2023 (so far) has been the year of reading for me. What I feared was a rising hyper obsession (see ADHD) has quelled into one of the most relaxing, consistent, and decompressing hobbies I have now. Plus it’s so fun to realize that reading has expanded to a world more than well, just reading. Now there are podcasts about reading, apps, and communities (hello book club!) that take it from a solo activity to really feeling a sense of belonging.
One note before we jump in – these aren’t the newest book releases. They range from 2018-2023. I utilize my library and am patiently on the waitlist for many. Instead, these are books and authors I’ve discovered that I’ve loved this year, regardless of publication date.
My Favorite Reading Accessories
Okay, I reallllyyyy hate hobbies that cost money. One of the goals of picking up reading is to reduce spending. Hence the utilization of the public library. However, I have found just a few things that have made my reading experience just a little better, especially as I travel a lot this year.
- This rechargeable USB booklight doubles as a bookmark – I used this when reading on a plane and don’t want to be the rude person who uses the overhead light on a redeye.
- This acrylic book stand doubles as decor (and is popping up everywhere in trendy stores in Chicago). I like having functional decor and this one I use for currently reading and cookbooks.
- Magnetic bookmarker clips for those of us who cannot find a bookmark that isn’t juvenile and love a self-contained item. Previous to this I was using airline cocktail napkins as bookmarkers which are predictably ineffective at their non-intended purpose.
My Favorite Books So Far
If you follow me on Instagram you know my area is fiction thrillers. But sometimes it just simply gets too violent, redundant, and vulgar, seemingly just for the shock value. After looking at what books I’ve enjoyed the most, the data (yes, data – I track my reads. I took a poll and it was split down the middle between GoodReads and StoryGraph and I chose StoryGraph.) are non-violent thrillers. Specifically con artist storylines. I love a con within a con and those tend to be the ones that keep me guessing.
The End of Her | Someone We Know | Not a Happy Family
Shari is an instant book request/library hold for me. Domestic thrillers are her specialty and they can range from thrilling to spicy (The Couple Next Door) and I love the range. Her stories are always fast-paced, engaging and have enough of a twist to keep me guessing. If you want a thriller, easier-than-hard book to read, Shari is always where I recommend people start.
The Golden Couple
I truly wish I could discover Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen for the first time again. Their books are some of my FAVES and sadly I’ve now read them all. The Golden Couple didn’t disappoint. Conning, lying and therapy? Absolute catnip for me!
No One Will Miss Her
Okay, so the opening of No One Will Miss Her … is a lot. However, the book is smart. Really smart. It was one of the first ones that I had to go back a few pages to make sure I was really paying attention to the details. My brain likes to run a few different scenarios to see if it can figure out the twist and I found myself very, very engaged in this one.
True Biz
True Biz is positioned as a thriller. That is… generous, at most. What put it on the list for me is the integration of learning ASL, Black ASL, and other aspects of sign language, including beloved historical figures who wanted to use eugenics to eradicate the deaf. This book is very important for learning about ASL, inclusion, some harsh realities, and where we can all be advocates.
The Lies I Tell
Apparently if “lies” is in the title, I’m going to love it. Another con-centric story that I loved. You sort of empathize with both characters and they all have their own self-serving agenda. The Lies I Tell is a really fun con artist thriller!
Sometimes I Lie | Rock, Paper, Scissors
Sometimes I Lie literally has me (still) Googling Reddit forums to see if I can figure out the ending. If I was to compare it to a movie, the ending feels a bit like Inception – you’re going to have a strong opinion on it, but are you right?
Alice Feeney has a wild range of book approaches. While they are all suspenseful, they don’t feel all too similar, unlike many that have that carry-over similar troupes.
