A bit ago, I received a note on my Facebook page inquiring when I'll be posting another Good Reads blog post. I guessed it'd be a couple months since I updated what's on my book shelves, which is why Brooke asked…

When I checked my blog, I realized it'd been a full year–YEAR!–since I updated my blog about my books. Now that's just embarrassing. But I realized I'd been updating my instagram account (using the #jstarreads hashtag) for the most current updates, so here's a few of my recent favorites.

I'll definitely be updating the blog with more regularity about my book choices, but this'll be a solid restart…

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. This book was suuuuch a good read. Albeit sad, but a beautiful portrait of a blind French girl during World War II and the unlikely friendship with a young German soldier. So, so well done. A definite recommended book.

The Martian by Andy Weir. So the thing about scien…you see?!? I can't even finish the word “science” without getting bored. But then I read The Martian and felt like Bill Nye could be my BFF. It's the story of how an astronaut survives on Mars and his will to live. It was really science-y but balanced well with effective story telling and humor. Overall, I enjoyed it. The best part? Matt Damon is starring in the movie later this year. Umm, yes please.

Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari. This book is SO fascinating and such a good read. It's about dating in the 21st century and while it's a humorous book, it's strangely educational. Love it.

Among the Ten Thousand Things by Julia Pierpont. I don't know where to begin with this book because, wow, the prose is just too good. “Among the Ten Thousand Things” was heartbreaking to read because Pierpont does such a great job detailing the dissolving of a privileged NYC family. The agony of infidelity, the damage to children, and the aftermath of pain…all things that are incredibly sad, but I devoured this book because the writing is just amazing. Such a strong debut novel…sad but beautifully done.

Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy. I read Prince of Tides and–my lord–this book is so fantastically written. It's like reading hundreds of poem-like stories that build a major narrative. So, so well done.

Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng. Spent the morning reading this delicious book…it was a feast for my eyes. So good. It unravels the truth behind the death of a Chinese American teenager, revealing the complex layers of expectations, unfulfilled dreams, and mixing cultures. Really well done.

Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra. This book–this book!!–is so well written it's staggering. Though wildly depressing, the story keeps me reading with hopes of reprieve for the characters. Halfway done and I sometimes feel like I can't breathe from all the sadness, but “A Constellation of Vital Phenomena” is well worth the read.

Brain in Fire by Susannah Cahalan. One of the most compelling, strangest true life stories I've *ever* read. In a matter of weeks the author loses her mind, battles her brain, and a doctor helps her find her way back. Unreal. And so good.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins. Long day of travel, but enthralled with this book! Finished it in a few days because it was a page turning thriller. Such a good travel/vacation/beach book…snag it and enjoy!