books i’ve read so far in 2024

It's been a fantastic start to my 2024 reading journey, and I’m always looking for new ways to discover my next favorite book! Beyond just sharing my reviews, I wanted to dive a bit deeper into what draws me to certain stories and how I approach picking up a new read, especially when I'm specifically looking for a book based on its cover or a particular genre. Let's talk about covers first, since I know many of you, like me, are often swayed by a beautiful or intriguing design. For example, the striking cover of 'Priestdaddy by Patricia Lockwood' was definitely what first caught my eye. It has such a unique, almost whimsical design that made me curious about the story inside, even if the content itself wasn't quite my style as I detailed in my original review. Similarly, the cover for 'Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering' has that modern, slightly mysterious vibe that perfectly hints at the complex relationship drama within. Sometimes, a cover is just so perfectly aligned with the book's essence that it becomes iconic, and that's often how I stumble upon unexpected gems. Speaking of 'Tell Me Lies,' if you haven't picked up Carola Lovering's work, I really recommend it, especially if you enjoyed the Hulu series. Knowing that it's about a girl navigating college life with a toxic boyfriend, you might think you know where it's going, but the book offers so much more depth. It's a fantastic example of a contemporary fiction that really gets into the nuances of young adult relationships and their lasting impact. And then there's the question of genre! Sometimes I'm in the mood for one genre specifically, and other times I love to mix it up. This year, I've already explored memoirs like 'Spare by Prince Harry,' which, despite some parts I felt were dragged out, offered a fascinating look into the royal family that you don't always get from the media. The OCR mentioned it was a 'good autobiography,' and I totally agree – it gave me a lot to think about! Then there's the thrilling suspense of 'The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose.' The OCR snippet about a 'lawyer wife defending her husband accused of murdering his mistress' perfectly captures the high stakes. This book was a phenomenal psychological thriller, earning a solid 5/5 stars from me because it kept me guessing with every single page. If you're searching for one genre that guarantees a quick, unputdownable read, a good psychological thriller like this one is always a safe bet. They often have such intricate plots and unexpected twists that you truly finish them in a day, just like I did! When I'm deciding what to read next, I often think about what kind of experience I'm craving. Do I want to learn something new (memoir)? Do I want an escape with a gripping plot (thriller)? Or do I want something thought-provoking that might challenge my perspective (literary fiction, even if it's not always my cup of tea like 'Priestdaddy' was)? Thinking about what you want from your next book can really help narrow down the endless options and ensure you pick a winner, whether it's because of a stunning book cover or a perfectly chosen genre!