A 4th Year of Books: 52 Books in 52 Weeks
/As I begin 2023 with the goal of reading 52 books in 52 weeks (my 4th year!), I’m filled with excitement of the endless reading possibilities this year will bring. So many new books are being released this year and there are still so many that are on my to read list- I can’t wait to get started!
Two Nights in Lisbon (by Chris Pavone)- A thriller involving an American kidnapping in Lisbon (a traveler’s worst nightmare situation for sure) with an ending so shocking you won’t see it coming. Trust me, you may be able to make some guesses as the book goes on, but you won’t be able to guess the ending until its over. Nothing is ever what it seems and certainly not the book’s protagonist, Ariel Pryce.
Rock, Paper, Scissor (by Alice Feeney)- Wow, this book was amazing! There are the characters you think you know and then there are the characters you won’t see coming. In fact, you won’t be able to see the ending coming either… The best thriller- I highly recommend! Plus its set in the beautiful, but deserted, Scottish highlands and we know nothing ever good happens in the middle of a Scottish winter storm…
The It Girl (by Ruth Ware)- The book’s premise is set on a college murder of Oxford University’s It girl and the impact it has on her surviving friends, particularly her best friend and roommate, Hannah. This whodunit mystery will keep you guessing until literally the end- there were so many times throughout the plot where I thought I had outsmarted the author and figured out the killer only to discover in the next chapter that I was dead wrong.
The Girls Weekend (by Jody Gehrman)- 5 college girlfriends. 1 remote mansion in Washington’s San Juan Islands. 1 murder. This book has all the ingredients for a perfect whodunit and boy are there a lot of suspects. It’s a mix between a Lucy Foley novel and a Sex and the City gone wrong plot.
Nothing More to Tell (by Karen M McManus)- I’ve been so excited for the newest Karen McManus mystery and Nothing More to Tell is no different from McManus’ other books in that the protagonist is a high school female student who investigates a local murder with an array of potential suspects. Its an easy read- perfect for a vacation!
The Summer Place (by Jennifer Weiner)- I decided to take a brief break from reading thrillers (although that really is my favorite genre) and foray into a book about a Jewish American multigenerational family based in Brooklyn. The story is told from multiple family members perspectives from the stepmother and protagonist, Sarah, to her husband Eli to her stepdaughter Ruby (whose wedding is bringing the entire family together for a celebration on Cape Cod), to her mother Ronnie. I loved the family drama and secrets and how it portrays that no family is perfect, even one that looks that way from the outside.
Little Monsters (by Kara Thomas)- Another one of my favorite authors, Kara Thomas, has written another excellent book. The suspense created in Little Monsters by the protagonist, Kacey, and her friends and family, is second to none. Throughout the book I was constantly questioning what happened to Kacey’s friend Bailey? I was shocked by the ending and really liked how all the plot points were fully addressed at the end.
The Family Chao (by Lan Samantha Chang)- Happy Lunar New Year! To celebrate the Year of the Rabbit, I decided to read an Asian American story about a family of Chinese immigrants living in a rural town of Wisconsin. The Chao family is made up of Leo (a problematic crass father) and Winnie (a softspoken mother) and their 3 sons (Dagou, Ming, and James) who are learning about identity and belonging as Asian born Americans. There’s crazy family dynamics, complicated romantic relationships, and even a murder- the Chao family’s story is the perfect story for the Asian American.
My Dark Vanessa (by Kate Elizabeth Russell)- I decided to join a friend’s monthly book club January meeting to start off the year by trying something new and listened to My Dark Vanessa via audiobook. And wow… Dark Vanessa is dark… and very disturbing. The book addresses the very relevant topics of sexual assault, #metoo, gaslighting, and manipulation. The disturbing relationship between Vanessa and her much older male teacher is told from her point of view in a past and present timeline and a lot of details were truly sickening. I hope that younger girls read this story and recognize the signs of grooming and hopefully avoid a similar situation.
Marple: 12 New Mysteries (by Various Authors)- I love old school mysteries and Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple is the original female sleuth and detective. When I discovered this series of mysteries by various renowned authors, I could not wait to read. Each chapter in the book is written by a different author (some of my favorite mystery writes too!) and tell a brand new Miss Marple adventure. From London to the US to even Hong Kong, there are 12 mysteries that are told in true Agatha Christie style.
Carrie Soto is Back (by Taylor Jenkins Reid)- The latest by Taylor Jenkins Reid (of Daisy Jones fame) was amazing as usual. Jenkins Reid’s style of writing evokes such a vivid fictional world that you fully believe it as reality. Throughout the book, I was rooting for Carrie the entire time and wanted to look her up on Wikipedia several times because her rise to success just seemed so real. I learned so much about tennis and the cost of success- such a wonderful story!
Eight Perfect Murders (by Peter Swanson)- True crime is definitely my genre and I could not wait to read Peter Swanson’s highly anticipated novel. I loved how the plot brings in different murders from 8 renowned mystery novels and there are essentially several crimes to solve within this one book. The ending is definitely not what it seems.
Hello Girls (by Brittany Cavallaro and Emily Henry)- A Thelma and Louise type plot where two best friends (each suffering from various issues at home) go on the run with stolen drugs, stolen cash, and a stolen car. All they have to rely on in the wild is each other (I was so jealous of their unconditional friendship the entire time) and their instincts. The two encounter multiple roadblocks and characters along the way and learn that survival of the fittest isn’t just a phrase you hear on TV, but real life.I love Emily Henry’s modern day romance stories (Beach Read!), but this is nothing like those books so prepared to be shocked.
Pretty Dead Queens (by Alexa Donne)- I was impressed by Alexa Donne’s other novel, The Ivies, and liked its lighthearted whodunit style of mystery so I decided to read Donne’s latest release as well. There’s a high school murder, a clique of friends, twisted family members, and a strong heroine so you know it will be a good ending and the journey won’t scare the pants off you- my type of mystery!
Remarkably Bright Creatures (by Shelby Van Pelt)- The SWEETEST novel ever written. My heart was completely melted by the end of this heartwarming story because the idea that humans have creatures like an Octopus looking out for us and caring about us and helping us is so endearing that you just want it to be real. I loved how the author (this is her debut novel too!) weaved in the octopus’ thoughts and actions along with the human story. I hope Van Pelt continues to write and release books because I’m hooked!
Five Survive (by Holly Jackson)- The complete opposite of the previous book I read. I did not expect this totally scary book from Holly Jackson (who penned the Good Girl Murder series). There are 6 friends and 1 RV- based on the title of this book, its clear that the ending won’t be easy. The entire book is told over the course of one night un hour increments and each chapter is scarier than the last. Pro tip- Read this around other people!
Aesthetica (by Allie Rowbottom)- I would have never picked up this book if a book club I joined hadn’t picked it as its March read.and after reading its 265 pages, I wish I hadn’t. Rarely do I dislike a book, but I felt that Aesthetica was extremely disturbing in a way that didn’t even make sense in the end. The author began many relevant story lines (mother daughter relationships, pressures of social media, the lure of constant plastic surgery to look “perfect”, regret of age), sexual assault), but none of these story lines had a well thought out ending. There were many unanswered questions in the end and nothing was ever wrapped up. Aesthetica was probably one of my least favorite books this year.
It Starts With Us (by Colleen Hoover)- I was so moved by the first book in the series, It Ends With Us, and its story of dealing and overcoming abuse that I knew I had to read the sequel as soon as it was released. The author writes in the Acknowledgments section that she wrote this sequel in order to give Lily and Atlas’ story a happy ending and that is truly what she does. I loved reading about how beautiful second chances can be and .true love is out there. However, Hoover doesn’t shy away from the difficulties that divorce when children are involved can be and how hard getting away from an abusive relationship really is. I felt like I had a better understanding of how strong an individual needs to be in order to leave a relationship that is unhealthy.
Iona Iverson’s Rules to Commuting (by Clare Poole)- I love London and reading this book made me so nostalgic for my many trips over the Atlantic Ocean to one of the best cities in the world. Iona Iverson’s story is based on her train route from Hampton Court to Waterloo where she meets all sorts of new friends who help her sort through her life’s many encounters as she faces aging. I loved how Iona is an older woman and the cast of supporting characters are individuals from all walks of life of all ages and races- there aren’t too many lovable stories these days with such a diverse group of characters. These characters tell their stories in rotating chapters, which allows the reader to connect with each one.
Jacqueline in Paris (by Ann Mah)- I started this historical fiction about Jackie Kennedy’s time in Paris while exploring Pittsburgh on a solo trip and it made me wish I was actually exploring in Paris. While fiction, the book brings in real life characters and accurate details to where it made me almost believe that Jackie Kennedy really did all those things while in Paris! I loved reading about her adventures and hearing about her love for the French culture and the city of Paris.
The American Roommate Experience (by Elena Armas)- I loved reading The Spanish Love Deception so reading Armas’ newest book was a no brainer. I couldn’t put it down while on my Pittsburgh solo trip and it was the perfect companion in the Houston coffee shops I visited after returning home. Its a uber romantic and lighthearted story about the best friend of the main character in Spanish Love Deception and I’m so glad that she had a happy ending as well.
Wrong Place Wrong Time (by Gillian McAllister)- I haven’t read anything from Reese Witherspoon’s book club yet this year (I use to read from this list religiously, just check out my Year 1 post) so I thought I would select one to read while on my Cinnicinati weekend trip. Wrong Place Wrong Time is a fantasy time travel/suspense/mystery novel about a mom frantically trying to figure out why her son suddenly commits a crime right in front of her eyes. While on her time travel journey to find out the truth, she also finds out so much more than she ever imagined. So well written and had me guessing until the end!
The Magpie Society: One For Sorrow (by Amy McCullough and Zoe Sugg)- I’m a huge Zoe Sugg aka Zoella fan and I’ve been wanting to read her cowritten mystery novel that came out during the pandemic. There are two female protagonists (Ivy and Audrey) who bond over solving a crime at their boarding school, Illumen Hall. While this book ends in a cliff hanger, there is a sequel that has already been released that I’ll have to read next!
Cover Story (by Susan Rigetti)- Inspired by the true story (and Netflix series!) of fake heiress Anna Delvey, Cover Story follows a very similar plotline about a fake heiress turned wannabe writer named Cat Wolff. and a young equally wannabe writer named Lora Ricci Only, there is a huge plot twist at the end- one you won’t see coming at all and will make you google because it’s such a confusing shock!
Nora Goes Off Script (by Annabel Monaghan)- I read this as part of a book club, but I’m so glad I did because I loved discovering another rom com author! A relatively short romance novel about a super cute couple- a Hallmark channel movie screenwriter and a Hollywood movie star- what could be cuter? It was the perfect read to kick off summer!
All Good People (by Ashley Flowers)- OMG my favorite podcaster of the BEST podcast, Crime Junkies, has written a book! Its obviously a whodunnit mystery with twists and turns and an ending that was pretty hard to guess. Although I’m sure Flowers used her crime podcasting expertise to write this novel, I was actually disappointed with the outcome. The book lacked…. excitement to put it bluntly. I’m not sure if its because Flowers knows the reality of committing and solving crimes or if her experience with actual mysteries made her want to stick as close to real life possibilities, but All Good People was far from the well written suspense novel.
The Magpie Society: Two for Joy (by Amy McCullough and Zoe Sugg)- The sequel to One for Sorrow picks up right where the first book left off- with a missing Chloe and students turned detectives Ivy and Audrey determined to find former student Lola’s killer. This young adults mystery was a solid read with an ending you definitely won’t see coming and leave you closing the book with your mouth open.
Local Woman Missing (by Mary Kubica)- 3 women have gone missing over the years in a small town. No one knows why. Until one of the missing women reappears years later. Or has she? Told from multiple points of view, I could never predict where this book was headed. The plot was so unpredictable that I literally couldn’t put it down until I was finished.
Kill Joy (by Holly Jackson)- Jackson is the author of the popular Good Girl’s Guide to Murder trilogy so when she came out with this novella (its super short!) I quiclky borrowed it from the library. However, I was shocked at how dark and twisted the story was. But regardless of how scared I was reading it (and yes I was mostly terrified the entire time), I couldn’t stop reading. It was addicting! Told over the period of one night, a group of teenagers encounters a dangerous situation while on a cross country road trip. What happens over that one night will leave you unable to sleep- warning do not read at night!
Happy Place (by Emily Henry)- Emily Henry is one of my favorite authors- she’s written some of the loveliest rom com books and I love reading them. Happy Place is about a newly broken up couple that has to survive a vacation weekend in Maine with their closest group of friends who don’t know that they’ve broken up. But instead of having a miserable time, they end up learning more about each other (and themselves), even more than they’d learned during the course of their 10 year relationship. I loved reading about how a couple overcomes its adversities and how real life friendships evolve.
The Club (by Ellery Lloyd)- Another Reese Witherspoon book club pick, The Club is about a business of luxury hotels located around the world all named Homes. All headed by an erratic CEO named Nick. The book is told from the perspective of different Club employees over the course of a weekend where the newest Hlub is opening- Island Home. The mystery is slowly revealed as the book progresses and wraps up nicely in the end.
I Love it When You Lie (by Kristen Bird)- I read Kristen’s debut novel last year (and had the chance to meet her at a reading as well!) and wanted to continue supporting a local Houston author so I read her newest mystery novel right when it released this spring. Any story involving a pastor’s wife, a doctor’s wife, and a professor’s mistress has my interest peaked- and upon further investigation, finding out that they are sisters, I knew it was going to be a good story.
The Soulmate (by Sally Hepworth)- Is your soulmate who you really think they are? Or have you been blinded by love? This book addresses that question over and over again throughout the course of the plot as a family who lives near the edge of a suicide cliff witnesses a woman fall over to her death below. But was it really just a suicide? Or was there more to the story? Obviously there’s more or this wouldn’t be a Sally Hepworth thriller novel, but you’ll just have to read to find out!
The Darkest Corners (by Kara Thomas)- 6 years ago, two best friends , Callie and Tessa, testified to put a murderer in jail. A murderer who killed multiple women, including Callie’s cousin.. Now 6 years later, Tessa is back in town sorting through her old affairs and discovering that the past may not always be what it seems. 2 girls are now tasked with finding out what really happened- its another wild but great ride with Kara Thomas!
The Turnout (by Megan Abbott)- I heard that Megan Abbott is a popular suspense writer who loves to write thrillers about dance and gymnastics so I thought I would try one of her books. The Turnout is about two sisters who own a children’s ballet studio that is readying for the Nutcracker season when a mysterious contractor enters their lives and all kinds of interesting situations start occurring, upending the sisters’ lives.
Unfortunately Yours (by Tessa Bailey)- After a period of reading dark suspense thrillers, it was nice to take a break and enter the romantic comedy world for a bit. Tessa Bailey has written so many popular novels, but this was my first time reading one of her books- And it won’t be my last! I loved her lighthearted writing and the cute story about a rich girl from a winery family meets newcomer ex Navy Seal. Because who doesn’t love laughs and wine? Their love story was so emotional (in a light hearted way) at times and so darn adorable at other times. I can’t wait to read another Tessa Bailey book!
The Vacationers (by Emma Straub)- I was heading on vacation to Sweden when I first started reading The Vacationers and felt that it was really the most fitting vacation read (duh the title!) because the Post family is headed to Mallorca, Spain while I headed to the Stockholm for a week of adventures. Although, I have to say, luckily my vacation fared better than the Post family’s, whose vacation was marred by family secrets and broken relationships.
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers (by Jesse Q, Sutanto)- The cutest murder mystery I’ve ever read! Never thought I would put those words in the same sentence, but its completely true, Vera Wong, senior San Francisco tea shop owner and amateur sleuth, is the most adorable protagonist to ever grace a novel. It’s also the most heartwarming novel ever as Vera manages to create a whole new family of friends out of solving the mystery of a random man dying in her tea shop.
The House in the Pines (by Ana Reyes)- Another Reese Witherspoon book club pick and I have to say she definitely knows what people like to read! This thriller is about a girl who is not only trying to solve the mysterious death of her best friend, but also doing so while no one believes her that a murder has even occurred. The story is told through the protagonist’s point of view in two different timelines- one from when she was younger (when her best friend was killed) and then again from 6 years later when she is trying to solve this mystery. The chapters are not labeled which timeline is being told so it did take a few chapters to get familiar with what was going on, but once I got a grasp on the story, it was a really interesting and different story.
Loveboat Reunion (by Abigail Hing Wen)- I' read the first book in this series in 2020 right when Covid began and couldn’t get over how cute the Asian American love story between a dance loving Ever and a strong loyal Rick. This sequel tells the story of the first book’s side characters, Sophie and Xavier. It’s just as cute and just as emotional (in a teen love story type way) as the first book. I stayed up all night to binge read it because it was too enjoyable to put down!
In a Dark, Dark Wood (by Ruth Ware)- I loved Ware’s book, It Girl, and wanted to read another one of her novels when I could. Well, 20 weeks later (thanks public library…) I was finally able to! I’ve been to so many bachelorette parties over the years and while all of them were so much fun, I knew that there had to be some parties out there that had dark turns so I was really interested in seeing how Nora’s attendance at her former best friend Clare’s bachelorette party would turn out. In true Ruth Ware style, this murder mystery is filled with a fascinating cast of characters and tons of false leads and a surprising ending.
Bad Things Happen Here (by Rebecca Barrow)- Women in a supposedly idyllic island town keep disappearing over the years, including the protagonist’s own older sister, prompting the protagonist, Luca, to begin her own investigation. I felt that this book utilized the overused trope of teen investigator to fuel its story line, resulting in a mediocre plot and a not so great ending.
Fix Her Up (by Tessa Bailey)- This adorable romance story about the youngest Castle sibling falling in love with a baseball player recently out of the game made me tear up so many times! I chose this book on a whim and didn’t expect the author to be so good aka sappy and I’m definitely here for it. I liked this book so much I decided to read its sequel (Tools of Engagement) as well.
What Lies in the Woods (by Kate Alice Marshall)- 3 girls go into a mysterious forest to play an imagined game and only 2 returned unscathed. The third is Naomi- who is stabbed 17 times and barely survives. No one except Cassidy, Olivia, and Naomi know what truly happened in the woods that day and Naomi is even hazy on those facts. As Naomi is brought back to the past due to another tragic event, she realizes that all is not what it would appear. I was so shocked by all the turns this book made and the relationship between not only the 3 best friends, but also the other people in their town. Just goes to show you can trust no one!
The Only Survivors (by Megan Miranda)- What if you and your classmates were involved in a tragic accident claiming the lives of several other classmates? How would you continue to live? How would you face the other survivors? How would you keep each other safe. The Only Survivors answers all these questions and tells the story of a group of students who go on to live and question their reality a decade after they survived their field trip buses falling into a rushing river. I was hooked by the premise and felt pulled into each survivor’s story and experiences.
The Writing Retreat (by Julia Bartz)- I’ve discovered this year that I really enjoy stories that involve a cast of different characters (usually a family or group of friends) instead of just 1-2 main characters. The Writing Retreat brings together 5 young women (novice writers) at a mysterious retreat hosted by an acclaimed author at her private estate and every single woman present at this retreat is not who she claims to be. And not everyone survives.
Georgie, All Along (by Kate Clayborn)- I discovered Kate Clayborn when a book club I occasionally join chose this book as their October read. A cute rom com novel, Georgie All Along is about a big city personal assistant turned unemployed small town girl who runs into her town’s former bad boy in her parents home due to a mix up in communication about a living situation. What ensues is a story about two people who come together and make each other a better version of themselves. Its as cheesy as it gets but this feel good book is sure to make you believe in true love again.
Tools of Engagement (by Tessa Bailey)- The much needed sequel to Fix Her Up revolves around the middle Castle sibling and her quest to find herself and her new man! Just as cute and sappy as its prequel, Tools of Engagement made me so happy reading it. I was so happy to live in world of happy endings and true love once again.
The Last Word (by Taylor Adams)- This book delved into a worst nightmare situation by bringing to life the story of a reader who writes a one star review of a murder mystery book she read, only to find out later that night that she is actually the subject of the author’s next murder mystery novel. As a punishment for the one star review. Its horrifying! And it makes me want to never write another review! The ending was shocking and honestly a little confusing due to the many last minute twists the author decided to throw in.
Portrait of a Thief (by Grace D. Li)- The author of Portrait of a Thief grew up just 30 minutes from my childhood home and is a fellow female Asian American so I knew I had to support her debut novel. It took me a while to get around to it, but the plot of a ring of Asian American college students who travel around the world with the goal of stealing ancient artifacts from museums that originally belonged to China seemed interesting. The premise that museums from many Western countries have proudly displayed artifacts that they took illegally during wars or colonization and now refuse to return is a theme that remains an ethical dilemma today, I also found the characters desire to “be” Chinese, but at the same time reckoning with the fact that they will never “belong” to China and are undenaibly Asian American so relatable.
The Spare Room (by Andrea Bartz)- This book was not what I was expecting at all. I thought I was reading a run of the mill thriller, but I had no idea what I was actually going to be reading. The Spare Room solved a murder mystery, but it also detailed a mental health scandal, manipulative characters, and a graphic threesome affair. It wasn’t really my cup of tea, but I did discover at the end that the author is actually Julia Bartz’s (author of The Writing Retreat) sister.
Death by Dumpling (by Vivien Chien)- An Asian American mystery involving dumplings? A must read! What is better than food and mysteries? Although the plot was somewhat predictable (hint: there is a love interest too!), I still enjoyed diving into the world of a Chinese restaurant in a suburb Chinatown plaza and helping amateur sleuth Lana Lee find out who killed the plaza’s owner by poisoning his dumplings. There is a huge array of characters, many of whom barely escape suspicion, and lots of yummy food involved! The best thing about this book is that it is actually the first in a series of murder mysteries starring Lana Lee so I’m going to have so much reading to do next year.
Reading 52 books this year took me quite a long time! But I’m still so glad that I’m able to commit to this number year after year. My reading has developed since I first started this goal of 52 books in a year in 2020 and my love for books has reignited and become a passion in my life once again. I read EVERYWHERE this year (as I’m sure is evidenced by the photos above). From cafes to airplanes to mani pedi appointments to solo lunches, my Kindle has been on quite the adventure with me throughout the year. I’ve found that reading can be a great companion and also a great way to fill those gaps during the day when I just need a break. After hitting my goal of 52 books, I realized I still had about a month left of 2023 so I decided to finish out the year with a few more bonus books- see below!
The Summer of Broken Rules (by K.L. Walther)- This book was advertised as having been inspired by the lyrics of Taylor Swift songs so I knew it would be the perfect ending to 2023 because Taylor defined 2023. From attending her epic Eras tour in April to watching her almost 3 hour concert movie in theaters in October, I knew that I had to continue my Swiftie life by reading a book inspired by her songs. Main character, Meredith, is returning to her family’s annual summer vacation Martha’s Vineyard after a 2 year hiatus due to the death of her older sister, Claire. She’s returning to help celebrate her cousin’s wedding and conquer a cutthroat game of Assasins in her sister’s honor, but along the way she learns how to properly grieve, how to find herself, and meets a cute buy (obviously named Stephen from Swift’s famous song Hey Stephen).
All the Dangerous Things (by Stacy Willingham)- In preparation for attending this author’s book signing in January I decided to catch up on her previous books. I read A Flicker in the Dark last year and found it to be immensely shocking and suspenseful so I knew All the Dangerous Things would have equally shocking twists and turns. And sure enough, the plot kept me guessing until the very end- I didn’t see the ending coming at all! The protagonist’s son has been missing for over a year now and she’s desperate to find hime- even if it means digging into her own mysterious past and evaluating her traumatic childhood, scandalous marriage, and sleepwalking disorder.
Hotel of Secrets (by Diana Biller)- Over the years I’ve gotten more and more into historical fiction and Hotel of Secrets was the perfect book because it involves mystery, romance, and it takes place in the late 1800’s Vienna. It was so interesting reading a story set in Vienna because I’ve seen in person how grand the city looks and I can only imagine how beautiful it would have looked before any world wars. Hotel of Secrets is about a female protagonist attempting to bring back to life her family’s dilapidated hotel while dealing with attempts on her life.
The Night in Question (by Kathleen Glasgow, Liz Lawson)- I’ve been nursing a cold and hoarse voice for a few days (I know, horrible timing to be sick around the holidays) and had tons of time available for reading so I thought I would crack open a few more books I wasn’t able to get to this year yet/ I loved the first book in this series about 2 teenage girls who are super fans of Agatha Christie and emulate her by solving crimes in their local community. The second book solves a completely new crime (there is seriously a lot of terrible people in this little California town…) with the same old cast of characters. Another member of The Mains becomes the victim of a crime and its up to Alice Olgivie and her new found friend Iris Adams to find out who did it- in true Agatha fashion!
Paper Names (by Susie Luo)- I saw this book in a local bookstore and went home immediately to find it on my library app to read on my Kindle. I spent the last days of 2023 recovering from a cold and finishing up my last book. Paper Names evoked so many emotions in me as it told the story of a Chinese American immigrant family creating a life for themselves in New York. The story is told from 3 different perspectives- a father, a daughter, and their white family friend- which provided a birds eye view into the relationship between a father struggling to stabilize a home in his new country and a daughter who is caught between two worlds and trying to assimilate while finding out who she really is. I loved this book and it was truly a great way to end 2023.
And that’s a wrap for 2023! See you next year!
