5 Books That Kept Me Hooked

If you are anything like me, reading really helps me learn and grow, and it's also a form of self-care. I tend to lean towards self-help books or books based on true events, and I pick my books either based on how I am feeling, what I have gone through, curious on someone else's life, or a book that can help me become a better person. 

I've read more in the past year than I have in the years before that so I wanted to share some of my book reviews with you. Here are 5 books that have kept me hooked and I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did. 

In This Post

Here are the five book reviews that I've included in the roundup:

✓ The Shining by Stephen King
✓ Don't Believe Everything You Think
✓ It Didn't Start With You
✓ Reality Check by Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino
✓ The "Let Them" Theory

What Makes These Book Reviews Unique

All of these book reviews are different in their own way. I chose The Shining because I went to the Stanley Hotel which is where Stephen King wrote the book. We stayed in a hotel room that was five rooms down from where he stayed. It was a really cool experience to read the book and then stay at the hotel where the book takes place. 

Don't Believe Everything You Think, It Didn't Start With You, and the "Let Them" Theory were all read as self-help books, to help me grow and become a better person. I learned a lot about generational trauma, letting things go, and focusing on myself and my own choices. 

Reality Check by Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino was a great read because he overcame drug and alcohol addiction and I watched him on Jersey Shore for more than 10 years. To see someone on the screen and then to hear about what they were going through internally was really a sad, yet hopeful experience. 

The Shining by Stephen King: A Terrifyingly Insightful Book Review

In October 2022, I won flights and a two-night stay at The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. We booked the flights for September 2023.

This book review shares my experience with The Stanley Hotel. The Shining takes place in The Stanley Hotel (but is named The Overlook) and talks a lot about room 217 (and the bad things that happen there). So, for me, to stay in a hotel where Stephen King wrote the book about the hotel is much easier for me to imagine.

When he talks about the elevator, and the stairs, and room 217, I know exactly what he is talking about. With the hotel being more than 100 years old, and with us hearing what sounded like kids on their scooters in the rooms above us at 11pm, I can completely relate to the eeriness to the hotel.

Full review: The Shining by Stephen King: A Terrifyingly Insightful Book Review


Stephen King The Shining book cover.

Book Review: Don’t Believe Everything You Think

I picked up Don’t Believe Everything You Think after seeing its glowing five-star reviews, intrigued by the promise of improving mental wellness. 

If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for a good book and late-night Instagram scrolls. Put those two together, and I ended up purchasing Don’t Believe Everything You Think. As someone always looking for ways to fine-tune my mindset, I was eager to see if this book would live up to the hype. 

Read my review of and discover key insights on mental health and mindful thinking.

Full Review: Don't Believe Everything You Think

Don't Believe Everything You Think white book cover.

Book Review: It Didn't Start With You

 It Didn’t Start With You explores the concept of inherited family trauma and how unresolved experiences from previous generations may influence emotional and behavioral patterns in the present.

If you are looking for a book that will not only change your life but also shift how you view the people around you, this is a must-read. Whether you are navigating family conflict or trying to understand emotional reactions that don’t fully make sense, this book offers a deeper perspective on how past experiences may still be influencing you today.

Full Review: It Didn't Start With You

It Didn't Start With You book cover by Mark Wolynn

Reality Check by Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino

This book is a reflection on fame, pressure, and personal growth inspired by reality TV star Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino.

I have been following Jersey Shore ever since it aired in 2009. I fell in love with the castmates, their lives, their adventures, and their silly antics. I liked different qualities in each of them. Mike "The Situation" was no different. But his story was not what I expected. The glamorous life I saw on TV was nothing like the real world for Mike. 

I recently found out that he wrote a book on his life before, during, and after Jersey Shore. I enjoy reading real life stories - especially ones that share the raw, unfiltered version of life. In Mike's case, that consisted of addiction, prison time, and loss of loved ones.

Full Review: Reality Check by Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino (Book Review & Reflection)

Reality Check by Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino (Book Review & Reflection)

"The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins Book Review

 “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins is one of the most impactful books I’ve read on personal growth and emotional boundaries. This post breaks down the core ideas behind “Let Them” and how it can help you create a more peaceful, confident, and intentional life.

If you're looking for an honest "The Let Them Theory" book review, this breakdown shares key lessons and real-life takeaways.

Full Review: "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins

A snippet from "The Let Them Theory" book by Mel Robbins.

About the Author

Abbie Guerrero is the creator of Savvy with Abbie and has been blogging since 2009. She has developed over 800 original recipes and shares thoughtful book reviews and personal reflections. Writing has been a lifelong passion and a meaningful form of self-expression. Recipe and photos by Abbie Guerrero. All photos are original.

Did You Enjoy These Book Reviews?

What did you think? Did you like these reviews? Which book was your favorite? What books have you read recently that you would like me to read? Let me know in the comments below!

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