Bookish Talks, Becca’s Thoughts
Now that the semester is starting to come to an end and winter break is near, why not get comfy and open a new book? Here are my bookish thoughts on these 2022 book releases. I recommend each one of these, but check the genres to see if they will fit your reading tastes, or if you want to pick up something new!
Yes, you heard it here—Veronica Roth, the bestselling author of the Divergent series and The Chosen Ones, is back with a new novel.
This book examines a new world. One that is broken, and the main character Sonya is trying to find a missing girl the government has her enlisted to track. This book delves into the use of technology and what may happen if technology is used to track our every movement. This book starts off slow due to elaborate worldbuilding but picks up as the mystery evolves and Sonya’s mission gets riskier. Sonya is an interesting and flawed character, and you see the internal struggles she may be facing due to her world changing.
Overall, this book brings you into an expansive world and has a romance that is cute but very much at the back end of the story. I love a good romance so if you also need a bit of romance elements while reading but also want to try a different genre this is for you. I enjoy Veronica Roth’s writing and if you enjoyed any of her previous work you should give this one a try.
4/5 stars
Three Kisses One Midnight by Evelyn Skye, Sandhya Menon & Roshani Chokshi (young adult, magical realism)
I absolutely love a young adult book that has a little magic in it! Yes, Halloween is over, but it’s never too late to read Halloween inspired books. This one is set up in three parts as three authors wrote it. Onny, True and Ash, who are best friends, try to help Onny find love with the help of a magic potion. They soon realize love cannot just be conjured with magic but comes from within, and that feelings may already have been set in motion.
Each character’s story lines up and is set on a single day which makes this a fun book to binge read. The stories each have a romance subplot which makes my romance-loving heart happy. Overall, this story is lighthearted and a sweet read.
3.5/5 stars
Summer After by Carley Fortune (adult romance, women’s fiction)
I love the friends-to-lovers romance trope and this one definitely sucked me in. Set in Ontario and from a Canadian author comes a book that is addictive to read. Percy, the main character, has avoided Barry’s Bay for some years now and when she gets a devastating call is pulled back into town and is forced to face all the past mistakes that were made. Told in alternating timelines from past to present comes a heartwarming and heartbreaking story. Percy and Sam will give you hope for second chances and make you wish you had a summer romance.
This story made me sob and laugh out loud many times. I was hooked up until the end.
4.5/5 stars
Dreamland by Nicholas Sparks (adult fiction, romance, contemporary)
Nicholas Sparks is back to make me cry and break my heart. A story told over a week with different points of view, Nicholas Sparks tugs at my heartstrings once again.
This novel had many pop culture references and is set in the present day. Colby and Morgan connect over their joint love for music and ultimately fall in love. Beverly has just ran away from an abusive husband with her child. Heavy topics are discussed throughout this story.
This book felt slow in the beginning, but immediately picks up during the halfway point. The two points of view are drastically different but both showcase the love one may have for someone.
4/5 stars
Hope you enjoy these reads if you pick them up! Try to look into more 2022 book releases, as this year had some amazing titles and covers.