12 books. It doesn’t seem like much, but in this busy world of working and technology, I find that I have pushed one of my favorite hobbies aside.. reading. No more! This is the year of me – living in fantasy worlds, going on detective hunts, and learning new skills. No matter the place or adventure, reading is my greatest escape and I want more of it.
One book a month is what we’re aiming for. You don’t have to go overboard and read a book a week (although my mom does this and she’s brilliant), but once a month I can handle. The genre of books that I tend to enjoy are fictional, thrillers with a mystery element and juicy. If you enjoy these types of books as well, then I would love for to join me in this fun year of reading!
- Look for bi-monthly posts on this subject – one will be introducing the book and discussing why we chose it, and at the end of the month we will post our opinion along with a discussion… including your comments and feedback.
- For the first post each month – no spoiling comments allowed! We want everyone to have a fair chance of enjoying without ruining the ending/details on this post. We would love to have a great discussion on the book in the second post of the month.
Emma (my daughter) loves to read and picked our first book. January’s read is called “The Woman in the Window” by A.J. Finn.Β You can purchase the book pretty much anywhere, but I linked a copy on Amazon. You can purchase the book in a hardback version, on kindle, or even listen to it on audible! I love listening to books while driving. It already has a movie deal in the works as well.. and it just came out this month.
Brief synopsis:
Known as the thriller of the year, the story revolves around Anna Fox, a recluse who lives in her New York City home alone. A tragic accident caused her to become a agoraphobic, which means she is afraid of the world outside her front door. She drinks too much, watches black & white movies all day, and spies on her neighbors through the zoom on her camera lens. The Russell family moves into the home across the street: a man, woman, and their teenage son. They are kind to her and seem like the perfect family. One night, while Anna is watching her neighbors through the window, she sees something she shouldn’t.. and things begin to spiral out of control. What is real? What is imagined? Is someone dead?
Seems very ‘Gone Girl’ or ‘Girl on the Train’ esq. (which we are very excited about because we loved both of those books!) Let us know what you think of the book choice and if you’re going to read it. Also, do you like our monthly book club idea? We love to hear your feedback.
The discussion on this January’s post was posted! Click here to read about it & find out what February’s book is.
xo,
Kristy
I love your monthly book club idea and your book choice! I am going to order it right now. One of the goals I set for myself for 2018 was to read more. I absolutely love to read but last year I just was not making it as much of s priority as it should have been for me. So 2018 it
is!! Growing up as a kid I would be under the covers with a flashlight reading into the wee hours. Great idea Kristy and Emma! xo
Hi Allison,
That sounds just like Emma and I! This is going to be so much fun.. hugs
Tku Emma and Kristie I just finished it and really enjoyed it !
Will discuss at the end of the month βΊοΈ
Great recommendation ! ?
Hi Suzy,
Yay! Can’t wait to get it from Emma (She isn’t done with it yet ;)) xx
Hi Chrissy and Emma thanks for the book suggestion I already read it and I loved every bit of it I canβt wait till the next one. Thank You!!
I had already ordered that book and it arrived today! I canβt wait to start it and I love the idea of doing an online book club!!
Hi Jett,
So fun! So exciting and I can’t wait to see what everyone thinks.
Hi Angela,
Thank you for stopping by the blog and commenting. I’m so glad you liked it!! xx
Such a great idea I can’t wait to read it. I usually only get to read right before bed and this will get me reading more. Thank you! ?
Hi Robin,
It’s so important to read… I’m so glad this will get you to read more!! xx
I ran out and got the book after seeing it on your Instagram. I loved it!! Canβt wait to read more of your selections.
Hi Amanda,
Yay!! I’m so glad you loved it.. can’t wait for the discussion. xx
I’m so excited for this! I started this book last Sunday after seeing Emma’s recommendation and I’m already half way through. Love it
Hi Tayler,
Yay! I’m so glad that you’re loving it so far.. xx
Wow! You two are sure taking on a lot.
a). Love the book club. I
love to read and
haven’t in ages. What
happens to us?
b). What is your workout?
What specific exercises
do you do?
xxxooo
Hi Alexis,
We are doing so much – but loving every minute of it!
A. I don’t know. Emma and I both used to read a book a week. Now we’re lucky to read once a month.. so crazy.
B. I usually do hard cardio for 30-40 mins (HIIT style). then I do weight circuits along with yoga/pilates classes as well. I can go into more details in a post. xx
I ordered the book and have started it! It hooks you right from the first page! Glad to be a part of this fun book club!
xo SANDY M
@sandymillustration
Hi Sandy,
Yay!!! So excited you’re joining in. xx
Love this idea.. I love to read. I am in 2 book clubs and now I am excited to share in this one ..HAPPY READING!
Hi Nancy,
Wow! You definitely read way more than I do. I love that you’re so involved. Hope you enjoy this one ;) xx
I am going to order this book and look forward to discussing it! Iβve been hearing itβs a really good one!
Hi Karen,
So excited that you’re joining in! Thank you for taking the time to comment and can’t wait to discuss.
The book synopsis reminds me of an Alfred Hitchcock movie, the name of which escapes me at the moment. Anyone notice a similarity (injured man, in that story, watched neighbors out his window and stumbled onto something….)
Rear Window with Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly. That is exactly what I thought. The premise is a major rip off.
Hi Cindy,
I remember the movie! This seems to be a little different though.. we will be discussing this in the review!
Rear Window? Thatβs what came to my mind.
Reading has always been a passion of mine and two years ago I decided to put down the devices at night and read when I got in bed. I am obsessed and have read over 50 books in the last 24 months. Just bought this book and will start as soon as i finish my current read. Look forward to the discussion next month?
Hi Lisa,
That’s so impressive! I need to learn from you about taking time out for myself and getting away from technology. Yay xx
Had just purchased the book. Look forward to bwing a part of the book club
Hi Mary,
I’m so glad that you’re excited about this! I am looking forward to it as well. xx
Canβt wait to read this book! Is anyone else having issues with purchasing on kindle? It just says it is βCurrently Unavailableβ for me.
Hi Jasmine,
Yay!! That’s super weird – I just looked at it to see if you can get it on kindle and it shows that you can purchase it? Not sure what’s up with that. Hopefully you can still get it. xx
This is such a wonderful idea ! Iβm going to purchase and join along for my βfirst β ever book club xo
Hi Donna,
This is my first book club too! Yay :) So glad we are all doing this together.
Yay. Iβm in. One of my 2018 goals is to read more. I always love knowing other peopleβs insights.
Hi Annette,
It’s a great goal to aspire for. I do too.. so excited to see what everyone thinks.
Love the book club idea! I have been wanting to be a part of one for a while and I made a goal to read a book a month this year too so this is perfect! Can’t wait to order and read this one!
Hi Crystal,
Thanks for stopping by & commenting! So exciting – and I love that we have the same goals!!
I am on the waitlist at the library for this book. I probably won’t have it before the end of the month, but will save your review to read afterwards. Can’t wait!
Hi Kathy,
Such a bummer, it’s such a popular book! I love the library and will probably choose one that everyone can read next month :)
Love the idea of a book club. Definitely will get this as soon as I finish the one Iβm currently reading.
Hi Wendy,
Yay! Thank you so much for your feedback and taking the time to comment. What are you currently reading? xx
Love this idea and thanks for mentioning audible. I am going to Boston on business and have 4 hour drive each way. Joined audible and first book is free – β€οΈβ€οΈ
Hi Pam,
That is awesome to hear! I love audible and listening to books is one of my favorites. So great to hear that the first book is free. xx
I ordered this book in early January based upon your recommendation. I too had set a goal to read 12 books this coming year and am thrilled you are doing a book club-count me in. Love the accountability and an easy way to find book suggestions.
Hi Tiffany,
So great to hear – thank you for joining and taking the time to comment :) Such a great goal. I totally agree with that statement. Easy to stick with especially because you’ll want to join in for the discussion.
LOVE THE IDEA! I love to read. Iβm IN ?
Hi Vicki,
Thank you so much for stopping by the blog and taking the time to comment. I love to read too – can’t wait to see what you think.
Kristy Iβve been following you for a couple yrs. LOVE the instastories! Thank you for your positive example and uplifting spirit!!
Finished the book a few days ago. Such a good read! Great first pick for a book club.
Hi Rhonda,
Yay! I’m so glad you liked the choice and I can’t wait to discuss it with you!
Love this idea! Actually just finished this book per the recommendation in your stories! I have thought about following along with a few book clubs but the books don’t always peak my interest-this one was RIGHT up my alley, so good and my favorite genre! Excited to follow along with you ladies (and thank you again for the rec!) ?
Love it Taylor! You’re ahead… Thanks for participating :) xx
Just finished this book and I loved it!! Thank you for the suggestion.
Love the idea! Iβm going to share with my mom, so we can participate together!
How fun! My mom is in as well.. Hugs! xx
Great! Been looking to join a Book club. Ordering my book NOW!
Love it! Let’s do this… xx
He book club is Such a great idea! Love the book so far! Canβt wait to finish it!!
Me too Sara! Hugs! xx
I finished!! LOVED IT!! WOW! Hurry up and read it!! Hahha!
LOL!! I used to read a book every couple of days.. Emma finallyyyyyy gave me the book. (we are sharing our copy) ;) So happy you loved it! xx
Hi Kristy,
Just bought the book, so excited to be apart of your book club! Going to Maui this week, so it will be my beach book!
Thanks so much Debbie! This is going to be fun! xx
I love to read but never do it anymore. With such a busy life, any me time is taken up with technology and Netflix, and reading has taken a step back. But I will join you! I love reading before bed. Will try to Pick up The book this week. Sounds awesome!
So excited you are joining in as well Rose! Let’s begin to take a little break and read a bit more… xx
Hi Kristy and Emma!! Love this idea! Ordered the book ASAP so I could read it with you and ended up devouring it in a few hours, love a good thriller! When I was a kid I would read all the time and itβs nice to get back to that!! I find as you get older and things like work and life get busy, you donβt take as much time for yourself so it was nice. Also, I am not usually such a voracious reader but I am on rest after endometriosis surgery so I had extra time on my hands!! Iβm sure next month I wonβt be as fast!! Thanks again, great idea!
So happy you are joining in on the fun Meghan! Hugs! xx
Excited about your book club, I bought the book from audible Friday and started listening. It seems like a great book so far. Love that you guys choose books in this genre!
Hi Lisa,
Thank you so much for stopping by the blog & commenting. This is our favorite genre ;) Audible a great tool isn’t it? xx
I am so happy you two are doing this. Iβm half way through and canβt wait to see what everyone has to say about it. Thanks for getting me back into reading!
Hi Gloria,
Thank you so much for stopping by the blog. Aww I’m so happy for you – I’m excited to chat about it too. xx
Love this idea! Bought the book yesterday and I already can’t put it down! Thanks for the selection!
Marie
That’s so great! Emma just gave it to me now that she has finished it. :) Hugs!
Great selection! I finished it yesterday. One of those books I found hard to put down!
So great Kathy! Thanks for joining in…
Just purchased this book in Kindle format and am going to be reading it on the plane ride home from Cabo. I’ve always wanted to be part of a book club. Came across your insta-stories and thought to myself what better time than now to be part of one. Thank you Kristy and thank your daughter for the great book choice! A good book will help make the flight feel shorter.
That’s one of my favorite things to do Laynie! Listening to books is such a great escape… especially while on the plane. ;) Hugs!
Thanks! Just finished the entire book on the flight home (read i tall the through customs). Wow is what I can say right now. Can’t wait to hear from everyone else as well. =)
Hi Laynie,
Yay!! So glad you enjoyed it :) Can’t wait to discuss it. xx
I was so excited to read this book, and it did not disappoint – I read it all in two nights! Can’t wait to discuss! My only concern…what could possibly top this in terms of a page turner?!
Emma has just finished it and I’m beginning as we speak… Sooo excited! :)
I have ordered the book and it should arrive tomorrow – just in time for the weekend! I am excited to read it and take part in the book club – LOVE the idea. ;) Thank you for the book recommend, as it wasn’t on my radar. Can’t wait to discuss at the end of the month.
So great Kathy! I can’t wait to see what everyone else thinks of the book… xx
Reading this book right now. Thank you so much for the recommendation. I love to read but havenβt been making the time but this book has gotten me back into reading. Love your book club idea.
I feel the same way! I’m loving the break from every day life… Thanks for joining! :) xx
Iβm in! I purchased the book and I knew by page 1 it was going to be a good one. We all know spying tends to come with a price ?
Hi Cheryl,
Yay! Emma loved it so much… we are so excited to discuss on the blog! :o
xx
I bought this after your recommendation, kristy- can’t put it down! So good!
Hi Alison,
Thank you so much for commenting! Yay I’m so glad you’re loving the book.. so juicy. We can’t put it down either! xx
Just ordered!! Can’t wait to start reading it. It sounds awesome!!
Im a huge reader so this should be fun ?
Yay Diane! Thank you for stopping by the blog.. can’t wait to discuss. xx
Hi Kristy and Emma
Thank you for the suggestion. I live in Melbourne, Australia. I love to read and am always looking for new interesting books.Love the idea of the book club. I am half way through reading it and am thoroughly enjoying it. Cant wait till the end of the month.
Hi Christina,
Thank you so much for stopping by the blog & commenting. I can’t wait for everyone to discuss the book!
xx
I loved reading as a teen late at night, early into the morning, especially mysteries. I just ordered and I am looking forward to reading this book. Also looking forward to the conversations at the end of the month. Thanks for a great recommendation!
Hi Donna,
Emma and I were both the same way.. Can’t wait to see what you think! xx
Hi Kristy! I just got mine from kindle. I am so excited about the book club!! Since I live in Japan, I canβt get good suggestions for fun good books, so this is great! I will definitely start reading again! Thanks to you and Emma! ??
Hi Mayu,
Yay!! Japan is amazing.. I’m jealous! I can’t wait to see what you think :)
Just picked up the book at Costco yesterday. Can’t put it down. Really good.
Thanks for this opportunity Kristy & Emma. Just starting the book now. Regards, Fiona
Hi Kristy and Emma
Thank you for the recommendation. I live in Melbourne, Australia. Love the idea of the book club. Half way through and cant put it down.
Did someone say Thriller? My favourite genre by far – I scoure Netflix to watch these seasons especially if it involves any detective work. Iβm intugued.
Since itβs close to the end of the month I might just listen to the audio vision, great idea while I do some adult colouring – nothing like more relaxation time.
Looking forward to reading more this year – very happy to join your book of the month club!!
Candice – Calgary Alberta
You sound just like my daughter, Emma! This happens to her too.. she is obsessed with anything “thriller, mystery, etc” We love to adult color too.. so fun! If you’ve never used Audible before, download the Audible app and you get your first book, free! xx
I’d like to
Join in too!
Thanks,
Margie
I bought the kindle version and read it in a few days. I really enjoyed it – good choice Emma. Looking forward to next monthβs now.
Hi Tania,
Itβs a great one! Iβm so glad you enjoyed and I canβt wsit to discuss it. Xx
I loved the book. Ordered when you guys were discussing it and I read it in 2 days! Lol. My kids are 6&7 and I stay home, used to read all the time and hardly ever since being a mom now. I appreciate this lil club, look fwd to next book.
This was a good mystery and I liked the authors style. Bummed this was his first book nothing else by him out yet hehe.
Hi Kristy and Emma!
Iβm part way through the book and loving it! Seems the only time I have to read is at night in bed for half an hour before going to sleep, but Iβm getting there! So glad you chose this book, Emma, itβs just the type of story I love!
xo
SANDY M
Hey Kristy&Emma,
First, I would like to thank you for this amazing and encouraging idea!
In my whole life Iβve barely read an entire book, always been trying and start and canβt even finish 50 pages.
Your idea really motivated me and the book is soo interesting, i finished it within 4 days only!
I guess it wasnβt about that Iβm not a book person, it was about the books that Iβve chosen that didnβt catch my attention.
This book chaned my mind and Iβm super exicted for the next book!
Love,
Maisa
I loved this book! It was an easy read but good. This is the first time joining a book club and Iβm already enjoying it. Iβm looking forward to slow down and relax with a good book and it also good for my kids to see me reading and Iβm gonna pass it on to my daughter.
I never seem to find the time to sit and read. I am so excited to read 12+books this year! I loved this one and want to buy the second pick! Can hardly wait until next week! Cβmon Emma, announce Feb 1. Thank you, girls! β€οΈ
I’m catching up on the book club and just bought this one yesterday. I have been craving a “can’t put it down” kind of book since reading Gone Girl and I think this one is it! Love this genre. So excited to read this and the others, and such a great idea to do the book club!! Thank you for the great recommendations :)!
Signed up for the newsletter but is there a designated spot for the book club posts? I have read January and February and will be picking up March’s next. Love both picks so far!
Hi Kim – We actually haven’t held the book club in a while! We are planning to start up again in the Fall.. I’m going to share some of my Summer beach reads next week here on the blog though! xx