2022 Reads

This page outlines each book I read in 2022, as well as my thoughts on it. If there's a specific book you think I should read or would like to hear my thoughts on, please submit it via my contact page!

i. Family of Liars

This book is the sequel to E. Lockhart's We Were Liars, which I read several years ago. I loved that book and remember being particularly fond of this one as well. I think I dissociated while reading this, as I'm struggling to remember what specifically I liked about it, though. I do remember thinking that it stood up to the writing from We Were Liars, so if you enjoyed that novel, this one may be a good read for you.

ii. Girl in Pieces

This was my second reading of this book. I read it for the first time in freshman year of high school, and bought my own copy this year after realizing I remembered nothing about it. It was just as intriguing and touching as it was the first time, and I truly enjoyed reading it. This book does contain discussion of self harm, SA, addiction, and etc., so read with caution.

iii. Giovanni's Room

This book was really strange to read after having gone an incredibly long time without reading a full book. Girl in Pieces, listed before this one, was the first book I finished in months. Giovanni's Room was written beautifully; the language was wonderful and the plot was interesting the whole way through. I did feel the ending was a tad bit rushed, but so much happened in such a short book as is. This novel contains what I feel is 1950's typically homophobia/internalized homophobia, so proceed with caution if you are sensitive to this.

iv. The Butterfly Garden

I'm honestly struggling to think of what to say for this book. Originally, I wasn't going to keep reading past page eight. The writing opened at a dreadfully average level and the characters seemed mediocre at best. Despite this, I am incredibly glad that I continued reading this book. The plot picked up around page 30, and had me riveted for the entire rest of the book. I felt the ending wasn't really strong enough, just as the beginning wasn't strong enough, but the middle of this book was incredible. I found out it's part of a four-part series, and will definitely be checking those books out as well. MAJOR TRIGGER WARNINGS for abuse, sexual assault, violence, and more. This book is VERY graphic and should only be read by adult audiences who aren't faint of heart.