade: B-

Overall Thoughts: This was the last book in Rachel Hollis’s fiction book series. I liked it the least. This book revolved around the last of the best friends, Miko. She is a strong, ambitious character who loses her way while trying to find love. I felt very frustrated while reading the book, but maybe that was the intent. It did have a good ending AND an epilogue, which I always appreciate. I still recommending reading the book to finish the series.

Criss Cross

#4. Criss Cross, James Patterson

Grade: A

Overall Thoughts: If you’ve followed my book reviews for a while, you know that I love two different James Patterson series – The Woman’s Murder Club series and the Alex Cross series. The latest Alex Cross book does not disappoint. There is so much action and it ties up many different story lines. AND…the book ends with a huge cliffhanger! I can’t wait until the next installment is released.

The Greatest You

#5. The Greatest You, Trent Shelton

Grade: A+

Overall Thoughts: Read or listen to this book right now. It is so inspirational and wonderful. I first discovered Trent Shelton when he was a guest on Rachel Hollis’s RISE podcast and then I saw him speak in person at the RISExFtMyers conference in January. Trent’s story is incredible and he offers sage advice in a no-nonsense way. This book is such an easy and motivational read. And if you like it….check out Trent’s weekly podcast, Straight Up with Trent Shelton.

City of Girls

#6. City of Girls, Elizabeth Gilbert

Grade: B+

Overall Thoughts: This was a really good, well written book. The characters were well developed and quite interesting. I laughed a lot, cried a lot, and was also in suspense. I thought this book was a little on the long side which is why I didn’t give it an A rating.

The Testaments

#7. The Testaments, Margaret Atwood

Grade: B

Overall Thoughts: I waited FOREVER to get this book from my library’s waitlist. This is the long-anticipated sequel to The Handmaids tale. I really enjoyed the different story lines and the different characters – some new, some old. However, I thought the ending was confusing, very weak, and not conclusive.

Silent Patient

#8. The Silent Patient, Alex Michaelides

Grade: B

Overall Thoughts: I love a good thriller, so I was very excited to read this book. It kept my interest and I thought about the plot a lot. It was an interesting story line. However, I suspected the ending about halfway through the book (and I was right) so I was a little disappointed by that! If you like this genre, it is still a good read that’s worth your time.

Heartburn

#9. Heartburn, Nora Ephron

Grade: C

Overall Thoughts: What do you do when your husband is having an affair, you have a small toddler, and another baby on the way? That is the premise of this book. It was recommend on many lists – including the Skimm reads where I initially heard about it. I listened to the audio book that Meryl Strep narrated. She did an excellent job. I was extremely frustrated with the main character, which I think was intentional. She is a food celebrity and random recipes are thrown into the book and a lot of the book revolves around food, which can be distracting and unfocused. At one point I thought about abandoning the book, but I felt I was already too committed. I think it is an okay read, but I was not super excited about it.

Get Out of Way

#10. Get Out of Your Own Way, Dave Hollis

Grade: A+

Overall Thoughts: Dave Hollis’s first book is EXCELLENT! It has a similar structure as his wife Rachel Hollis’s self-help books. However, his tone is extremely different and very relatable. He has a completely different perspective and point of view that is valuable, vulnerable, and easy. I took a lot of notes while reading this book, and I highly recommend for anyone who often finds themselves being their biggest roadblock in the pursuit of a greater life.

Such a fun age

#11. Such a Fun Age, Kiley Reid

Grade: B+

Overall Thoughts: My manager recommend this book and it was also one of Reese’s book club picks. I describe it as a beach read – something you want to read that is enjoyable and not too strenuous. It does discuss some serious topics but it is still a nice escape from reality.

Fierce

#12. Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire, Jen Hatmaker

Grade: B+

Overall Thoughts: I first met Jen during Rachel Hollis’s RISE conference in January. I really enjoyed her speaking style and message so I signed up for her email newsletter. When she sent a message asking for people to be part of her book launch, I was so excited and intrigued. I have never been part of a book launch before, but wanted to get involved. I was thrilled to be selected and received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of the book. It was so fun to be part of the book launch and the book was great. It was easy to read and had a lot of great takeaways and suggestions to be the woman you were meant to be.

Open book

#13. Open Book, Jessica Simpson

Grade: A+

Overall Thoughts: THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD! I waited for MONTHS to get this book off the waitlist and I was giddy to start reading. This truly is an open book – from her childhood, marriage to Nick Lachey, other relationships, poor coping mechanisms, and struggles with the music industry in general,she lays it all out there in an extremely honest and matter-of-fact way. My husband is probably so glad that I finished this book, but I literally talked about Jessica Simpson’s life every night at dinner. I just found it so fascinating and I truly admire her and what she has accomplished in her life, both personally and professionally. Side note: I listened to the audio book. This book is narrated by Jessica Simpson, and I must admit – it was difficult to get used to her narration. I felt like she mumbled and lacked inflection. But once I got used to her narrating style, I did appreciate her ability to stress certain points and convey emotion.

Educated

#14. Educated, Tara Westover

Grade: A

Overall Thoughts: WOW – this book is so interesting and heart wrenching! Again, my manager recommended this book and I love a good memoir. If you liked The Glass Castle, you will like this. The author shares about her experience growing up in a Mormon family in Idaho. Her dad is bipolar. She doesn’t go to school and isn’t even properly home schooled. She doesn’t even have a birth certificate until later in life and nobody is even sure of her exact birth date. I won’t give away the plot, but she does eventually go to school and documents everything in this poignant memoir. It is really long so make sure you are in the mood for a longer book before you commit to it. I had to check out this book (virtually) from the library twice in order to complete.

My Favorite Book of 2019

Check out my #1 read last year!

close up of heart shape

In 2019 I read THIRTY books. If you’re interested, you can check out the list in my reviews here. This is the most books I’ve read in a year in probably…well, forever!

And naturally everyone is asking, “Which was your favorite out of all those books?”

So here we are…I will tell you!

In 2019, I read A LOT of World War II historical fiction. That is ironic, because I am NOT a history buff and I have NEVER gravitated towards this genre in previous years. Life can be hard, and I use reading to escape from the stressors that emerge from juggling working full-time, parenting a small human, and all the things. Thus, I typically select books that tend to be more lighthearted and satirical.

However, my favorite book in 2019 was one of the historical fiction books – The Lost Vintage by Ann Mah!

Lost Vintage

I was truly moved by the historical portion of this book and how it tied in with the present-day story of a young woman who goes to her family’s home in Burgundy to study for her Master of Wine exam. There, she learns much more than just the history of their vineyard. The plot goes back and forth between present day and the 1940s World War II France. I definitely learned a lot about wine and saw the war from a very different lens. The characters were well developed and very interesting. The story is captivating and complex without being confusing. The portrait of the landscape of Burgundy and lifestyle of French winemakers is really transporting. I found the details of occupied France fascinating and it made me want to learn more about France during this time, about which I know embarrassingly little.

This would be a great book club pick and I plan to host a book club on this book in 2020! I highly recommend reading, and if you read it, I would love to hear what you think!

Fish On,

Misti

 

 

Misti’s 2019 Book Review

My thoughts and rating of the 30 books I read in 2019.

book book pages bookcase browse

I have always been an avid reader. As a child, every weekend my family traveled 2.5 hours each way to Marblehead for my dad’s fishing business. This was a time before cell phones, tablets, and other electronics. As the only child, in order to keep myself entertained I heavily relied on reading.

One of my goals every year is to read as much as possible. For the past couple years, my goal has been to read 12 books per year – an average of 1 book per month.

For two years, I have been posting my book reviews on Facebook in a Photo Album. And starting in 2018, I started posting my book reviews on my blog.

I know we are already well into the first quarter of 2020, but here is a synopsis of the THIRTY books I read in 2019. This is the most books I’ve read in a year in probably…well, forever!

What are you reading right now and which books should I add to my 2020 list? I am always looking for my next great read!

PS: Looking for more great books? Check out my 2018 Book Review, too!

Fish On,

Misti

This is Me

#1. This is Me, Chrissy Metz

Grade: B+

Overall Thoughts: A friend r commended this book to me, and I really enjoyed learning more about Chrissy Metz. She had overcome so much adversity in life, and she provides a lot of actionable advice. She wrote this book in a very impersonal tone, so it feels like you are sitting in the same room with her and chatting over a glass of wine.

The Light We Lost

#2. The Light We Lost, Jill Santopolo

Grade: B+

Overall Thoughts: While this book was a little long and drawn out, it was extremely relatable and left me thinking about this book long-after the final page. The author poses the subject of how a tragedy can draw people together and about decisions made in relationships and love. I would recommend this book as a beach read. Warning: you could shed some tears if you are an emotional person.

The Last Mrs Parrish

#3. The Last Mrs. Parrish, Liv Constantine

Grade: A

Overall Thoughts: This was an EXCELLENT THRILLER!! The twist midway through the book reminds me a lot of Gillian Flynn. This was a very entertaining, quick read that will keep you flipping the page.

The Other Woman

#4. The Other Woman, Sandee Jones

Grade: A

Overall Thoughts: You will like this book, but be prepared to be really annoyed and frustrated with the characters! There are a lot of twists in the book, and I really liked the ending. This is a great summer read.

The Proposal

#5. The Proposal, Jasmine Guillory

Grade: B+

Overall Thoughts: This is a really romantic, easy read. It is also very funny, and the characters are very relatable. It is a little basic, which is why I didn’t give it an “A” rating.

See Me

#6. See Me, Nicholas Sparks

Grade: A

Overall Thoughts: I love a good Nicholas Sparks book and this one did not disappoint. I loved the characters and the book kept me on the edge of my seat. This is a thriller and a romance combined, this is a perfect combo to me.

Erotic Stories

#7. Erotic Stories for Punjabi Women

Grade: B-

Overall Thoughts: There are two story lines to this book. One was strong while the other was overwhelming. Also, I feel like the book took a little long to ramp up. However, once you get into the book you will find it entertaining so I think it is still worth the read. I just wouldn’t prioritize it high on your list.

5 Love Languages

#8. 5 Love Languages, Dr. Gary Chapman

Grade: A+

Overall Thoughts: This was a quick and profound read. I love how easy Dr. Chapman makes the concept easy to grasp. While these concepts are geared towards marriage, it is relevant to any relationship in your life: friends, coworkers, other family members, etc. I also heard Dr. Chapman speak at a marriage conference after reading this book, and he was so inspiring and entertaining. I highly recommend this book!

Missing Molly

#9. Missing Molly, Natalie Barelli

Grade: A

Overall Thoughts: This was a great book! It was a very easy read that will keep you guessing and will leave your mouth wide open in shock. I loved the main character and was in awe at all the decisions she had to make during her life. I highly recommend.

Where the Crawdads Sing

#10. Where the Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens

Grade: B+

Overall Thoughts: I had high expectations for this book. And while it was really good it didn’t “Wow” me which is while I didn’t give it an “A” rating. While it is fiction, it reminds me a lot of “The Glass Castle” so if you like that book, you will like this one as well. This book is the perfect mix of history, mystery, science, and romance. You should definitely give it a try!

Something in Water.jpg

#11. Something in the Water, Catherine Steadman

Grade: C+

Overall Thoughts: This book was a little too long and paranoid for my liking. I felt really anxious the entire time while reading, and I like to read as an escape. It does have a lot of twists and the characters go to interesting places and grapple with a lot of moral dilemmas. I would not read again.

President is missing.jpg

#12. The President is Missing, Bill Clinton & James Patterson

Grade: D

Overall Thoughts: This book was SO LONG and drawn out. I thought the premise of the book was good, but it took way too long to get to the point. I did not enjoy this book at all. I almost abandoned this book, and I wish I wouldn’t have wasted my time.

Girl Stop Apologizing

#13. Girl, Stop Apologizing, Rachel Hollis

Grade: B+

Overall Thoughts: I thought this book was really good and had a lot of tangible takeaways. Rachel provided very realistic advice and ideas on how to live your best life unapologetically. The book is the perfect length as well, and would be great as a book club read. However, I didn’t think it was as good as Girl, Wash Your Face which is why I only gave it a B+ instead of an A. I still highly recommend, though!

18th Abduction

#14. 18th Abduction, James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

Grade: B

Overall Thoughts: The Women’s Murder Club series is my favorite book series. I thought this book was good, but it was a flashback to 5 years ago and I DID NOT LIKE THAT! I love to see how characters have evolved in present time, and since this book was a flashback it did not afford the opportunity to determine what is going on with characters after the end of the last book. That was highly disappointing to me. However, the book was entertaining as usual and was an enjoyable and easy read. In addition, I read that the next Women’s Murder Club book will be released in December (A Christmas theme!) so I am excited that I don’t have to wait an entire year to read the next one.

Becoming

#15. Becoming, Michelle Obama

Grade: A+

Overall Thoughts: This book was SO GOOD! I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Michelle Obama and her life journey. I loved her writing style and that fact that she didn’t leave anything out. She clearly depicted her experiences in a very classy way while also expressing her feelings about every part of her life. As I was reading, I uncovered many similarities between Michelle and me. I highly recommend this book, no matter what party you may be affiliated with.

Wake Up Happy

#16. Wake Up Happy, Michael Strahan

Grade: B+

Overall Thoughts: This was a quick and easy read. I knew that Michael Strahan played football, but I knew him from Live! with Kelly and Michael. It was really interesting to learn about his upbringing, his journey to playing football, and then his experience playing as well as after his career ended. He had a lot of recommendations for how to me happy in life, but I will say his advice was pretty straightforward and simplistic. I didn’t give it an A rating because he skimmed over a lot of details about his life that would have been interesting to discuss. Also, I was hoping that this book would talk about how he left Live! with Kelly and Michael, but it was written while he was still on that show.

Paper Wife

#17. Paper Wife, Laila Ibrahim

Grade: B+

Overall Thoughts: I really enjoyed this historical fiction book. It was an easy read and honestly probably geared for young adults based on its simplicity. I learned a lot about 1920s Chinese immigration and Angel Island. The book also had a great epilogue which I always appreciate. I definitely recommend reading this book if you enjoy reading historical fiction and/or Asian-inspired books.

Before We Were Yours

#18. Before We Were Yours, Lisa Wingate

Grade: A+

Overall Thoughts: This is probably my favorite read of the year. It is heart-wrenching and eye-opening. This book is historical fiction and I had no idea that this sort of thing happened in our country within the past century. I like that the book jumps from present time to the late 1930s. The characters are well-developed and it is easy to become vested in their journeys. I kept saying, “I will just read one more page!” I just had to see what happened next. This is the first book that I have read from this author and I am going to explore more of her books.

The Cactus

#19. The Cactus, Sarah Haywood

Grade: B

Overall Thoughts: This book is very similar to “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” so if you like that book, you will enjoy this one as well. The characters are well developed and quirky. The main character is going through multiple life dilemmas and the author weaves them together really well in order to craft a memorable story. I thought the beginning was a little drawn out, which is why I gave this book this rating. Overall, I would recommend it – especially if you are looking for a light read.

The Bride Test

#20. The Bride Test, Helen Hoang

Grade: B-

Overall Thoughts: I was very excited for this book since it’s by the same author as “The Kiss Quotient.” The author used a similar style as her other book and thus the story line was extremely predictable. I did like the characters and there was a nice epilogue (you know I love a good epilogue!). In addition, one of the main characters is the cousin of Michael from “The Kiss Quotient.” This affords cameos of Michael and Stella so it was worth the read just to see what those two characters are now up to in life (they are doing well!). However, if you are expecting a book as high-caliber and page-turning as “The Kiss Quotient” you need to set your expectations lower so that you will not be disappointed.

Anger

#21. Anger, Dr. Gary Chapman

Grade: C

Overall Thoughts: This book described anger in a very easy to understand way and had a lot of great actionable nuggets that can be applied to your own life. However, I feel that the book was very repetitive and could have been shortened even more than it already is. I think it is worth a read if you experience anger and/or have people in your life who frequently exhibit anger, but you could read the beginning chapters and then skim the rest.

The Whisper Network

#22. Whisper Network, Chandler Baker

Grade: B

Overall Thoughts: This book was an easy read and the characters were very relatable. The story is about coworkers (some who are friends) and scandalous events that occurred and the repercussions of said events. Since I am a working mother, I could easily identify with the characters and some of their everyday struggles of balancing work, family, and other aspects of life. I only gave this a B though because there was much of the book that I zoned out on. I felt the book was a little too long and there were too many story lines going on. I think the book could have been more targeted and captivating if it focused on a couple of the main story lines rather than skipping around from character to character.

Alice Network

#23. The Alice Network, Kate Quinn

Grade: A

Overall Thoughts: This book was really great! It looks at the spy network of women in World War II and also another story line that was also really interesting. This was a page-turner that I thoroughly enjoyed. This would be an ideal book club pick as there is a lot to discuss.

19th Christmas

#24. 19th Christmas, James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

Grade: C

Overall Thoughts: Overall Thoughts: I was very excited to read the latest “Women’s Murder Club” book and I was a little underwhelmed. While it was nice to learn more about the characters I’ve grown to love, I thought that the story line was a little blase. I would only read this book if you are invested in the entire series (which I highly recommend!).

Last House Guest

#25. The Last House Guest, Megan Miranda

Grade: B

Overall Thoughts: I thought this book was better than Miranda’s “All the Missing Girls.” If you like mysteries or thrillers, you will like this book. I thought it was a little drawn out in parts which is why I didn’t give it a higher rating.

Every Breath

#26. Every Breath, Nicholas Sparks

Grade: C-

Overall Thoughts: Nicholas Sparks got the idea for this book from letters he discovered on a beach in North Carolina. The book started out great, and I was excited to see what would happen to the characters. However, the book ends abruptly in order to “protect the privacy of the actual people the characters are based on.” I found this to be very jarring for the reader and made the book feel incomplete. While the book is based on a true story, it is still fiction and I strongly feel the story should have been elaborated on for a least a couple more chapters. I would not recommend reading this book.

Lost Vintage

#27. The Lost Vintage, Ann Mah

Grade: A+

Overall Thoughts: This book is definitely one of my favorites of the year! The plot goes back and forth between present day and the 1940s World War II France. I definitely learned a lot about wine and saw the war from a very different lens. The characters were well developed and very interesting. This would be a great book club pick and I highly recommend reading!

Target Alex Cross

#28. Target: Alex Cross, James Patterson

Grade: B+

Overall Thoughts: I LOVE the Alex Cross series but keep in mind, the series is very predictable. You always know that whatever peril Alex is in, he will be okay. This book does not disappoint and the ending makes you anticipate the next book.

Guernsey

#29. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

Grade: A

Overall Thoughts: This book is quite delightful! The book is a series of letters between characters, which I absolutely love.  If you don’t enjoy that writing style, you will not enjoy it as much a me. The characters are well developed and the writing is smart, witty, and funny. I loved all the information so subtly provided about the German occupation. It’s like a history book without the boring bits.

Lilac Girls

#30. Lilac Girls, Martha Hall Kelly

Grade: A

Overall Thoughts: This book is heart wrenching and well written. Since there are multiple points of view, it look a couple of chapters for me to be fully committed to the book. But once I understood the plot, I was hooked. The Lilac Girls tells the story of three women during and after WWII, and it was thought provoking to experience the plot from multiple viewpoints. It is centered around the Ravensbrück women’s concentration camp in Germany and the experimental surgery that the Nazis carried out on a group of Polish women. This is based on true events and people and knowing that made it even more gripping.

My Fall Reads Reviewed

A synopsis of the four books I’ve read this fall. 

 

person reading book and holding coffee

For two years, I have been posting my book reviews on Facebook in a Photo Album and I recently transitioned to posting my book reviews on this blog.

As fall is coming to an end, and the Christmas season is upon us, I just realized that I haven’t posted my book reviews in a while! Here is a synopsis of the four books I’ve read since the beginning of fall.

Are you looking for a new book and want to read other views? Here is a synopsis of all the books I read so far in 2019, and all the books I read in 2018.

What are you reading right now and which books should I add to my list? I am always looking for my next great read!

Fish On!

Misti

Alice Network

The Alice Network, Kate Quinn

Grade: A

Overall Thoughts: This book was really great! It looks at the spy network of women in World War II and also another story line that was also really interesting. This was a page-turner that I thoroughly enjoyed. This would be an ideal book club pick as there is a lot to discuss.

19th Christmas

19th Christmas, James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

Grade: C

Overall Thoughts: Overall Thoughts: I was very excited to read the latest “Women’s Murder Club” book and I was a little underwhelmed. While it was nice to learn more about the characters I’ve grown to love, I thought that the story line was a little blase. I would only read this book if you are invested in the entire series (which I highly recommend!).

Last House Guest

The Last House Guest, Megan Miranda

Grade: B

Overall Thoughts: I thought this book was better than Miranda’s “All the Missing Girls.” If you like mysteries or thrillers, you will like this book. I thought it was a little drawn out in parts which is why I didn’t give it a higher rating.

Every Breath

Every Breath, Nicholas Sparks

Grade: C-

Overall Thoughts: Nicholas Sparks got the idea for this book from letters he discovered on a beach in North Carolina. The book started out great, and I was excited to see what would happen to the characters. However, the book ends abruptly in order to “protect the privacy of the actual people the characters are based on.” I found this to be very jarring for the reader and made the book feel incomplete. While the book is based on a true story, it is still fiction and I strongly feel the story should have been elaborated on for a least a couple more chapters. I would not recommend reading this book.

Lost Vintage

The Lost Vintage, Ann Mah

Grade: A+

Overall Thoughts: This book is definitely one of my favorites of the year! The plot goes back and forth between present day and the 1940s World War II France. I definitely learned a lot about wine and saw the war from a very different lens. The characters were well developed and very interesting. This would be a great book club pick and I highly recommend reading!

My Summer Reads Reviewed

A synopsis of the four books I’ve read since this summer. 

photo of woman holding book

One of my goals every year is to read as much as possible. For the past couple years, my goal has been to read 12 books per year – an average of 1 book per month.

For two years, I have been posting my book reviews on Facebook in a Photo Album. and I recently transitioned to posting my book reviews on this blog.

As summer is coming to an end, I just realized that I haven’t posted my book reviews in a while! Here is a synopsis of the four books I’ve read since the beginning of summer.

Are you looking for a new book and want to read other views? Here is a synopsis of all the books I read so far in 2019, and all the books I read in 2018.

What are you reading right now and which books should I add to my list? I am always looking for my next great read!

Fish On!

Misti

The Cactus

The Cactus, Sarah Haywood

Grade: B

Overall Thoughts: This book is very similar to “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” so if you like that book, you will enjoy this one as well. The characters are well developed and quirky. The main character is going through multiple life dilemmas and the author weaves them together really well in order to craft a memorable story. I thought the beginning was a little drawn out, which is why I gave this book this rating. Overall, I would recommend it – especially if you are looking for a light read.

The Bride Test

The Bride Test, Helen Hoang

Grade: B-

Overall Thoughts: I was very excited for this book since it’s by the same author as “The Kiss Quotient.” The author used a similar style as her other book and thus the story line was extremely predictable. I did like the characters and there was a nice epilogue (you know I love a good epilogue!). In addition, one of the main characters is the cousin of Michael from “The Kiss Quotient.” This affords cameos of Michael and Stella so it was worth the read just to see what those two characters are now up to in life (they are doing well!). However, if you are expecting a book as high-caliber and page-turning as “The Kiss Quotient” you need to set your expectations lower so that you will not be disappointed.

Anger

Anger, Dr. Gary Chapman

Grade: C

Overall Thoughts: This book described anger in a very easy to understand way and had a lot of great actionable nuggets that can be applied to your own life. However, I feel that the book was very repetitive and could have been shortened even more than it already is. I think it is worth a read if you experience anger and/or have people in your life who frequently exhibit anger, but you could read the beginning chapters and then skim the rest.

The Whisper Network

Whisper Network, Chandler Baker

Grade: B

Overall Thoughts: This book was an easy read and the characters were very relatable. The story is about coworkers (some who are friends) and scandalous events that occurred and the repercussions of said events. Since I am a working mother, I could easily identify with the characters and some of their everyday struggles of balancing work, family, and other aspects of life. I only gave this a B though because there was much of the book that I zoned out on. I felt the book was a little too long and there were too many story lines going on. I think the book could have been more targeted and captivating if it focused on a couple of the main story lines rather than skipping around from character to character.

Misti’s 2019 Book Review

My thoughts and rating of the books I’ve read in 2019.

book book pages bookcase browse

Last Updated: March 1, 2020

I have always been an avid reader. As a child, every weekend my family traveled 2.5 hours each way to Marblehead for my dad’s fishing business. This was a time before cell phones, tablets, and other electronics. As the only child, in order to keep myself entertained I heavily relied on reading.

One of my goals every year is to read as much as possible. For the past couple years, my goal has been to read 12 books per year – an average of 1 book per month.

For two years, I have been posting my book reviews on Facebook in a Photo Album. And starting in 2018, I started posting my book reviews on my blog.

Here is a synopsis of the THIRTY books I read in 2019. This is the most books I’ve read in a year in probably…well, forever!

What are you reading right now and which books should I add to my 2020 list? I am always looking for my next great read!

PS: Looking for more great books? Check out my 2018 Book Review, too!

Fish On,

Misti

This is Me

#1. This is Me, Chrissy Metz

Grade: B+

Overall Thoughts: A friend r commended this book to me, and I really enjoyed learning more about Chrissy Metz. She had overcome so much adversity in life, and she provides a lot of actionable advice. She wrote this book in a very impersonal tone, so it feels like you are sitting in the same room with her and chatting over a glass of wine.

The Light We Lost

#2. The Light We Lost, Jill Santopolo

Grade: B+

Overall Thoughts: While this book was a little long and drawn out, it was extremely relatable and left me thinking about this book long-after the final page. The author poses the subject of how a tragedy can draw people together and about decisions made in relationships and love. I would recommend this book as a beach read. Warning: you could shed some tears if you are an emotional person.

The Last Mrs Parrish

#3. The Last Mrs. Parrish, Liv Constantine

Grade: A

Overall Thoughts: This was an EXCELLENT THRILLER!! The twist midway through the book reminds me a lot of Gillian Flynn. This was a very entertaining, quick read that will keep you flipping the page.

The Other Woman

#4. The Other Woman, Sandee Jones

Grade: A

Overall Thoughts: You will like this book, but be prepared to be really annoyed and frustrated with the characters! There are a lot of twists in the book, and I really liked the ending. This is a great summer read.

The Proposal

#5. The Proposal, Jasmine Guillory

Grade: B+

Overall Thoughts: This is a really romantic, easy read. It is also very funny, and the characters are very relatable. It is a little basic, which is why I didn’t give it an “A” rating.

See Me

#6. See Me, Nicholas Sparks

Grade: A

Overall Thoughts: I love a good Nicholas Sparks book and this one did not disappoint. I loved the characters and the book kept me on the edge of my seat. This is a thriller and a romance combined, this is a perfect combo to me.

Erotic Stories

#7. Erotic Stories for Punjabi Women

Grade: B-

Overall Thoughts: There are two story lines to this book. One was strong while the other was overwhelming. Also, I feel like the book took a little long to ramp up. However, once you get into the book you will find it entertaining so I think it is still worth the read. I just wouldn’t prioritize it high on your list.

5 Love Languages

#8. 5 Love Languages, Dr. Gary Chapman

Grade: A+

Overall Thoughts: This was a quick and profound read. I love how easy Dr. Chapman makes the concept easy to grasp. While these concepts are geared towards marriage, it is relevant to any relationship in your life: friends, coworkers, other family members, etc. I also heard Dr. Chapman speak at a marriage conference after reading this book, and he was so inspiring and entertaining. I highly recommend this book!

Missing Molly

#9. Missing Molly, Natalie Barelli

Grade: A

Overall Thoughts: This was a great book! It was a very easy read that will keep you guessing and will leave your mouth wide open in shock. I loved the main character and was in awe at all the decisions she had to make during her life. I highly recommend.

Where the Crawdads Sing

#10. Where the Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens

Grade: B+

Overall Thoughts: I had high expectations for this book. And while it was really good it didn’t “Wow” me which is while I didn’t give it an “A” rating. While it is fiction, it reminds me a lot of “The Glass Castle” so if you like that book, you will like this one as well. This book is the perfect mix of history, mystery, science, and romance. You should definitely give it a try!

Something in Water.jpg

#11. Something in the Water, Catherine Steadman

Grade: C+

Overall Thoughts: This book was a little too long and paranoid for my liking. I felt really anxious the entire time while reading, and I like to read as an escape. It does have a lot of twists and the characters go to interesting places and grapple with a lot of moral dilemmas. I would not read again.

President is missing.jpg

#12. The President is Missing, Bill Clinton & James Patterson

Grade: D

Overall Thoughts: This book was SO LONG and drawn out. I thought the premise of the book was good, but it took way too long to get to the point. I did not enjoy this book at all. I almost abandoned this book, and I wish I wouldn’t have wasted my time.

Girl Stop Apologizing

#13. Girl, Stop Apologizing, Rachel Hollis

Grade: B+

Overall Thoughts: I thought this book was really good and had a lot of tangible takeaways. Rachel provided very realistic advice and ideas on how to live your best life unapologetically. The book is the perfect length as well, and would be great as a book club read. However, I didn’t think it was as good as Girl, Wash Your Face which is why I only gave it a B+ instead of an A. I still highly recommend, though!

18th Abduction

#14. 18th Abduction, James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

Grade: B

Overall Thoughts: The Women’s Murder Club series is my favorite book series. I thought this book was good, but it was a flashback to 5 years ago and I DID NOT LIKE THAT! I love to see how characters have evolved in present time, and since this book was a flashback it did not afford the opportunity to determine what is going on with characters after the end of the last book. That was highly disappointing to me. However, the book was entertaining as usual and was an enjoyable and easy read. In addition, I read that the next Women’s Murder Club book will be released in December (A Christmas theme!) so I am excited that I don’t have to wait an entire year to read the next one.

Becoming

#15. Becoming, Michelle Obama

Grade: A+

Overall Thoughts: This book was SO GOOD! I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Michelle Obama and her life journey. I loved her writing style and that fact that she didn’t leave anything out. She clearly depicted her experiences in a very classy way while also expressing her feelings about every part of her life. As I was reading, I uncovered many similarities between Michelle and me. I highly recommend this book, no matter what party you may be affiliated with.

Wake Up Happy

#16. Wake Up Happy, Michael Strahan

Grade: B+

Overall Thoughts: This was a quick and easy read. I knew that Michael Strahan played football, but I knew him from Live! with Kelly and Michael. It was really interesting to learn about his upbringing, his journey to playing football, and then his experience playing as well as after his career ended. He had a lot of recommendations for how to me happy in life, but I will say his advice was pretty straightforward and simplistic. I didn’t give it an A rating because he skimmed over a lot of details about his life that would have been interesting to discuss. Also, I was hoping that this book would talk about how he left Live! with Kelly and Michael, but it was written while he was still on that show.

Paper Wife

#17. Paper Wife, Laila Ibrahim

Grade: B+

Overall Thoughts: I really enjoyed this historical fiction book. It was an easy read and honestly probably geared for young adults based on its simplicity. I learned a lot about 1920s Chinese immigration and Angel Island. The book also had a great epilogue which I always appreciate. I definitely recommend reading this book if you enjoy reading historical fiction and/or Asian-inspired books.

Before We Were Yours

#18. Before We Were Yours, Lisa Wingate

Grade: A+

Overall Thoughts: This is probably my favorite read of the year. It is heart-wrenching and eye-opening. This book is historical fiction and I had no idea that this sort of thing happened in our country within the past century. I like that the book jumps from present time to the late 1930s. The characters are well-developed and it is easy to become vested in their journeys. I kept saying, “I will just read one more page!” I just had to see what happened next. This is the first book that I have read from this author and I am going to explore more of her books.

The Cactus

#19. The Cactus, Sarah Haywood

Grade: B

Overall Thoughts: This book is very similar to “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” so if you like that book, you will enjoy this one as well. The characters are well developed and quirky. The main character is going through multiple life dilemmas and the author weaves them together really well in order to craft a memorable story. I thought the beginning was a little drawn out, which is why I gave this book this rating. Overall, I would recommend it – especially if you are looking for a light read.

The Bride Test

#20. The Bride Test, Helen Hoang

Grade: B-

Overall Thoughts: I was very excited for this book since it’s by the same author as “The Kiss Quotient.” The author used a similar style as her other book and thus the story line was extremely predictable. I did like the characters and there was a nice epilogue (you know I love a good epilogue!). In addition, one of the main characters is the cousin of Michael from “The Kiss Quotient.” This affords cameos of Michael and Stella so it was worth the read just to see what those two characters are now up to in life (they are doing well!). However, if you are expecting a book as high-caliber and page-turning as “The Kiss Quotient” you need to set your expectations lower so that you will not be disappointed.

Anger

#21. Anger, Dr. Gary Chapman

Grade: C

Overall Thoughts: This book described anger in a very easy to understand way and had a lot of great actionable nuggets that can be applied to your own life. However, I feel that the book was very repetitive and could have been shortened even more than it already is. I think it is worth a read if you experience anger and/or have people in your life who frequently exhibit anger, but you could read the beginning chapters and then skim the rest.

The Whisper Network

#22. Whisper Network, Chandler Baker

Grade: B

Overall Thoughts: This book was an easy read and the characters were very relatable. The story is about coworkers (some who are friends) and scandalous events that occurred and the repercussions of said events. Since I am a working mother, I could easily identify with the characters and some of their everyday struggles of balancing work, family, and other aspects of life. I only gave this a B though because there was much of the book that I zoned out on. I felt the book was a little too long and there were too many story lines going on. I think the book could have been more targeted and captivating if it focused on a couple of the main story lines rather than skipping around from character to character.

Alice Network

#23. The Alice Network, Kate Quinn

Grade: A

Overall Thoughts: This book was really great! It looks at the spy network of women in World War II and also another story line that was also really interesting. This was a page-turner that I thoroughly enjoyed. This would be an ideal book club pick as there is a lot to discuss.

19th Christmas

#24. 19th Christmas, James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

Grade: C

Overall Thoughts: Overall Thoughts: I was very excited to read the latest “Women’s Murder Club” book and I was a little underwhelmed. While it was nice to learn more about the characters I’ve grown to love, I thought that the story line was a little blase. I would only read this book if you are invested in the entire series (which I highly recommend!).

Last House Guest

#25. The Last House Guest, Megan Miranda

Grade: B

Overall Thoughts: I thought this book was better than Miranda’s “All the Missing Girls.” If you like mysteries or thrillers, you will like this book. I thought it was a little drawn out in parts which is why I didn’t give it a higher rating.

Every Breath

#26. Every Breath, Nicholas Sparks

Grade: C-

Overall Thoughts: Nicholas Sparks got the idea for this book from letters he discovered on a beach in North Carolina. The book started out great, and I was excited to see what would happen to the characters. However, the book ends abruptly in order to “protect the privacy of the actual people the characters are based on.” I found this to be very jarring for the reader and made the book feel incomplete. While the book is based on a true story, it is still fiction and I strongly feel the story should have been elaborated on for a least a couple more chapters. I would not recommend reading this book.

Lost Vintage

#27. The Lost Vintage, Ann Mah

Grade: A+

Overall Thoughts: This book is definitely one of my favorites of the year! The plot goes back and forth between present day and the 1940s World War II France. I definitely learned a lot about wine and saw the war from a very different lens. The characters were well developed and very interesting. This would be a great book club pick and I highly recommend reading!

Target Alex Cross

#28. Target: Alex Cross, James Patterson

Grade: B+

Overall Thoughts: I LOVE the Alex Cross series but keep in mind, the series is very predictable. You always know that whatever peril Alex is in, he will be okay. This book does not disappoint and the ending makes you anticipate the next book.

Guernsey

#29. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

Grade: A

Overall Thoughts: This book is quite delightful! The book is a series of letters between characters, which I absolutely love.  If you don’t enjoy that writing style, you will not enjoy it as much a me. The characters are well developed and the writing is smart, witty, and funny. I loved all the information so subtly provided about the German occupation. It’s like a history book without the boring bits.

Lilac Girls

#30. Lilac Girls, Martha Hall Kelly

Grade: A

Overall Thoughts: This book is heart wrenching and well written. Since there are multiple points of view, it look a couple of chapters for me to be fully committed to the book. But once I understood the plot, I was hooked. The Lilac Girls tells the story of three women during and after WWII, and it was thought provoking to experience the plot from multiple viewpoints. It is centered around the Ravensbrück women’s concentration camp in Germany and the experimental surgery that the Nazis carried out on a group of Polish women. This is based on true events and people and knowing that made it even more gripping.

Misti’s 2018 Book Review

A Look Back at the 28 Books I Read Last Year

white ceramic teacup with saucer near two books above gray floral textile

I have always been an avid reader. As a child, every weekend my family traveled 2.5 hours each way to Marblehead for my dad’s fishing business. This was a time before cell phones, tablets, and other electronics. As the only child, in order to keep myself entertained I heavily relied on reading.

One of my goals every year is to read as much as possible. For the past couple years, my goal has been to read 12 books per year – an average of 1 book per month. And in 2018, I read 28 books!

For two years, I have been posting my book reviews on Facebook in a Photo Album. Moving forward, I am going to post my book reviews on this blog.

Here is a synopsis of all the books I read in 2018, and a video of which book was my favorite and least favorite.

Misti’s 2018 Book Review

The Woman in Cabin 10

#1: The Woman In Cabin 10, Ruth Ware
Grade: C-
Overall Thoughts: I was very unimpressed by this book. The story line was not particularly cohesive and the ending was odd. This was a very popular book, but I would not recommend reading it. Not the best thriller I’ve ever read, by far!

Everything I Never Told You

#2: Everything I Never Told You, Celeste Ng
Grade: B+
Overall Thoughts: An extremely thought-provoking book that holds your attention from the very first sentence. It covers a span of intimate topics: death of a teenager, grieving, racial tensions, gender inequality, family dysfunction, and more. It really makes you think: there is so much that you never tell even your closest confidants, and so much that they don’t tell you. I think Taylor Swift said it best in her reputation prologue: “We think we know someone, but the truth is that we only know the version of them they have chosen to show us.”

Outward Mindset

#3: The Outward Mindset: Seeing Beyond Ourselves, The Arbinger Institute
Grade: B
Overall Thoughts: Not the best or worst business book I’ve ever read. While the concept seems basic, it does lead for excellent discussion and brainstorming within a team setting. Since reading, I have thought a lot about how I can have more of an “outward mindset” in all facets of my life. It is human nature to focus “inward” so it is always beneficial to take a pause to recalibrate and make a conscious effort to doing better, in my opinion.

Eleanor Oliphant

#4: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, Gail Honeyman
Grade: B+

Overall Thoughts: If you liked “A Man Called Ove” or “The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared,” you will enjoy this book. While this novel begins a little slowly, it does gain momentum as readers fall in love with quirky Eleanor and her logical views on life and attempts to reinvent herself. This book also discusses some serious concepts which adds a lot of depth to the humor. Honeyman is a superbly witty writer with a strong ability to perfectly develop numerous characters, which I sincerely enjoy and appreciate as a reader.

The Alchemist

#5: The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho
Grade: C+
Overall Thoughts: This is a literary classic, so perhaps my expectations were set a little high. I thought the book was good but not great. It is very philosophical so you have to really be in the mood for some deep, symbolic thinking. With that in mind, the book does evoke many profound questions about living your dream and best life, so you will feel like you got something out of it. My favorite quote from the book is, “You will never be able to escape from your heart. So it’s better to listen to what it has to say.” My feelings for this book are similar to my thoughts on Las Vegas: I am glad I experienced it, but not in a big hurry to do it again.

Alex Cross

#6: The People vs. Alex Cross
Grade: B
Overall Thoughts: This was your standard Alex Cross book. I enjoy catching up with the characters that I have invested so much time with throughout the years. It was a good read, but nothing life-changing. I look forward to reading the next Alex Cross book when it comes out. If you like book series and haven’t read an Alex Cross book, I highly recommend doing so!

Little Fires

#7: Little Fires Everywhere, Celeste Ng
Grade: B
Overall Thoughts: I had really high expectations for this book, which is probably why I felt a little underwhelmed. While the characters were interesting, and it was nice to know the area since took place in Shaker Heights, I wasn’t super invested in any of the key players. I also thought the ending was extremely underdeveloped. However, I do think this is an excellent choice for a book club since it covers many taboo topics that will be great for a group discussion.

Adam Sharp

#8: The Best of Adam Sharp, Graeme Simsion
Grade: C-
Overall Thoughts: I LOVED this author’s previous books (The Rosie Project and The Rosie Effect) so I was excited to read this one. However, it was absolutely bizarre! It took a while for the plot to develop and then when it did, I wasn’t too eager to finish. The book did have some good life lessons to think about, mainly, the grass isn’t always greener and that your past is probably in your past for a reason. While I highly recommend Simsion’s previous books, I do NOT recommended this one.

A is for Alibi

#9: A is for Alibi, Sue Grafton
Grade: B
Overall Thoughts: When Sue Grafton passed away in late 2017 after a two-year battle with cancer, I read a couple articles about her and was absolutely blown away by her compassion, work ethic, and dedication to her family and fans. I was familiar with her Alphabet series but had never read one of her books before. I figured I would start from the beginning, and I did like the first book in the series. Kinsey is a strong female lead, the plot captivated me from the first sentence, and the plot left me guessing until the very end. I plan to read a couple more books in the series before deciding if I am an avid Grafton fan.

Alone

#10: Alone, Lisa Gardner
Grade: B
Overall Thoughts: The plot of this book was pretty good, although it was confusing at times. It really kept me guessing until the end. And even then, I was still left thinking. This is the first book in a series, and I will read the next one to see if I want to commit. Also, the book was based in Boston, and since I have been there so often, it was nice to be familiar with many of the landmarks throughout the story.

B is for burgular

#11: B is for Burglar, Sue Grafton
Grade: B+
Overall Thoughts: I liked this book better than the first in the series. It was very thought provoking and kept me entertained until the end. However, there were way too many characters to keep track of, which is why I didn’t rate it higher.

Favorite Sister

#12: The Favorite Sister, Jessica Knoll
Grade: B+
Overall Thoughts: I liked this book a lot better than Knoll’s first book, “The Luckiest Girl Alive.” It was an interesting concept to frame the book around a reality show, especially since that type of programming is so prevalent in our society. The characters were very defined and they went on interesting journeys. I liked that readers are able to see three different perspectives throughout the book. I do think the book was a little too long, as it often rambled without having a clear purpose at many points. Also, I don’t think the title really fits with the overall plot of the book. I would have titled it something else.

Hide

#13: Hide, Lisa Gardner
Grade: A
Overall Thoughts: This was an excellent book that kept me guessing until the end. I love that there were characters from the last book as well. I am looking forward to reading the next novel in the series!

17th Suspect

#14: 17th Suspect, James Patterson
Grade: B
Overall Thoughts: This was a good continuation of the series, but felt pretty much like the others. However, the ending had a great cliff hanger and I am anxious to read the next book when it is released in May 2019.

Neighbor

#15: The Neighbor, Lisa Gardner
Grade: C
Overall Thoughts: This book was pretty lackluster and anticlimactic in comparison to the former books in this series. I wouldn’t skip over this book…just set your expectations low.

Kiss Quotient

#16: The Kiss Quotient, Helen Hoang
Grade: A+
Overall Thoughts: Think Fifty Shades of Grey for nerdy people, but with a way better plot and way better writing. Stella and Michael are extremely complex and charming characters for this type of novel. Disclaimer: This is not just a “love story” like I initially thought, but rather an extremely erotic book! 😬 I totally was not expecting this, so I am just throwing that out there. It is VERY PASSIONATE AND DESCRIPTIVE! If that is your type of thing, you will love this book. If it’s not, then you should pass!

Live to Tell

#17: Live to Tell, Lisa Gardner
Grade: B
Overall Thoughts: This book kept my attention and had a good storyline, but it wasn’t one of my favorites. It was good, not great.

Love You More

#18: Love You More, Lisa Gardner
Grade: B+
Overall Thoughts: I really liked the plot about DD Warren, and the plot about the crime was clever and captivating. This was an easy and interesting read.

Girl, Wash Your Face

#19: Girl, Wash Your Face, Rachel Hollis
Grade: A+
Overall Thoughts: This book lives up to all its hype. I listened to the audio book, and I highly recommend the audio version since Rachel is the one who narrates, so you clearly understand the points she wants to emphasize. I loved how the chapters were set up, and she offered a lot of practical advice. This is an EXCELLENT book club read. To see an extensive review about the book club I had at my house for this book, see this older blog post.

7th Month

#20: The 7th Month, Lisa Gardner
Grade: B
Overall Thoughts: This is a short story about when DD Warren is pregnant (spoiler alert!), so it was nice that the author didn’t skip over this phase of her life. I am actually surprised that this wasn’t a full length book. It was interesting, but it did feel a little rushed.

I Almost Forgot About You

#21: I Almost Forgot About You, Terry McMillan
Grade: A
Overall Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. The writing was on point, satirical, and real. I think I would have liked it even more if I would have been 20 years older, since Georgia’s concerns of having an empty nest, finding new hobbies, and being a grandparent, would have been even more relatable. Nonetheless, this was a refreshing read that shows it is never too late to reinvent yourself.

Surprise Me

#22: Surprise Me, Sophie Kinsella
Grade: D
Overall Thoughts: Based on the synopsis, I was very excited to read this book. However, the plot is ENTIRELY different than what was depicted. I was really hoping for a lighthearted read, and it ended up being extremely deep and thought provoking. That being said, the book was very long and didn’t live up to my expectations. I recommend skipping this one.

All We Ever Wanted

#23: All We Ever Wanted, Emily Giffin
Grade: B+
Overall Thoughts: This was a solid Emily Giffin book. Interesting story. Well-developed characters. A taboo topic examined. An easy read. I became vested in the characters and I never wanted to end a chapter. As a reader, that is a good feeling. Plus, the book has an EPILOGUE! And it fast forwards 10 YEARS! And that makes my heart happy.

Badass

#24: You Are a Badass, Jen Sincero
Grade: B+
Overall Thoughts: Very similar to “Girl, Wash Your Face,” so if you like that book you will like this one. I took away some key nuggets of information so I found the time reading the book was valuable. This book is worth reading, and I have recommended it to many people already. The reason I didn’t give the book an “A” rating is due to the amount of time the author talks about money. I really don’t feel like I have those types of feelings towards money, so those (numerous) parts were not helpful to me and I just found myself thinking, “Okay, I get it. Move into another way I can be a badass!”

Woman in the Window

#25: The Woman in the Window, A.J. Finn
Grade: B-
Overall Thoughts: I think I set the bar too high for this book. When I saw that Gillian Flynn described this book as, “Astounding. Thrilling. Amazing.” I was expecting something more. I struggled a little at the beginning due to its slow pace, and I think the book could have been reduced by a couple chapters. However, it was an above average read and the ending was GREAT! So…if you like a good thriller, it is worth the read from the library but I wouldn’t buy it or reread.

Good Daughter

#26: The Good Daughter, Karin Slaughter
Grade: B
Overall Thoughts: This book had many twists and turns. The characters were extremely engaging and developed. The topic is pretty gruesome so beware. The reason I gave the book a “B” rating is that it the book went back and forth from past to present day, and then from the point of view of two different characters. So that was very confusing and didn’t flow well. I understand what the author was trying to do, but that isn’t my favorite writing style. Overall, I recommend this book if you like thrillers.

Notorious RBG

#27: Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Irin Carmon & Shana Knizhnik 
Grade: B
Overall Thoughts: The premise of this book is really great. I didn’t know much about RBG before reading this and I learned a lot about her career, family, and advocacy. While reading this book, I thought a lot about women’s rights and human rights. I think I have taken many of my rights for granted (such as the ability to attend college in any desired major, and then work, and then work AND have a family), and it was helpful to learn more about the history surrounding these rights and how RBG had such an influence. This is an excellent book club book, that with spark great intellectual discussion.

Nine Perfect Strangers

#28: Nine Perfect Strangers, Liane Moriarty
Grade: B
Overall Thoughts: Liane Moriarty is one of my “Top 3” authors and I have been eagerly anticipating her new book for YEARS! Seriously…I have read all of her books and they got me through some rough times during maternity leave. I thought the premise of this book was good but I wasn’t blown away like I was with the others. The structure is the same – many different characters whose lives are interwoven in some way. I laughed a lot, cried a little, and did get invested in the plot. I suggest reading this book, but if you are an avid Liane Moriarty fan like me, just set the bar a little lower so you get the most enjoyment from this novel.

My Favorite & Least Favorite Books of the Year

And my favorite and least favorite books of the year were…

 

What Should I Read Next?

What was your favorite book of 2018, and what are some recommendations you have for my 2019 reading list?

Fish On,

Misti