One of the notable books I read in October was BABEL by R.F.Kuang. I have to thank Beatrice from this community for her enticing review of it in one of our chats. It turned out to be perfectly atmospheric for fall and the audio narration was one of the best I've heard all year. When it came out I thought I didn't want to red a book about language and translation- turns out I was wrong!
November is looking stacked for me in terms of the nonfiction I want to read - I typically do a bit of nonfiction November so a few on my list I'd like to read are: H IS FOR HAWK by Helen MacDonald, THE SOUL OF AN OCTOPUS by Sy Montgomery, INTO THE WILD by Jon Krakauer, THE PLEASURES OF READING IN AN AGE OF DISTRACTION by Alan Jacobs ....and more😅 My plan to get in more reading this month- staying off social media- wish me luck!
Have you ever read REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt? I read this one and THE SOUL OF AN OCTOPUS by Sy Montgomery quite close together (accidentally!) and loved them both - plus discovered a newfound appreciation for the octopus! :-) I hope you love your nonfiction in November.
Yes I listened to it this summer and loved it! I immediately bought The Soul of an Octopus and of course it still sits on my shelf- I love hearing that they made a great book flight together
Finished my re-read of SALEM’S LOT and still loved it. Then I read 2 of your recommendations Renee. Both I think were from your guest appearance on Behind the Stacks podcast (which was great! I added a ton to my TBR and now another podcast -sigh).
DEAD WOMAN WALKING by Sharon Bolton was just what I needed! Flew through it. I had never read anything by her- great plot and twists- some content warnings though to be consulted if people usually do that.
THE DARKNESS by Ragnar Jonasson didn’t work for me quite as well. I liked Hulda but it just didn’t hold my attention and the ending - well… you know if you know. Not ruling out the next one in the series though.
DIAVOLA by Jennifer Marie Thorne was a wild one. Not the classic horror I expected - more darkly comedic than that. Set in Italy- it was great on Audio. Good if you want something a bit off kilter. November read - idk just something maybe “nicer”.
Yay for a reread that held up to time! And I'm thrilled you read and liked Dead Woman Walking! That opening scene in the air balloon is one I have never forgotten. Sharon Bolton is such a great mystery writer and she's very under the radar which I don't understand. So glad you liked my episode with Brett:)
I had a pretty slow reading month because it was so busy! However I ended my month with a 5 star ⭐️ read so that made me happy and that was BE READY WHEN THE LUCK HAPPENS by Ina Garten. Y’all this was so so good! I am sad that it is over and I won’t have Ina in my ears any longer. Will definitely be in my top 5 of the year. I also started reading JANE EYRE on the serial reader app and I want to thank whoever mentioned this as I think it might have been in a post on here. I have always been intimidated by classics and this has been pure joy for me to discover. A small reading gets delivered every day and if I stay on track it takes a little over 2 months to complete and you can read ahead. I am going to make a New Year’s resolution to try and complete 3 to 4 classics a year this way depending on the length! I’m planning on reading ATONEMENT, THE FAMILY EXPERIMENT and A HAPPIER LIFE for book clubs this month along with finishing DIAVOLA. I hope everyone has a cozy fall weekend ahead we are finally cooling down in Oklahoma thank goodness!
I loved Ina’s book as well! Tho I don’t usually do audio books, that was the only version I could get from Libby and I am glad I did! Her voice … I could listen to her talk all day!
Me too Jennifer! I too am not a big audio book listener but can do some non-fiction. I am so glad I did she just relaxed me hearing her tell about her wonderful life!
This month I read WOLF AT THE TABLE by Adam Rapp, THE FELLOWSHIP OF PUZZLE MAKERS by Samuel Burr, THE PRINCES OF IRELAND by Edward Rutherfurd (I finished it this month, been reading it forever), THE GOD OF THE WOODS by Liz Moore, LONG ISLAND by Colm Toubin, and BY ANY OTHER NAME by Jodi Picoult. It was a good month as I really enjoyed all of them. In November, I'm hoping to finish THE DEMON OF UNREST by Erik Larson and read whatever comes in from my library holds. It seems to be feast or famine with the library books.
I liked it but didn't love it. It covered a lot of my go-tos - historical fiction, character driven multi-generational family, crime/mystery - but I didn't love any of the characters and it's a little on the dark side. I don't regret the time it took to read it but it wasn't my favorite read of the month.
I read 12 books in October. Highlights: WE BEGIN AT THE END by Chris Whitaker and THE WOMEN by Kristin Hannah were both amazing. WHAT REALLY HAPPENS IN VEGAS by James Patterson was a fun non-fiction read. I too appreciated Ina Garten’s memoir.
In November I am working on some “slow and steady” reads. THE WOMAN IN WHITE by Wilkie Collins; IT by Stephen King, which is taking me a while; THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO by Alexandre Dumas, using the Serial Reader app at about 10 minute increments a day it will be several months before I finish this one! Then we will see if any of my library holds come through this month.
I love hearing that you are also enjoying the serial reader app, it's not something I've ever considered but now I want to try it. I also thought What Happens in Vegas was so fun, I've been to Vegas many times and that book brought back fond memories
I learned of the Serial Reader app thru a podcast just in the last year. I have been very happy with it. I probably would never have picked up a book like The Count of Monte Cristo otherwise! You should give the app a try. It is technically free, tho I did give a tip after I used it long enough to know it is useful.
In October I loved dedicating my reading to the MIRROR VISITOR series and I also loved PRIVATE RITES by Julia Armfield. I particularly didn't like THE FULL MOON COFFEE SHOP I've read quite a few similar books and it just felt trope-y (DALLERGUT DREAM DEPARTMENT STORE was the best of this cosy, short story, finding yourself and healing genre). I've just started THE TRUTH ABOUT THE HARRY QUEBERT AFFAIR which has sucked me right in and I also got the 2nd in that series to look forward to this month :)
So glad you loved Private Rites, that's on my November tbr. Harry Q was a book I read years ago for my book club, I enjoyed it- didn't know there was a book 2, I may have to check that out
For my October books, I read HORSE by Geraldine Brooks, which was just okay for me...I don't love historical fiction; TELL ME EVERYTHING by Elizabeth Strout, which I loved; and HOMEGOING by Yaa Gyasi, which was a book club book and hard to read for many reasons. I just finished reading MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT by Riley Sager, and I liked it but didn't love it. I am not sure if I will try another one of his books.
I am looking forward to reading THE SEQUEL by Jean Hanff Korelitz and anything else from my shelves.
You had a varied reading month! I felt the same about Middle of the Night, I liked the first 40% or so but then it went downhill for me. Hope you enjoy The Sequel!
I am really doing a good job with my book choices this year. I think it is because I have been resisting FOMO so I avoid those IT books that just aren’t for me like books by Sally Rooney! I really loved Real Americans by Rachel Khong and Olympus, Texas by Stacy Swann. Both excellent-I’m always a little behind because I prefer trade paperbacks. And then I also finished all 3 of the Highway 59 series-excellent police procedural by Attica Locke. They are definitely literary mysteries. I hope there will be more! The one book that I want to read is BeautyLand by Marie Helene Bertino. I get to go to the Texas Book Festival and I want to read it before I hear here speak. Rachel Khong will be there too. How awesome is that? Lucky and excited!
I've have passed on Intermezzo too, I almost succombed to FOMO but I know from past experience with her books that her writing style isn't usually for me. Funny you mentioned Real Americans, I was just at the library a couple days ago and while I was browsing the staff picks display a lady also browsing asked if I'd read Real Americans (I haven't) and she said she loved it- it's so fun to chat with other readers on a random trip to the library:) Have the best time at the book festival, I hope you'll share about it in this space - I'm sure we'd all love to hear who you see and what books you go home with (if any:)
Because I was busy the first 11 days of the month, I did not read as much as I normally would read in a month. I only managed to get through seven books but they were all four stars and up. I will just mention the books that stood out the most. UNLIKELY ANIMALS by Annie Hartnett, BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT by Robert Dugoni, THE MOST by Jesica Anthony, THE SEQUEL by Jean Hanff Korelitz, and THE MIGHTY RED by Louise Erdrich. I am currently reading ALL THAT I CARRY WITH ME by William Landay. I really am engrossed in this book at the moment. I have no particular book that I’m looking forward to reading in November so how I feel after reading my current book will determine what direction I will go in next. I am open to any recommendations and will be reading comments for ideas. Happy weekend everyone. Renee, we hit 80° yesterday and it was beautiful here in Pittsburgh. Cool down today but warming up again next week. Golf still goes on.
All 4 stars and up is a high quality reading month!! I laughed reading" golf goes on"- this oct weather has sure extended outdoor activities:) I'm very excited to hear your thoughts about your current read- I loved that book and had many great discussions about certain plot points.
I have been trying to determine the publication date for the book by William Landay was published. It keeps coming up March 7, 2023. For some reason I swore the book was published in the year 2022. Not sure if that date for 2023 is for paperback. Anyway can you let me know which year is correct? If it is 2023 I can use it for my December challenge.
Hi All :) I listened to Goldfinch on audio in October, and what a fabulous book! I loved the characters and the plot was fantastic, I’ve had it on my TBR for a long time and after reading your review and decided to listen to it, I’m so glad I did! I’m currently reading a historical fiction for my book club, MATRIARCH OF THE MAYFLOWER by Kathryn Brewster Haueisan, it is a story a women’s voyage on the mayflower to the New World and the struggles and challenges she endured during this time. To be honest, I was not thrilled to read it, I decided to read it and I’m glad I did. It definitely gives you insight on that historical time period.
I’m also listening to TELL ME EVERYTHING by Elizabeth Stroud. My first Elizabeth Stroud book, so far I’m enjoying it.
I’m enjoying the warm days here in Ohio too! Happy November!!
I'm so happy you decided to try The Goldfinch and ended up loving it!! I keep thinking about Theo and just how incredible the plot was, definitely a favorite of the year for me.
I had a fantastic reading month and read 13 books, all but two of which I loved! I'll just go over the highlights.
My one 5 star read was TWENTY FOUR SECOND FROM NOW by Jason Reynolds. If there are any teenagers in your life, he writes them with such tremendous respect and affection. He gets me every single time.
My two big literary fiction successes were THE SAFEKEEP (the turn the book takes blew me away) and THE CURSE OF PEITRO HOUDINI (so creatively done).
I loved a rom com this month! Who am I??? HERE WE GO AGAIN was really great.
Finally, I loved two memoirs- BE READY WHEN THE LUCK HAPPENS and FROM HERE TO THE GREAT UNKNOWN (so, SO well done)
In November, I'm really excited to read the new Stanley Tucci book, WHAT I ATE IN ONE YEAR.
I'm currently reading a Renee rec, I think from a substack post about books similar to ONE DAY- THE VERSIONS OF US.
A great reading month LeAnne! And so much variety...I think I'll try the Jason Reynolds, your excitement for him and this book has me curious. Be sure to let me know what you think of The Versions of us, that's one I haven't read yet:) Happy November reading!
There’s a great review of the Reynolds here if you keep scrolling a while by a book seller at Parnassus. All of his books are either middle grade or YA, which I almost never read anymore unless he’s writing it! Some are much darker, but always written with respect and affection. This one as much more lighthearted and I think is the mom of two boys and you will definitely get a lot out of it! The audio was fantastic. https://electricliterature.com/the-best-books-of-the-fall-according-to-indie-booksellers/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
I'll read this review now, thanks for the audio rec you know I love a good audio- and I rarely read YA either but you're one of my close reading twins so I pay attention to what you love:)
October 5* reads: WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE (Sophie Kinsella)
- MINA'S MATCHBOX (Yoko Ogawa)
I've perused all my TBRs on my shelves and I've started THE BLUE HOUR (Paula Hawkins). Also hope to read THE MIGHTY RED and THE BEET QUEEN (Erdrich) and I have 2 I just got from the library: SLOW DANCE (Rowell) and BRIGHT OBJECTS (Ruby Todd). Wish me luck.
I'm debating on The Blue Hour, I would love to hear what you think after you've read it! It might be book serendipity, after you shared in a previous thread about Mina's Matchbox and I said I'd never heard of it, I saw it the next day on the shelf at Barnes and Noble...I've got it on my soon to read tbr:)
This month I have continued with the war and peace slow read and wolf hall slow read. I’m already wondering how I will go through 2025 without these companions. Finally read Woman on the edge of time what a classic and painful to see how little has changed. The return of Martin Guerre a true story another reminder of the care woman need to take to survive. A Spartans sorrow the telling of Clytemnestra’s tale. A month of thought provoking reads.
I love hearing about these thought provoking reads! I do love to experience reading books that make me think, so thanks for sharing these reads- I've never read any Hilary Mantel- have you read more of her books? If so, I'm curious about which book you'd recommend a new to her reader start with?
As a stand alone I loved Flood. If you want to give the Cromwell trilogy a go I thoroughly recommend joining @SimonHaisell slow read for 2025. His weekly notes really add to the experience.
Hi Renee! As we connected about over on Sara’s discussion thread about the one book we’re excited before the end of the year, I just cracked THE LAST SAMURAI this morning. Do you still want to read that this month? I’m about 20 pages in and there are some interesting themes coming up already… I just love her writing.
Yes, I'm up for it, my library hold just came in so I'll swing by and pick it up today- I'll message you in the chat once I start:) I've never read her before so looking forward to it
One of the notable books I read in October was BABEL by R.F.Kuang. I have to thank Beatrice from this community for her enticing review of it in one of our chats. It turned out to be perfectly atmospheric for fall and the audio narration was one of the best I've heard all year. When it came out I thought I didn't want to red a book about language and translation- turns out I was wrong!
November is looking stacked for me in terms of the nonfiction I want to read - I typically do a bit of nonfiction November so a few on my list I'd like to read are: H IS FOR HAWK by Helen MacDonald, THE SOUL OF AN OCTOPUS by Sy Montgomery, INTO THE WILD by Jon Krakauer, THE PLEASURES OF READING IN AN AGE OF DISTRACTION by Alan Jacobs ....and more😅 My plan to get in more reading this month- staying off social media- wish me luck!
Have you ever read REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt? I read this one and THE SOUL OF AN OCTOPUS by Sy Montgomery quite close together (accidentally!) and loved them both - plus discovered a newfound appreciation for the octopus! :-) I hope you love your nonfiction in November.
Yes I listened to it this summer and loved it! I immediately bought The Soul of an Octopus and of course it still sits on my shelf- I love hearing that they made a great book flight together
Finished my re-read of SALEM’S LOT and still loved it. Then I read 2 of your recommendations Renee. Both I think were from your guest appearance on Behind the Stacks podcast (which was great! I added a ton to my TBR and now another podcast -sigh).
DEAD WOMAN WALKING by Sharon Bolton was just what I needed! Flew through it. I had never read anything by her- great plot and twists- some content warnings though to be consulted if people usually do that.
THE DARKNESS by Ragnar Jonasson didn’t work for me quite as well. I liked Hulda but it just didn’t hold my attention and the ending - well… you know if you know. Not ruling out the next one in the series though.
DIAVOLA by Jennifer Marie Thorne was a wild one. Not the classic horror I expected - more darkly comedic than that. Set in Italy- it was great on Audio. Good if you want something a bit off kilter. November read - idk just something maybe “nicer”.
Yay for a reread that held up to time! And I'm thrilled you read and liked Dead Woman Walking! That opening scene in the air balloon is one I have never forgotten. Sharon Bolton is such a great mystery writer and she's very under the radar which I don't understand. So glad you liked my episode with Brett:)
I had a pretty slow reading month because it was so busy! However I ended my month with a 5 star ⭐️ read so that made me happy and that was BE READY WHEN THE LUCK HAPPENS by Ina Garten. Y’all this was so so good! I am sad that it is over and I won’t have Ina in my ears any longer. Will definitely be in my top 5 of the year. I also started reading JANE EYRE on the serial reader app and I want to thank whoever mentioned this as I think it might have been in a post on here. I have always been intimidated by classics and this has been pure joy for me to discover. A small reading gets delivered every day and if I stay on track it takes a little over 2 months to complete and you can read ahead. I am going to make a New Year’s resolution to try and complete 3 to 4 classics a year this way depending on the length! I’m planning on reading ATONEMENT, THE FAMILY EXPERIMENT and A HAPPIER LIFE for book clubs this month along with finishing DIAVOLA. I hope everyone has a cozy fall weekend ahead we are finally cooling down in Oklahoma thank goodness!
I may have to try our the serial reader app, that sounds like a delightful way to read a classic. So glad the Ina Garten was a big winner for you!
I loved Ina’s book as well! Tho I don’t usually do audio books, that was the only version I could get from Libby and I am glad I did! Her voice … I could listen to her talk all day!
Me too Jennifer! I too am not a big audio book listener but can do some non-fiction. I am so glad I did she just relaxed me hearing her tell about her wonderful life!
This month I read WOLF AT THE TABLE by Adam Rapp, THE FELLOWSHIP OF PUZZLE MAKERS by Samuel Burr, THE PRINCES OF IRELAND by Edward Rutherfurd (I finished it this month, been reading it forever), THE GOD OF THE WOODS by Liz Moore, LONG ISLAND by Colm Toubin, and BY ANY OTHER NAME by Jodi Picoult. It was a good month as I really enjoyed all of them. In November, I'm hoping to finish THE DEMON OF UNREST by Erik Larson and read whatever comes in from my library holds. It seems to be feast or famine with the library books.
I have so many library holds in that it’s like bookish lottery as to which ones will pop up every week as ready. Did you like Wolf at the Table?
I liked it but didn't love it. It covered a lot of my go-tos - historical fiction, character driven multi-generational family, crime/mystery - but I didn't love any of the characters and it's a little on the dark side. I don't regret the time it took to read it but it wasn't my favorite read of the month.
I read 12 books in October. Highlights: WE BEGIN AT THE END by Chris Whitaker and THE WOMEN by Kristin Hannah were both amazing. WHAT REALLY HAPPENS IN VEGAS by James Patterson was a fun non-fiction read. I too appreciated Ina Garten’s memoir.
In November I am working on some “slow and steady” reads. THE WOMAN IN WHITE by Wilkie Collins; IT by Stephen King, which is taking me a while; THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO by Alexandre Dumas, using the Serial Reader app at about 10 minute increments a day it will be several months before I finish this one! Then we will see if any of my library holds come through this month.
I love hearing that you are also enjoying the serial reader app, it's not something I've ever considered but now I want to try it. I also thought What Happens in Vegas was so fun, I've been to Vegas many times and that book brought back fond memories
I learned of the Serial Reader app thru a podcast just in the last year. I have been very happy with it. I probably would never have picked up a book like The Count of Monte Cristo otherwise! You should give the app a try. It is technically free, tho I did give a tip after I used it long enough to know it is useful.
In October I loved dedicating my reading to the MIRROR VISITOR series and I also loved PRIVATE RITES by Julia Armfield. I particularly didn't like THE FULL MOON COFFEE SHOP I've read quite a few similar books and it just felt trope-y (DALLERGUT DREAM DEPARTMENT STORE was the best of this cosy, short story, finding yourself and healing genre). I've just started THE TRUTH ABOUT THE HARRY QUEBERT AFFAIR which has sucked me right in and I also got the 2nd in that series to look forward to this month :)
So glad you loved Private Rites, that's on my November tbr. Harry Q was a book I read years ago for my book club, I enjoyed it- didn't know there was a book 2, I may have to check that out
For my October books, I read HORSE by Geraldine Brooks, which was just okay for me...I don't love historical fiction; TELL ME EVERYTHING by Elizabeth Strout, which I loved; and HOMEGOING by Yaa Gyasi, which was a book club book and hard to read for many reasons. I just finished reading MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT by Riley Sager, and I liked it but didn't love it. I am not sure if I will try another one of his books.
I am looking forward to reading THE SEQUEL by Jean Hanff Korelitz and anything else from my shelves.
You had a varied reading month! I felt the same about Middle of the Night, I liked the first 40% or so but then it went downhill for me. Hope you enjoy The Sequel!
Thank you, Renee!
I am really doing a good job with my book choices this year. I think it is because I have been resisting FOMO so I avoid those IT books that just aren’t for me like books by Sally Rooney! I really loved Real Americans by Rachel Khong and Olympus, Texas by Stacy Swann. Both excellent-I’m always a little behind because I prefer trade paperbacks. And then I also finished all 3 of the Highway 59 series-excellent police procedural by Attica Locke. They are definitely literary mysteries. I hope there will be more! The one book that I want to read is BeautyLand by Marie Helene Bertino. I get to go to the Texas Book Festival and I want to read it before I hear here speak. Rachel Khong will be there too. How awesome is that? Lucky and excited!
I've have passed on Intermezzo too, I almost succombed to FOMO but I know from past experience with her books that her writing style isn't usually for me. Funny you mentioned Real Americans, I was just at the library a couple days ago and while I was browsing the staff picks display a lady also browsing asked if I'd read Real Americans (I haven't) and she said she loved it- it's so fun to chat with other readers on a random trip to the library:) Have the best time at the book festival, I hope you'll share about it in this space - I'm sure we'd all love to hear who you see and what books you go home with (if any:)
I am resisting trying another Sally Rooney too ;)
Because I was busy the first 11 days of the month, I did not read as much as I normally would read in a month. I only managed to get through seven books but they were all four stars and up. I will just mention the books that stood out the most. UNLIKELY ANIMALS by Annie Hartnett, BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT by Robert Dugoni, THE MOST by Jesica Anthony, THE SEQUEL by Jean Hanff Korelitz, and THE MIGHTY RED by Louise Erdrich. I am currently reading ALL THAT I CARRY WITH ME by William Landay. I really am engrossed in this book at the moment. I have no particular book that I’m looking forward to reading in November so how I feel after reading my current book will determine what direction I will go in next. I am open to any recommendations and will be reading comments for ideas. Happy weekend everyone. Renee, we hit 80° yesterday and it was beautiful here in Pittsburgh. Cool down today but warming up again next week. Golf still goes on.
All 4 stars and up is a high quality reading month!! I laughed reading" golf goes on"- this oct weather has sure extended outdoor activities:) I'm very excited to hear your thoughts about your current read- I loved that book and had many great discussions about certain plot points.
I have been trying to determine the publication date for the book by William Landay was published. It keeps coming up March 7, 2023. For some reason I swore the book was published in the year 2022. Not sure if that date for 2023 is for paperback. Anyway can you let me know which year is correct? If it is 2023 I can use it for my December challenge.
It was March 2023, that’s when I read it and it was a new release - just double checked
Thank you! Wow it just seems like it was longer ago than that. I’m loving the book.
it really does feel like a long time ago that I read it!
Hi All :) I listened to Goldfinch on audio in October, and what a fabulous book! I loved the characters and the plot was fantastic, I’ve had it on my TBR for a long time and after reading your review and decided to listen to it, I’m so glad I did! I’m currently reading a historical fiction for my book club, MATRIARCH OF THE MAYFLOWER by Kathryn Brewster Haueisan, it is a story a women’s voyage on the mayflower to the New World and the struggles and challenges she endured during this time. To be honest, I was not thrilled to read it, I decided to read it and I’m glad I did. It definitely gives you insight on that historical time period.
I’m also listening to TELL ME EVERYTHING by Elizabeth Stroud. My first Elizabeth Stroud book, so far I’m enjoying it.
I’m enjoying the warm days here in Ohio too! Happy November!!
I'm so happy you decided to try The Goldfinch and ended up loving it!! I keep thinking about Theo and just how incredible the plot was, definitely a favorite of the year for me.
Our weather continues to be amazing!!
I had a fantastic reading month and read 13 books, all but two of which I loved! I'll just go over the highlights.
My one 5 star read was TWENTY FOUR SECOND FROM NOW by Jason Reynolds. If there are any teenagers in your life, he writes them with such tremendous respect and affection. He gets me every single time.
My two big literary fiction successes were THE SAFEKEEP (the turn the book takes blew me away) and THE CURSE OF PEITRO HOUDINI (so creatively done).
I loved a rom com this month! Who am I??? HERE WE GO AGAIN was really great.
Finally, I loved two memoirs- BE READY WHEN THE LUCK HAPPENS and FROM HERE TO THE GREAT UNKNOWN (so, SO well done)
In November, I'm really excited to read the new Stanley Tucci book, WHAT I ATE IN ONE YEAR.
I'm currently reading a Renee rec, I think from a substack post about books similar to ONE DAY- THE VERSIONS OF US.
A great reading month LeAnne! And so much variety...I think I'll try the Jason Reynolds, your excitement for him and this book has me curious. Be sure to let me know what you think of The Versions of us, that's one I haven't read yet:) Happy November reading!
There’s a great review of the Reynolds here if you keep scrolling a while by a book seller at Parnassus. All of his books are either middle grade or YA, which I almost never read anymore unless he’s writing it! Some are much darker, but always written with respect and affection. This one as much more lighthearted and I think is the mom of two boys and you will definitely get a lot out of it! The audio was fantastic. https://electricliterature.com/the-best-books-of-the-fall-according-to-indie-booksellers/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
I'll read this review now, thanks for the audio rec you know I love a good audio- and I rarely read YA either but you're one of my close reading twins so I pay attention to what you love:)
October 5* reads: WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE (Sophie Kinsella)
- MINA'S MATCHBOX (Yoko Ogawa)
I've perused all my TBRs on my shelves and I've started THE BLUE HOUR (Paula Hawkins). Also hope to read THE MIGHTY RED and THE BEET QUEEN (Erdrich) and I have 2 I just got from the library: SLOW DANCE (Rowell) and BRIGHT OBJECTS (Ruby Todd). Wish me luck.
I'm debating on The Blue Hour, I would love to hear what you think after you've read it! It might be book serendipity, after you shared in a previous thread about Mina's Matchbox and I said I'd never heard of it, I saw it the next day on the shelf at Barnes and Noble...I've got it on my soon to read tbr:)
This month I have continued with the war and peace slow read and wolf hall slow read. I’m already wondering how I will go through 2025 without these companions. Finally read Woman on the edge of time what a classic and painful to see how little has changed. The return of Martin Guerre a true story another reminder of the care woman need to take to survive. A Spartans sorrow the telling of Clytemnestra’s tale. A month of thought provoking reads.
I love hearing about these thought provoking reads! I do love to experience reading books that make me think, so thanks for sharing these reads- I've never read any Hilary Mantel- have you read more of her books? If so, I'm curious about which book you'd recommend a new to her reader start with?
As a stand alone I loved Flood. If you want to give the Cromwell trilogy a go I thoroughly recommend joining @SimonHaisell slow read for 2025. His weekly notes really add to the experience.
Hi Renee! As we connected about over on Sara’s discussion thread about the one book we’re excited before the end of the year, I just cracked THE LAST SAMURAI this morning. Do you still want to read that this month? I’m about 20 pages in and there are some interesting themes coming up already… I just love her writing.
Sent you a DM,
Yes, I'm up for it, my library hold just came in so I'll swing by and pick it up today- I'll message you in the chat once I start:) I've never read her before so looking forward to it