BOOKS I'VE READ Lately

I’ve been opting for books over television lately, mainly because all of my shows have either ended or run their course and I’ve lost interest. Books are great because even if the storyline isn’t super unique or different, you still have the creative freedom to assign the characters their own identity. I always say the book version of any show or movie is better because you get more detail and visualize / romanticize the characters any way you want, which to me is half the fun of reading. Reading stimulates my mind in a way TV cannot, primarily because you cannot multi-task while reading. My full attention must be on the book and it feels so much more consuming and interesting to me. When I watch TV I am 100% also on my phone, half paying attention.

I also find that when I read consistently my vocabulary is sharper. I would say I’m a pretty articulate person, but there are some days where I cannot place a word for the life of me and that scares me for when I’m older. I think finding time to read daily is such a good habit to adapt, especially if you’re the type who appreciates your alone time. There is nothing like uninterrupted reading time.

Something else I’ve added to my routine is listening to audiobooks. This one has been tough / strange, but I started it because I spend so many hours commuting to LA for work. I was finding myself getting bored listening to my music and wanting something else. I will say, the voice of the narrator can make it or break it for me. The book can go from mysterious, sexy, and intriguing to cringe really fast due to the voice of the male lead sounding like your 4th grade science teacher. Same for the women. Voice is really important. Still unsure if audiobooks do it for me, but it’s better than NOT listening to them on long car rides.

Here is a recent list of books I’ve read with a very brief review. I find books through recs on Instagram and also the Kindle app will make recommendations based on your previous books. Don’t come for me on the genre I read, I like an easy beach read for the most part. While I would love to be a non-fiction girly, I just can’t bring myself to pay attention long enough to finish books that educate (LOL). I was a terrible student in school, what can I say? If you’re into light fiction, this list is for you.

By the way, I always see questions on my Kindle and this is the one I have (& love because there’s no glare when I’m reading by the pool or outside). You can see other books I’ve read here, too.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid – Absolutely loved this book. Old Hollywood vibes were so much fun to read and the storyline was extremely moving.

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey – This one was super charming. I love reading books about people living in a new environment and this one checked all the boxes.

Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score – If you like a twist, you’ll probably like this one. Wasn’t sure I was loving it until further in, but worth reading.

Hook Line & Sinker by Tessa Bailey – The sequel to ‘It Happened One Summer.’ Didn’t love this one as much as the first, but still enjoyed it.

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle – I love this author and I powered through this book in a few days. Made me instantly miss Positano. Read before traveling to Italy to get excited.

The Idea of You by Robinne Lee – OBSESSED. I heard it’s secretly about Harry Styles, which made me love the book even more. The ending wrecked me but SO good!

Before We Were Strangers by Renee Carlind – This one made me sad a lot but still loved reading it. I’m a big fan of books that take place in NYC.

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover – This one was hard to read at times, but still so good and Colleen Hoover can do no wrong honestly.

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena – This one hooked me in the first chapter. So captivating with lots of twists. Would like to read more books like this.

Meant To Be by Emily Giffin – Blah. I love this author but this one was by far my least favorite of hers.

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid – Couldn’t stand this book. Love reading about rich celeb-types but this one lacked just about everything. Would not recommend it.

The Naked Fisherman by Jewel E Anne – A super unexpected storyline that I ended up loving. Don’t judge it by the name.

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover – Nothing new here; everyone (including myself) cannot deny loving this book.

People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry – BORING. I started reading another book by this author (Book Lovers) and couldn’t even finish it.

Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas – Another weird name / storyline that I ended up loving. I read this one in a few days while on a trip.

Things We Hide From The Light by Lucy Score – Didn’t love this sequel to ‘Things We Never Got Over,’ but had to finish it anyway. This was my first audiobook and was taken aback by their voices. Might have preferred it if I read it?

If This Is Love by Jewel E Anne – Eh. Didn’t love this one. The story was pretty predictable and the main character seemed immature to me.

By A Thread by Lucy Score – Listening to this on audio killed it for me. A story I would have otherwise liked, the voices of the characters were not what I imagined and it kind of ruined it for me.

It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover – While I didn’t dislike it, I didn’t feel like this follow-up to ‘It Ends With Us’ was needed.