CFB Book Club: Fall 2018

You guys. I DID IT! For the first time in several years, I did it. I met my reading goal for the year. And let me tell you it was one heck of a year. So, this achievement really means something to me.

I’ll admit it; these last few entries on this year’s list are on the lighter side, but reading is reading, amiright?

So, let’s do this. Without further ado, here are books 21-25 for 2018.

(21) To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

Netflix really stepped up their game this year with their original movies. While there were both hits and misses, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is definitely one of their stronger efforts. So much so, that I had to read the book as soon as I watched it.

I’m so glad!

It’s been a while since I’ve dived into some YA, and this was a great re-introduction.

It’s so sweet, and it features a bright, independent girl who’s close to her family as the lead. That’s increasingly rare, making it all the more special.

The love story is modern, but it still definitely took my back to my high school days.

(22) P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han

I enjoyed the first book in the trilogy so much that I found myself needing to immediately pick up the subsequent books.

This installment complicates things by introducing another love interest – hello love triangle!

I was definitely still rooting for the original love story to work out, but the new guy was pretty likable.

The official announcement that Netflix is producing a movie sequel was just made. So, it seems I’m not the only one who enjoyed the series. I’m REALLY excited about!

(23) Always and Forever Lara Jean by Jenny Han

I am definitely the kind of person who has a neurotic need to finish a book or a movie once I start it.

So, obviously, the third book in the series was next on my reading list.

It pains me not to include any spoilers, but know that book number three does a great job of wrapping up all the major story lines.

From what I’ve heard, Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy is pretty good, too. So, I may add that to my list for 2019.

I’ll also star hoping for a third Netflix movie. 😉

(24) Becoming by Michelle Obama

I mean, how could I not?

This book has been on my list since the moment it came out. And in a wonderful twist of fate, this was chosen as the first selection for my son’s school’s PTO Book Club.

It. Was. So. Good.

As if we don’t all miss the Obamas enough already, this book was a wonderful reminder of what a great first family should be.

It was funny and endearing and also a great peak behind the curtain of the presidency and White House operations.

(25) Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

A while back, a hygienist at my dentist’s office recommended this book to me. She knew I was Cuban (surprise!) and that I enjoyed reading. For whatever reason, I kept putting it off in favor of other books.

I am so happy that this ended up being my last book of 2019!

The story bounces back and forth between a young writer from South Florida doing research in modern-day Cuba and her grandmother around the same age in the midst of the revolution against Batista.

Having grown up in Miami with two Cuban parents, this story really touched me in a way I didn’t expect it to, and helped me feel connected to a heritage I rarely experience any more.

And there we have it. It’s been a while since I legitimately reached a reading goal, and I could not be more proud. I’m ready to hit the ground running in 2019, and have decided to keep my 25 book goal. Any books I should add to my list?

For now, happy reading!