October Reading Recap 🍁🎃
I absolutely adored all of the books I read this month! Can’t wait to see how many I can fit into November! I’ll be honest, I don’t have it in me to write my own summaries, but I’ll include summaries and my ratings below!
Caraval 8/10 kept me captivated - Caraval is a trilogy following two sisters, Scarlett and Tella Dragna, who have never left their tiny home island where their father not only governs the people, but his two daughters with a heavy hand. Faced with an upcoming arranged marriage, the eldest, Scarlett attempts to write to a traveling show where if one solves all the clues they are granted one wish by the show’s organizer, Legend. Unlike all their other attempts, this time Legend writes back and sends three tickets for them to join, setting the two sisters on an exciting and dangerous adventure.
Cackle 9/10 my current situation is much like the main characters and I feel it gave me some comfort know I can be okay - It's a supernatural cozy novel about growth, acceptance and inner strength, a story about cutting ties with expected society conventions, finding out what it is we really want, to stop being people pleasers and live for ourselves. All her life, Annie has played it nice and safe. After being unceremoniously dumped by her longtime boyfriend, Annie seeks a fresh start. She accepts a teaching position that moves her from Manhattan to a small village upstate. She's stunned by how perfect and picturesque the town is. The people are all friendly and warm. Her new apartment is dreamy too, minus the oddly persistent spider infestation. Then Annie meets Sophie.
Such Sharp Teeth 6/10 wasn’t my favorite read, but it’s enjoyable - Rory Morris isn’t thrilled to be moving back to her hometown, even if it is temporary. There are bad memories there. But her twin sister, Scarlett, is pregnant, estranged from the baby’s father, and needs support, so Rory returns to the place she thought she’d put in her rearview. After a night out at a bar where she runs into an old almost-flame, she hits a large animal with her car. And when she gets out to investigate, she’s attacked.
That’s Not My Name 8.5/10 this absolutely kept me on my toes - Shivering and bruised, a teen wakes up on the side of a dirt road with no memory of how she got there―or who she is. A passing officer takes her to the police station, and not long after, a frantic man arrives. He’s been searching for her for hours. He has her school ID, her birth certificate, and even family photos. He is her father. Her name is Mary. Or so he says.
Home Is Where the Bodies Are 9/10 an amazing mystery with some emotional aspects - After their mother passes, three estranged siblings reunite to settle her estate. Beth, the oldest, never left home and stayed with her mom, caring for her until the very end. Nicole, the middle child, has been kept at arm's length due to her ongoing battle with a serious drug addiction. Michael, the youngest, lives out of state and hasn't been back to their small Wisconsin town since their father ran out on them seven years before. While going through their parent's belongings, the siblings stumble upon a collection of home videos and decide to revisit those happier memories.
#octoberbooks #octoberreads #bookwormsoflemon8 #readingrecommendations #lemon8bookclub
Wow, looking back at my October reading journey, it truly felt like a cozy, spooky, and utterly captivating month for books! You know how sometimes you just know certain books are perfect for the season? For me, October is all about getting lost in stories that are a little mysterious, a little thrilling, and maybe even a touch supernatural. That's why picks like 'Cackle' by Rachel Harrison felt so spot-on – a supernatural cozy novel that was just what I needed when the leaves started turning. It really made me think about growth and finding your own strength, which felt strangely comforting during a time of year when things start to slow down. I always get asked how I manage to read so many books in a month, and honestly, it’s all about finding stories that grab you from the first page. For example, 'Caraval' by Stephanie Garber, a New York Times bestseller, truly kept me on the edge of my seat. The world-building was incredible, and I just had to know what happened to Scarlett and Tella. That feeling of being completely immersed is key! If a book doesn't hook me early, I sometimes try to push through, but I've learned it's okay to put it down and pick up something that truly excites you. Life's too short for books you're not loving, right? Speaking of hooks, 'That's Not My Name,' another New York Times bestseller, was an absolute masterclass in suspense. The sheer mystery of waking up with no memory? It literally had me guessing until the very last page. For those of you who love a good thriller that keeps you guessing, this one is definitely worth checking out. And then there's 'Home Is Where the Bodies Are' – a mystery with so much emotional depth, it really resonated with me. It’s not just about solving a puzzle; it’s about family dynamics and secrets, which adds so many layers. Now, 'Such Sharp Teeth' was an interesting one. As a werewolf novel, I had high hopes for something truly spooky and immersive for October. While it was enjoyable and I appreciated the unique take on the genre, it didn't quite hit the 9/10 mark for me like 'Cackle' or 'Home Is Where the Bodies Are' did. Sometimes a book is good, but just doesn't connect on that deeper level, and that's perfectly fine! It's all part of the reading adventure. My biggest tip for anyone looking to boost their reading in October, or any month, is to have a mix of genres on your TBR (To Be Read) list. I try to balance intense reads with something lighter, or a long fantasy with a quick mystery. This way, if I'm not in the mood for one, I always have another option. Also, don't be afraid to read multiple books at once! Sometimes a change of pace is all you need to get through a reading slump. And when you finish, sharing your thoughts, even if it's just a quick rating like I did, helps solidify your experience and can inspire others. Happy reading, everyone! Can't wait to see what November brings!