New Hobby + Book Recs

Before this year on my lunch break at work, I would go for a 20 minute walk, then catch up on a show while I ate at my desk. But in February I was looking for a shift - something I could do that would be productive and relaxing during that time rather than watching mindless tv. To be fair, I still have a time and place for that, and watch an episode of one of the numerous shows I'm in the middle of each night, but the swap to reading during my lunch break has been so fulfilling. 

 I was never into reading for pleasure before this year, and preferred more short-form writing such as blogs, articles, etc. on topics I'm interested in like motherhood, wellness, fashion & beauty. But I dipped my toe into reading fiction for fun, and started it off with a bang with the highly talked about Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, which I plowed through in 5 days. I'm loving this new hobby and often find myself picking up my kindle (best Mother's Day gift!) to read a few pages while waiting at the doctor's office rather than scrolling social media. I have also found myself gravitating toward reading before bed as well vs. turning on a re-run of New Girl to doze off to.

So far this year, I've read:

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - Taylor Jenkins Reid

LOVED this one! Could not recommend it enough. Netflix is making it into a movie - can't wait to see the cast.

Malibu Rising - Taylor Jenkins Reid

I enjoyed the family dynamics of this one and there is a crossover character from Seven Husbands.

Daisy Jones and the Six - Taylor Jenkins Reid

Interesting style with more of an interview format with band members recalling details and events in their own point of view.

Where The Crawdads Sing - Delia Owens

Good read, however the ending felt a bit rushed compared to the incredibly detailed beginning.

It Ends With Us - Colleen Hoover

This one came highly recommended, and it was okay, but the domestic violence and sexual assault themes were hard to read at times.

Book Lovers - Emily Henry

Started this before my Cabo trip and enjoyed the light, fun and romantic plot while traveling and lounging poolside with a margarita while on vacation.

People We Meet on Vacation - Emily Henry

Cute rom-com with a story line that jumps between years of summer vacations. Love the banter and dialogue of the will-they/won't-they.

Things We Never Got Over - Lucy Score

Took about a quarter of it for me to really get into the characters, but had an enjoyable (and a bit cheesy) storyline. A lot of cursing in the dialogue and detailed sex scenes, which I didn't mind - but if you're sensitive to those, skip this one.

Reminders of Him - Colleen Hoover

Loved this one and finished it in less than a week - painfully beautiful. Some similarities to "Things We Never Got Over," like each chapter flipping between the main characters' POV which adds an extra element to the narrative.

Beach Read - Emily Henry

Honestly, this was my least favorite of the three of her novels I've read. It's not bad by any means but it didn't live up to the hype in my opinion.

I'm still finding my niche in terms of which authors and subjects I like, so I'm open to any recommendations for novels you have read and loved - fiction or non-fiction. Please share your favorites!