One of my favorite posts to make—a review of all of the books I have read this year. This year I had a goal to read 24 books, I did not reach it, but I also had a baby and am cutting myself some slack. If you’re curious about past years, here they are—2023, 2022, 2021 & 2020.

This year I have learned that I still really enjoy memoirs (probably my favorite genre), with historical fiction coming in a close second. I also have learned that apparently my brain is a big pile of mush in terms of remembering things. Certain books seem to have completely been forgotten. Perhaps it is having four kids under the age of six, or perhaps I am aging and showing signs of memory loss (just kidding, hopefully not yet). Regardless, I know that I enjoyed reading those books, and so even if I don’t remember a whole lot about them, it is still worth it to me. This year, most of my reading took place in my bed, covered in a quilt with my heating pad on. The big kids have really gotten into reading chapter books before bed. It has been so much fun to have them engage in a story, and look forward to reading the next chapter each night. I didn’t include those books in here because, let’s be honest, Nathan has been doing most of that reading, but the kids would say their favorite series are Captain Underpants and the Hidden Scrolls series). After taking a break from reading since having Gabriel, I am excited to spend more time reading this year. Please send me ALLLLL your recommendations.

Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes

An enjoyable book. It was entertaining and fun to read, nothing groundbreaking. 4/5

The Women by Kristin Hannah

I read the back of this book in Target and immediately knew I needed it. A great combination of my love for Vietnam and my love for nursing. 5/5 Great book highly recommend.

Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted by Suleika Jaouad

OOOH I really enjoyed this book too. 4.5/5

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

So far, I have enjoyed all books written by Kristin Hannah. 4.5/5

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

This was came recommended by a few people. I really enjoyed reading it, thought it was a good entertaining read. 4/5

Home Front by Kristin Hannah

Again—Kristin Hannah. 5/5

Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica

Even after reading the summary and reviews of this book, I genuinely cannot remember reading it. I know I must have because I gave it a review on goodreads. Apparantly I thought it was a 3/5. I now change it to a 2/5 considering absolutelyt nothing stuck with me.

Displaced: A Memoir by Esther Wiebe

Surprise, surprise—It’s another memoir about growing up in traumatic circumstances. This one is about a girl growing up in a Mennonite community in Bolivia. It’s fascinating. 4.5/5

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

Really enjoyed this book. 4.5/5

Wildflower: A Tale of Transcendence by Dr. Teresa Van Woy

Another memoir. I find them so fascinating. 4/5

What You are Looking For is in the Libary by Michiko Aoyama

This was actually the first book I read this year, not sure how they became out of order. I enjoyed this book, It was a fun, easy read. I think I remember liking it more right after reading it, I don’t remember it much now. 3.5/5

When I don’t Desire God—How to Fight for Joy by John Piper

I don’t remember much about this read either. It seemed very fitting when I read it. 3/5

The Midwife of Auschwitz by Anna Stuart

I LOVED this book. It was such an entertaining read. Highly recommend. 5/5

All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham

Not going to lie, I can’t remember how this book ends, but I do remember really enjoying it! 4/5

Harry Potter 1-7 by JK Rowling

It’s Harry Potter. 5/5. Apparently after reading so many books about the Holocaust and traumatic childhood memoirs, it’s fun to reread some lighthearted Harry Potter. This was the perfect thing to read during the fall, and fun fact, I actually finished the last book while I was in labor with sweet Gabey. A great way to end the year.

Thanks for reading my book reviews even though this year it is pretty short and to the point—my coffee has turned cold and sweet baby Gabe is stirring next to me. Here’s to a new year of reading!