In 2018, I got back together with books. I made the commitment, started a Goodreads account, downloaded Audible for my commute, and was ready to be in this relationship for the long haul. I even started a book club! Too shy and nervous to seek out an existing club with strangers, I asked a few friends if they were interested, and we are now 9 women who are reading our fifth book. I have checked out celebrity book clubs – it’s much better to say – what are they reading? then what are they wearing? Right? I feel like Reese Witherspoon was all over my life when it came to books this year. What can I say? She made me read Big Little Lies, so now I trust her judgement! Here are 8 books I read and loved in 2018. (Three recommended by Reese and one actually written by her!)

All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda
The setting: a small town that has now seen the disappearance of two girls, ten years apart. Told in two weeks, in a backwards format, from the day the second girl was never seen again. The protagonist, Nic, will make you feel slightly uncomfortable, as you think about the person in your life you would do anything to protect.

Whiskey in a Teacup: What Growing Up in the South Taught Me About Life, Love & Baking Biscuits by Reese Witherspoon
This book discusses every topic you would associate with growing up in the south: manners, wallpaper, barbecues, lemonade stands, recipes and more. All told by the southern belle you love to love – Reese Witherspoon. This tribute to her past (mainly her grandmother) is the reason you watch Sweet Home Alabama every time it’s on TV.

Talking as Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham
A lover of both Parenthood and Gilmore Girls, (hellooo – I grew up in Connecticut) I read every word in Lorelai’s voice, at top speed, while pouring copious mugs of coffee.

The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin
If you knew the date you were going to die, would you live your life differently? Follow the story of four siblings, who as small children were each told the date of their fate by a psychic.

The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman
Have you ever googled “Owens Family Tree” after trying to figure out HOW Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock’s characters are related to Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest’s in Practical Magic? Well, now I know.

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
“History has failed us, but no matter.” Follow a Korean family through four generations of poverty and oppression. Despite the hardships, betrayals, and heartbreaking losses, the main message of this resilient family is that of survival.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
What makes one a mother? Giving birth? Raising a child? Unconditional love? Ability to provide? These questions and more are asked as you meet four different mothers in Shaker Heights, Ohio.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Eleanor will teach you about patience and empathy while making you laugh out loud and slobber cry. From her awkward interactions and painstaking loneliness, to her road to self help and self worth, this was the best book I read in 2018.

What books did you love last year? What are you reading now? Leave me a comment and let me know. Thanks for reading!