Olivia’s Reading Journal
Find me on Goodreads: Olivia Peck
FAVORITE BOOK (AND AUTHOR) I READ IN 2024
The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman is a cozy, dreamy, slow burn that I enjoyed during the cold snap. This novel follows three witchy siblings growing up in NYC and beyond. I loved the familiars, warmth, locations, and love! So much love! This is the prequel to Hoffman’s Practical Magic. You’ll catch me in a greenhouse making magic soap soon. I was not ready for the story to be over.
December ‘24
FANTASTY | Heir of Fire is split between two parts: Heir of Ash and Heir of Fire. Main character, Celaena, once known as a world renowned assassin, finds herself in a new land that slowly instills the history of her lineage. With more creatures than before and a deepening history of two princes, the captain of the guard, the witch clans, and more, the unfolding stories of each kingdom gets more and more exciting. I have to say, this one did not disappoint. I did shed a tear towards the end there because each of the main characters have really grown on me.
November ‘24
CULT CLASSIC FICTION | Jitterbug Perfume was a slog for me at first but was enjoyable with wine in hand. Some parts were funny and there were moments that I loved the prose. A little under 100 pages in, I became more invested in the immortal lovers. I can see why people absolutely love this book because it’s a dreamy read. It’s like The Invisible Life of Addie La Rue but the main character is a dirty old man. I didn’t love the dirty old man part but the writing made up for it. Can’t go wrong when the main theme is quelling existential dread. I also liked the part when they make fun of Christianity.
October ‘24
HISTORICAL FICTION MYSTERY | Bruno, Chief of Police started off by reminding me of At Home in Mitford… but then it gets bloody around page 40. All of the townie details kept the action from going above 15 miles an hour, which is nice if you want a cozy palate cleanser and a little bit of mystery. In France. Its like NCIS France. Oh, and then there’s the Vichy France history. I had to go to YouTube and watch a couple of videos to get some learning in regarding France in WWII. DNF
FANTASY | Alright, the first one was good, and I understood the hype. But now I’m actually hooked. This book was packed with action and huge reveals that were so fun to experience. In Crown of Midnight, the king’s champion (a royal assassin) uses her powerful position to gain information on the king’s true agenda and his enemies. This is the second book in the “Throne of a Glass” series by SJM. This one travels at a nice quick pace, there are gorgeous locations, and well executed developing characters and their relationships. Very twisty and exciting.
FICTION | Quotes from About Grace:
“-this, perhaps, is how lives are measured, a series of abandonments that we hope beyond reason will eventually be reconciled.” - pg. 38
“The properties of liquid water are this: it holds its temperature longer than air; it is adhering and elastic; it is perpetually in motion. these are the tenets of hydrology; these are the things one should know if one is to know oneself.” -pg 3
“Hope is something that can terribly dangerous but without it life would be horribly dry. Impossible, even.” -pg 278
About Grace is Anthony Doerr’s debut novel. He wrote the masterpiece: All the Light We Cannot See. It’s a story about a hydrologist who has premonitions of the future and cause him to be an outsider, even when he has a family of his own. When he starts having dreams that something terrible is going to happen to his daughter, he stops at nothing to prevent the prophecy. It sounds like a thriller but is more like Cast Away.
AMERICAN FICTION | Commonwealth captures family drama in a funny, real, and American-upper-middle-class kind of way. Vignettes of the family members make up a novel that spans decades of life after loss. Ann Patchet’s novels are always so detailed. She’s so good at making sense of life through the mundane and with a sense of gritty humor.
CLASSIC RETELLING | I just love Alice Hoffman’s writing. Yes, this is a classic story retold, but since Here on Earth is written by her, I stayed until the end. (This is saying something for me, because the Emily Brontë classic in question was one that I did not finish. Sorry!) Here on Earth became a favorite. Every page lives and breathes autumn. It’s dark, woodsy, and stained with coffee grounds and small-town gossip. Yeah, I like it for the vibe, because there are only one or two likable human characters in this tale.
September ‘24
HORROR | “ ‘Are you going to take them away from me?’ I asked her. She said, surprised, ‘How could I? They do not belong to you.’ I saw that she was showing me something that was safe to love.”
The Last House on Needless Street is a creepy horror story that also details the emotional life of its characters. This is one of those books that is burned in your brain, for better or worse. And it just kind of kept going… Not sure if I liked it.
THRILLER | I raced through this wild ride as an audiobook on my Libby app! The Woman in the Window is a thriller narrated by Anna, who lives on a whole lot of Merlot and with agoraphobia, a panic disorder that prevents her from leaving the house. One of her indoor hobbies is spying on the neighbors and, one day, she witnesses more than she bargained for. The long hours inside this woman’s head fly by - I recommend this gripping psychological thriller for spooky season.
HISTORICAL FICTION | Maggie O’farrell’s poetic prose became new favorite of mine. The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox is a special book - the definition of “show, don’t tell.” Iris Lockhart is contacted by a soon-to-be-shut-down psychiatric hospital to come pick up her great-aunt. (A great-aunt that didn’t exist to her until she gets the call.) Through the mind of three women, is a historical fiction novel that tells of womanhood, mental health, and family dynamics in early 1900’s Europe. I don’t want to reveal anything else that happens, because reading it felt so fresh and beautifully cinematic.
AMERICAN FICTION | Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Demon Copperhead is a slice of Americana pie. Apparently, this book is a modern retelling of the classic David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. Damon Copperhead (his friends called him Demon,) tells his story. He starts from the beginning; his childhood trailer park, the people he loved most, and the people that let him down. The opioid epidemic makes a stunning appearance, and some Appalachian history is thrown in. It’s easy to root for the kid at every turn - I couldn’t put the book down.
HISTORICAL FICTION ON WOMEN | “‘I love you,’ I said, and kissed his hands and eyelids and tried to forget what he’d said. But I couldn’t. I couldn’t forget anything he’d ever said to me. That’s how it was.” Paula McLain’s writing is what makes this book special. The Paris Wife is a historical fiction novel of Ernest Hemingway’s first marriage, as told by Hadley, his loyal bride. It’s about life after war, writing, and making history. The Hemingway’s hung out with Ezra Pound, Gertrude Stein, Scott Fitzgerald, and other notable writers of the time. Compelling drama aside, this was my first time learning about Hemingway’s life and the artists of Paris in the 1920’s. Hemingway-heads will have their opinions, but I was transported by the book.
FANTASY | I finally dove into my first Sarah J Maas book. *The crowd goes wild.* This novel starts off the Throne of Glass YA, high fantasy series. We follow Celaena Sardothien, a captured, world-famous assassin in her gladiator-esque deal for freedom. There’s also the imperfect prince, her stoic handler, a slippery opponent, a mean king with a very cool staff, and more entertaining characters. I look forward to reading more of the saga.
THRILLER | None of This is True by Lisa Jewell had me flying through chapters as if I were listening to a viral true-crime podcast. Two women who couldn’t be more opposite discover they are “birthday twins.” One of them can’t let it go and begins their unique friendship. Both have secrets, so you wonder where it all leads… good luck putting this one down! My brain was scrambled eggs after reading it. The audiobook version is incredible. Trigger warning for disturbing details.
August ‘24
COZY MYSTERY | Daisies for Innocence is as cozy as it gets. This one’s for you, garden girlies, cottage core fiends, tiny house dreamers, and lovers of all things cute. The book is told from the perspective of Elliana, owner of an adorable essential oils apothecary and her Enchanted Garden. When a murder in her quaint town of Poppyville has fingers pointing her way, she musters up the courage to solve the crime herself. This book is complete with a little romance, mystery, fun characters, and a corgi! It is the first in its series.
LEGAL THRILLER | The Testament is the first John Grisham novel I have ever read! I needed to mix things up so I consulted my For Sale items and was hooked on this legal fiction. (There’s a first time for everything.) I really enjoyed the adventure and the dusty book smell was a very nice bonus. The novel is about an angry billionaire who dies and tricks all of his rotten kids into thinking he’s leaving them his riches, but ends up leaving everything to Rachel Lane, a child no one knew about, who is currently living in a remote Brazilian village working as a missionary.
FANTASY | Black Unicorn is the first in its series. An old YA spellbinding fantasy, short and sweet. This is the story of Tanaquil, daughter of a powerful sorceress. Where she lacks powers she excels in curiosity and her gift of fixing things. It is her special gifts that lead her to the Black Unicorn and her greatest adventure. Instant favorite. I was enchanted by every page. I adored this easy comfort read.
July ‘24
MID-FANTASY NOVELLA | Elevation is a sweet novella. The beginning felt like a Curb Your Enthusiasm episode, so I kept reading. There was a little corniness, but just enough wry humor to tickle my fancy. In the small town of castle rock, a lesbian couple faces prejudice. Their neighbor, Scott, (a seemingly normal old guy) makes it his mission to be their friend, despite Deirdre’s disinterest.
FAVORITE SCIENCE FICTION I READ IN 2024 | Project Hail Mary is a sci-fi novel that caught my eye from a YouTube book review channel. I rented it from the library, and it was the first book I read on my new Kindle! The beginning of the story reminded me of Jason Bourne, flashbacks and all, so I was giddy. The author also wrote The Martian, so that checks out. The main character reminded me of “Bill Nye the Science Guy”, so even though he’s dealing with a global existential crisis, he keeps things fun and science-y. I don’t want to give anything away, I just found the characters and story so creative and enjoyable.
THRILLER | Sharp Objects is the first Gillian Flynn book I have read, and after reading the acknowledgments, it looks like it’s her first novel. Wow. I did watch Gone Girl and read her forward for the 50th Anniversary of Flowers in the Attic. Her wicked writing still caught me off guard. It almost felt gothic at times, a nod I liked, but still a tragic mystery with flat out disturbing lines. As the story unfolded, I started to see the influence V.C. Andrew’s might’ve had in this specific tale. Warning for sensitive readers…two little girls are taken and found after being brutally murdered. The narrator of the story is an imperfect reporter, returning to her small hometown to cover the story.
COMING-OF-AGE FICTION | Call Me by Your Name. The poetic writing is timeless, in a classic kind of way. Like Romeo and Juliet (or being 17,) it captures sweaty infatuation and obsession. It’s raw. (And maybe a little too unfiltered for my taste.) I can’t say I was as in love with the characters, but I think that’s kind of the point. It reminded me of The Picture of Dorian Gray for some reason, but more graphic. I watched the film, and it is equally as beautiful, but warmer and Elio is sweet and endearing. Between the soundtrack, the cinematography, and the acting, It’s a masterpiece. I’m glad I saved the movie for after the book.
NON-FICTION | I found this book fascinating. Breath had a lot of good points and solid things to practice if you find them suitable. I wouldn’t consider it a breathing bible or a scientifically sound health guide, but yes, I believe the power of breath work can be life changing for some people. The audiobook has guided breathing by Anders Olsson - I loved these because they were easy to follow and accessible for future use. I’d love to practice some of these with my singing students, right now I only practice slow exhaling with them and yogic breathing. This book included several more exercises with similar effects.
Breathe through the nose
Exhale longer
Chew and new
Breathe more on occasion - chuck mcgee tumo online (Mondays)
How we breathe matters 5.5 in 5.5 out
Anders Olsen breathing techniques on James Nestor.com
MYSTERY | How to Solve Your Own Murder is a fun mystery. It’s a classic whodunnit, big old estate and all. The story jumps back to the 1960’s via the deceased’s journal and the present day, where her great niece is solving her murder. The confusion is real. There are lots of characters, a fortune teller that started it all, and some unnecessary details. I loved it for its setting and because I couldn’t stop reading, but I wouldn’t say it ended with a neat little bow on top. There are some straggling details.
POETRY | Ten Poems to Change Your Life Again and Again is lovely most of the time. I learned a little more about poetry, which was the aim, and experienced some breath-taking poems. The author swoops in after each poem he’s chosen to break it down and in doing so uses personal stories to explain how he has related the poem to life. There were multiple points I started cackling, maybe because I’m immature or maybe because I found one too many references to Roger’s ex wife (whom he still really loves, by the way.)
June ‘24
FAVORITE FUNNY FICTION I READ IN 2024 | I did not expect this one to have such a good story. I’ve never seen the movie but reading this felt like watching “Pineapple Express” or “The Big Lebowski” for the first time. Thank You For Smoking is one of the funniest books I’ve ever read. It’s the late nineties and Nick Naylor is big tobacco’s spokesperson. It’s not going well for him. If you like satire, the show “The Office,” or funny historical fiction, I’d recommend it.
NON-FICTION | Author Naomi Klein had a transformative experience when she was confused with another public person of opposing political beliefs. Through the mirror world, she connects the doppelgänger concept to ourselves and society as a whole. The book, Doppelganger, delves into global politics, “the shadowlands,” and more. I thought it was a thought provoking and informative read even though it was a little meandering. I wasn’t blown away by the conclusion, but still felt like the book had some powerful moments. “I have found a way to live to the side of my name, that has proven to be very helpful” -Judith Butler
NON-FICTION | I liked this one, but it did give me anxiety, which is ironic. Four Thousand Weeks balances productivity literature by emphasizing how much time we’re talkin’ when it comes to our life on earth. (4000 weeks… if we are lucky apparently.) Simple to understand, but eye opening nonetheless. Would it be easier to accept Oliver Burkeman’s ideas if you already have a pretty comfortable lifestyle? I think so, and he addresses that in the book. Regardless, I found this one worth the read and would recommend it. Lots of great quotes!
THRILLER | People go missing in a small town and it goes under the radar for decades. This is the story of how a new private investigator sniffs out the basement that started it all. Holly is based on one of Stephen King’s characters from Mr. Mercedes. I enjoyed the vibe, the town, and the characters (despite the creepy moments.) In general, the book takes place during the pandemic and has plenty of social commentary (maybe too much for some) but I found it amusing at worst. The book delivers so much more than just a mystery. The subplots interrupt the hunt, and while teasing the reader, sweet stories are told. I’m keeping Holly - she made me a “Finders Keepers” fiend.
COZY MYSTERY | The Mystery Guest grew on me as it went on, it was pretty mild. The story is told from the perspective of the maid, who jumps from the present-day murder plot to her past. A lot of the story centers around her wholesome relationship with her grandmother. I listened to this who-dunnit on my Libby app. I’m glad the reader used a lot of different voices, it added to the story.
May ‘24
FAVORITE ROMANTIC FANTASY I READ IN 2024 | In Five Years had me hooked from the jump! If you want a time loop-y heartbreaker, look no further. One morning, Dannie wakes up in a part of New York City she hasn’t seen before, but realizes it was just a dream. But was it? This “dream” makes her question her very planned-out and stable life.
NON-FICTION | This little slice of nonfiction paradise brought me so much joy. I Built Myself a House is a 1975 how-to guide made by one woman who built her own cabin in remote Northern California. This book is for the grown-ups who still fantasize about My Side of the Mountain. FYI - the cabin does not have plumbing or electricity, so this is about building the bare bones!
PSYCHOLOGICAL FICTION | What a wild ride The Butcher Boy was. One of those descent into madness stories… this poetic yet disturbing novel kept a fast pace. There is humor in the darkness and if you get into it, you’ll find it sticking with you.
ROMANCE | The Lucky One
(this review may contain spoilers?!)
…It was exactly what you’d expect it to be. I read this book because the movie was filmed where we live. An ex-marine carries a photo of a girl he found while in combat, he is convinced the photo keeps him safe (hence, “the lucky one”) and after returning home he goes on a quest to find the girl in the photo. He finds her, she’s single, her ex is a nightmare…and you know the rest. I liked the book more than the movie. A very beach-y read!
MYSTERY-THRILLER | The Housemaid’s Secret is a psychological suspense novel and the sequel to The Housemaid. Books it felt similar to: The Only One Left by Riley Sager and one of McFadden’s previous books, Never Lie. Millie is obviously committed to keeping her “past” a secret, but her shy personality makes you wonder how she could be capable of something criminal. Even though the writing is simple and conversational, there was just enough emotional depth to the characters for me to stay engaged with Millie’s story. Also, I love almost any book set in NYC. Loved the twists and turns! Freida McFadden’s funny moments are the cherry on top.
FAVORITE SELF-HELP BOOK I READ IN 2024 | Alright… I actually liked this self-help book and found it quite awesome. I listened to Atomic Habits as an audiobook. This guidebook takes a psychological approach to building small habits to unlock more of your potential. And no, it doesn’t seem to focus solely on grit - which I was relieved to discover. The tone is practical, inspiring, and light, but the words are profound! Habits are the system we put in place to achieving goals. Like Mark Mansfield, (author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck) author James Clear wrote Atomic Habits after years of blogging. Similarly, this book is constructed with repurposed information from other works the author found useful. I like stuff like this because there is a variety of info and seemingly tried and tested by many. 5 stars ‘cause it was inspiring to me.
FAVORITE NON-FICTION I READ IN 2024 | Killers of The Flower Moon is a nonfiction book that tells the story of how the Osage Nation of Oklahoma became the richest people per capita in the world before members of the tribe start mysteriously disappearing through the 1920’s. I think everyone should pick up this book at some point if only to learn more about America’s history. As the title states, this is also the story about the beginnings of the FBI.
April ‘24
FANTASY | The Way of Kings started off with a bang! (…which I’m grateful for because this book is a thousand giant pages.) with that being said, the world building is A LOT but worth it once this book pops off around page 300. I enjoy Brandon Sanderson’s imagination and how he writes with the perfect blend of natural and modern language in a fantastical ancient world. This book wore me down, though. It was quite simply too long for me and not enough action. I liked the characters, but I wasn’t super invested in their lives. Kaladin and his spren were my favorite. I stopped at page 432. I really wanted to finish the book but it just wasn’t for me and it’s too long to stick it out. I think Brandon Sanderson’s creativity is amazing but I’m more of a cozy fantasy reader where the characters eat second breakfasts. DNF
March ‘24
AMERICAN FICTION | The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store is a historical fiction novel set mostly in the 20’s and 30’s describing the many cultures in Pottstown PA. It focused primarily on the relationship between the African American and Jewish communities. The level of detail seemed important to the story?! But wheww I was drowning in characters over here. Attention span is going to have to clock in and WORK for this one. I appreciate what I learned in this and consider it an important read, but dang! I can’t help but think it could have been trimmed down a tad. For a newer book, the level of detail surrounding characters that don’t serve a lot of importance to the plot is a bit much. If you aren’t here for the mystery then you may really enjoy it. Personally, I think I would have enjoyed it as a movie more than a book.
FAVORITE ROMANCE I READ IN 2024 | Honey and Spice is just plain GOOD. I was already wowed with the writing but being a debut novel makes it even more impressive. Kiki Banjo is a confident, creative, podcasting star who is given the opportunity of a lifetime, but she needs to make some changes if she wants to grow. This college dramedy sparkles on every page and should be added to your TBR if you need something to liven up your life and heal your soul! The audiobook version is straight up fantastic and I’m excited Babalola is on my radar now. Definitely my new favorite romance novel! It is fire.
COZY MYSTERY | Holding by Graham Norton. I enjoyed this little Irish mystery. If you need a cozy, quick read with characters that will make you giggle, then pull up to the pub and join PJ’s first murder investigation. Couldn’t help but picture Kevin James as the lead in this one, lol. It was mostly light but beware that there is a disturbing scene in this story, so be sure to check for trigger warnings if you think you need to.
MYSTERY-THRILLER | Never Lie is a thriller about a married couple who get snowed into the house they are thinking of buying. The wife, Tricia, is suspicious they aren’t alone in the house. (Even more frightening when the former owner of the mansion disappeared herself!) I was satisfied with this mystery but I will admit I am easily mystified. Didn’t see every twist and turn coming, so I’ll pick up more by Freida in the future!
FAVORITE WHODUNNIT I READ IN 2024 | The Only One Left is like The Silent Patient meets Knives Out! Kit is a caregiver for the infamous woman suspected to have murdered her parents and sister. She is a local legend... a scary one. Between Kit’s own complicated past and the unraveling of a cold case through cryptic typewriter chapters, I found this gothic mystery just perfect.
Feb ‘24
FAVORITE CLASSIC I READ IN 2024 | The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde is lusciously descriptive. What starts as honest and funny ultimately becomes twisted. In this old tale of vanity, the story holds a mirror to creative souls and dark human tendencies. Although it’s dated, it packs a punch with its one-liners alone. A quote from the book: “The real drawback to marriage is that it makes one unselfish. And unselfish people are colorless. They lack individuality. Still, there are certain temperaments that marriage makes more complex.”
FANTASY | The Owl Service is a unique children’s classic. I was hoping it would be a woodsy read and am happy to report that it satisfied my cottage dwelling fantasies. This fairytale-like mystery takes place long ago in rural Wales. There are a lot of Welsh and British colloquialisms and funny insults I’d never heard before like: “these people give me the jimjams.” (And after reading the reviews, those aren’t the only things that went over my head.) I loved the cloudy atmosphere, charming characters, and uncovering the local legend with Roger, Gwyn, and Alison. If you read this, just know that although delightful, it reads like a play. (Lots of dialogue, sparse action.) Despite its slow pace, I found its subtle mind games spooky and fun.
HISTORICAL FICTION | Lone Women started out like a Kristen Hannah historical fiction novel but quickly took a turn into Stephen-King-Town. This one is easy to follow, I listened to the audiobook. The year is 1915 in the American west and a woman named Adelaide is running from her mysterious past to make a homestead in Montana. This genre-bending story is about her Wild West hardships but with a horror-fantasy twist I could NEVER have predicted. Although a little aimless and trippy, I’m a fan of whatever it is that I read. From the book: “History is simple, but the past is complicated.”
FAVORITE COMING OF AGE NOVEL I READ IN 2024 | I wish I could have read this one when I was younger. Maame is about Maddie, a self-proclaimed introvert going through her 20-somethings. Maddie falls prey to over-thinking and asking google for advice. Between a heavy family dynamic, career stress, and her socially awkward tendencies, Maddie’s inner monologue sounds a lot like Lizzie McGuire. This novel has a lot of heart. It’s funny, but also sad. The level of nuance describing Maddie’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences are so real. As Martina McBride says, “This one’s for the girls” but really, it’s for everyone. :)
FAVORITE GOTHIC FICTION I READ IN 2024 | I listened to this fever dream of a book completely randomly, as I do most books. My library gave me the 40th anniversary edition of Flowers in the Attic and I started it because it was tagged as a romance, and I wanted to read a romance for Valentine’s Day… umm... This book is a cLaSsic gothic novel about 4 siblings who are forced to spend their days locked in an attic by their mother and wicked grandmother. Not only is this one of Gillian Flynn’s favorite books, it also helped inspire the band name for “the Dresden Dolls” - a band that really rocked my world when I was in middle school. I love a moody read and I also love survivalist stories, but dang this one is creepy as hell. Lordy, do check those trigger warnings before picking it up! Needless to say, this adolescent nightmare is one I’ll remember for better or for worse, and dare I say its troubling themes do have a deep psychology to them regarding family, trauma, and shame, despite how uncomfortable it is to read at times. I’m interested in learning more about the author, V.C. Andrews.
FAVORITE MEMOIR I READ IN 2024 | I listened to The Woman in Me, Britney Spears’ memoir as an audiobook read by Michelle Williams. From the beginning when she talks about what singing means to her, I felt a connection with Britney. There was also something special about her childhood in Louisiana, and I could picture it as she described her upbringing here. Whether you grew up loving Britney or not, her music was EVERYWHERE and she is a pop icon. Something I loved doing while reading was rewatching her videos and performances on YouTube and reading the comment section. The amount of love and understanding sent her way after the book came out is so needed after everything she’s gone through. This book is a must read, especially for millennials. We love you Britney!
