Erica Kartak

It snuck up on me that I haven’t shared my reading list in four months. I’ve read 10 books since my fall reading list. It’s been a good few months. I gave four of the 10 books an A or A+ rating. Two of them (Becoming, Educated) topped many best of 2018 lists so I guess my ratings aren’t too surprising.

Winter Reading List

Ghosted by Rosie Walsh started off slow and then became a page turner. It’s the story of a couple that spends 7 blissful days together and then he disappears. The rest of the book is about her search to find out what happened to him and why he left. There are twists I never saw coming. This would be a great vacation book!

• Rating: A-

Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis was all over my Instagram feed last summer and fall. So many of my friends loved Girl, Wash Your Face, but I couldn’t get into it. It’s one of few books that I abandoned and didn’t finish. It did help me figure out I don’t like to read self-help books (I felt the same way about You Are a Badass, which is also a cult favorite).

• Rating: C-

Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren is one of the best books I read in 2018. It’s the cutest love story, but feels so much more than a beach read. The main character is in med school and engaged to an older man when the love of her high school years re-enters her life.

• Rating: A+

All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin is the story of a family and how they react when their son is involved in a social media scandal. It made me scared for my kids to grow up and navigate that world with them.

• Rating: B+

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn is the only WWII book I read this time. Lucky for me, it was a good one. The Alice Network is told from two perspectives – a young spy during the war and a present day college student. I’ve mentioned it before, but reading this genre always makes me grateful for the time period I’ve grown up in.

• Rating: A-

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell was recommended by one of my Instagram friends. We have similar taste in books so I immediately added it to my library wish list. Attachments is a cute story about friendship and love. I was more drawn to the friendship between work colleagues as it reminded me of that part of my working life. I miss my work friends!

• Rating: B+

Tin Man by Sarah Winman is one of the most unique books I’ve read in a long time. It’s a love story through various ages and stages. Told through the voice of one character for the first part and another for the second. There were twists I didn’t anticipate.

• Rating: B

Matchmaking for Beginners by Maddie Dawson is a delightful book. After Grace mentioned it was one of her top 3 books from 2018, I immediately added it to my library list. It will likely be one of my favorite books I read this year.

• Rating: A+

From the Corner of the Oval by Beck Dory Stein tells the story of the author’s time in the Obama administration as a White House stenographer. It isn’t a particularly political book so it’s an enjoyable read no matter which side your beliefs align with more. While the majority of From the Corner of the Oval was fascinating to read, I did grow tired of her ongoing attraction to a colleague.

• Rating: B+

Becoming by Michelle Obama takes you through the former First Lady’s life beginning as a child in Chicago to her time in the White House and beyond. It was interesting to read about her background and how it shaped her initiatives. I found her relationship with her husband inspiring. She accepted him for who he is, which was a good reminder to me.

• Rating: A

Educated by Tara Westover is the memoir of a woman that grew up in the mountains of Idaho. Her parents didn’t believe in Western medicine. With six siblings that ranged from abusive to supportive, Tara’s story is remarkable. I wholeheartedly recommend Educated to everyone.

• Rating: A+

As for what I’m reading next, I Owe You One, All the Light You Cannot See, and The Royal Runaway are on my nightstand. I’m looking forward to a couple of upcoming new releases too, Lost Roses and the last book in my favorite trilogy, The Southern Side of Paradise.

You can find all of my reading lists here.