October 31, 2019
October 2019 Reading Wrap Up
*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
October was a satisfying reading month. I read a total of nine books, and I am happy to report that several were memorable. Find all my October reads listed below in order of Star Rating and preference. Keep in mind that I normally recommend five- and four-star reads on the blog; three-star reads receive mixed reviews from me for various reasons; and two-star reads are books that were not for me. One star reads are usually shelved as DNF.
My favorite read of the month is The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer (even though I gave This Tender Land a full five stars).
Did we read any of the same books?
Titles are Amazon affiliate links and my available reviews are linked.
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
5 Stars. Well written (literary fiction quality), poignant, heartbreaking, and memorable. My full review here.
The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer
4.5 Stars. Emotional and heartwarming. My full review here.
Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
4.5 Stars. Well written YA historical fiction. My full review here.
The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae by Stephanie Butland
4 Stars. (ARC) The feelings and experiences of a heart transplant patient. My full review here.
The Water Dancer
4 Stars. Well written story of the quest for freedom. My full review here.
The Women of the Copper Country by Mary Doria Russell
4 Stars. Well written story of activism. My full review here.
The Last List of Miss Judith Kratt by Andrea Bobotis
4 Stars. Well written, dark, dysfunctional family drama. My full review here.
The Bookshop on the Shore by Jenny Colgan
3 Stars. Light women’s fiction. My Goodreads review here.
Frankly in Love by David Yoon
2.5-3 Stars. YA Contemporary Fiction. Not reviewed.
No DNFs
Currently Reading: Ribbons of Scarlet
Currently Listening: The Dutch House
Let’s Discuss!
What did you read in October? Did you have a favorite?
Did we read any of the same books?
Which of these books is on your TBR?
Happy Halloween and Happy Reading Book Buddies!
“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.”
~Rainer Maria Rilke
“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.”
~Denise J Hughes
“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.”
~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
“I read because books are a form of transportation, of teaching, and of connection! Books take us to places we’ve never been, they teach us about our world, and they help us to understand human experience.”
~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text
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***Blogs posts may contain affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, I can earn a small percentage of your purchase price.
Unless explicitly stated that they are free, all books that I review have been purchased by me or borrowed from the library.
Book Cover and author photo are credited to Amazon or an author’s (or publisher’s) website.
Enjoyed “This Tender Land” but no 5 stars. Author’s Ordinary Grace” was so much better. In Tender Land he tried to touch on all things Depression and seemed contrived to me. Still, I liked it but not 5 ⭐️.
I need to read Ordinary Grace! And it’s true, the author touched on several ambitious themes in Tender Land. Perhaps that’s why it wasn’t my fav book of the month … I rated it 5 stars because it’s the first work I’ve read of his and I’m so impressed with the writing! Also….I like ambitious themes….but even though I was overwhelmingly concerned for the children, I was more emotionally invested in Things We Cannot Say. It started off as a 5 and then I took off a half star there because the author was a bit heavy handed in her statements re autism and feminism. Rating is sooo subjective! I had difficulty rating my fav reads this month! I’ve been known to change my mind upon further thought! 😱 Thanks for your thoughtful comments Patti!
Ohhhh I loved Mary Doria Russell’s The Sparrow, but haven’t read this one. I’m going to add it to my Goodreads right now.
She’s a masterful writer! Enjoy!
It looks like you read some great ones! I think I’d like to read This Tender Land as well as the one by Rimmer. I saw you are listening to The Dutch House, I am currently reading it- how are you liking it so far? I am enjoying it.
I’m just starting Dutch House…..audio is not my preferred format but I couldn’t resist Tom Hanks! I’m hoping to enjoy it! Happy reading!
I’m not an audio person, I try and then I always find my mind drifting no matter how good the book is. Plus, I just enjoy the simple art of reading so much that it feels like audio takes something away from that experience. But-I can totally see where Tom Hanks reading something would be great!!
I always feel like it takes 200% more effort for me to listen to an audio book as to read a physical copy! I’m constantly rewinding! I’ve learned that audio works best for me if I’m walking or driving….but it’s still not easy!
Yes!! I totally agree, in fact walking or driving are the only places I’ve been able to listen.
We both read The Fountains of Silence and I can’t wait for your review!
I’m working on it this weekend!
Great!