October 2021 Reading Wrap Up

October 31, 2021

October 2021 Reading Wrap Up

How was your October reading?

October was an OK reading month for me.
Out of eleven books completed, I had two 4.5-5-star reads, three 4-star reads, six 3-star reads. Unfortunately, I experienced one (surprising) DNF.
I’ve now read 98 books towards my year end goal of 100. Do you set a year-end goal?

My favorite reads of the month are The Night of Many Endings (for its compelling themes and chilly setting) and Love and Lavender (for its quirky characters and unique premise).

Did we read any of the same books?

***This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
Titles are Amazon affiliate links or my linked reviews.
ARC=Advanced Readers Copy (complimentary copy for review)

The Night of Many Endings by Melissa Payne

4.5 Stars (can easily be rounded up to 5). (ARC) Contemporary fiction. A night in the library surviving a blizzard. My review of The Night of Many Endings here.

Love and Lavender by Josi S. Kilpack

4.5 Stars (can easily be rounded up to 5). (ARC) Historical Fiction. A sweet love story between two unlikely characters. My review of Love and Lavender here.

The Martian by Andy Weir

4.5 Stars. Science Fiction. I’ve seen the movie, but I’ve been wanting to read the book, too, since I enjoyed Project Hail Mary. The Martian not reviewed.

Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee

4 Stars. Nonfiction: Self help. The aesthetics of design. Surprisingly inspirational and creative. My review of Joyful here.

All I Want For Christmas Is the Girl Next Door by Chelsea Bobulski

4 Stars. (ARC) YA contemporary romance. Sweet. My review of All I Want For Christmas Is the Girl Next Door here.

Ever Rest by Roz Morris

3.5 Stars (rounded to 4 for the target audience). Well-written story of loss, recovery, and moving on. My review of Ever Rest here.

Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson

3 Stars. (getting a head start on novellas in November) Diverse read. This is written in the second person POV which I found difficult to read and connect with. Beautiful prose. Not reviewed.

The Summer of Lost and Found by Mary Alice Monroe

3 Stars. Contemporary women’s fiction. Light. Meh. Not reviewed.

Bridgerton #1-#3 (three books in one volume)

3 Stars. (each) Steamy women’s historical fiction. FOMO won. Not to my taste. Not reviewed.

DNF: The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

3 Stars (for the 50% I read). So disappointing because this book was highly anticipated. Although it’s well written and others have absolutely loved it, I was not engaged with the characters or the plot. DNF 50%. Not reviewed.

QOTD:

What was your favorite October read?
Did we read any of the same books?
Which of these books is on your TBR?

ICYMI:

October Blog Posts:

Ever Rest Review
This Tender Land Review
All I Want For Christmas is the Girl Next Door Review
Joyful Review
The Fountains of Silence Review
The Night of Many Endings Review
Don’t Be a Stranger: How to Make Connections in the Book Blogging Community (Discussion)
Is a Balanced Reading Life Important? (Discussion)
The Things We Cannot Say Review
TTT: Ten Favorite Book Settings
Why You Need to Fail (excerpt)
The Water Dancer Review
TTT: Ten Bookish Pet Peeves
The Unlikely Yarrn of the Dragon Lady Review
Crying in H Mart Review
The Women of Copper Company Review

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

Let’s Get Social!

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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 covers are credited to Amazon.

© http://www.ReadingLadies.com

Ever Rest [Book Review]

October 29, 2021

Ever Rest by Roz Morris

Genre/Categories/Setting: Contemporary Fiction, UK, Mount Everest, Rock and Roll Band, Fame

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

Summary:

Thanks (indie author) @Roz_Morris for a complimentary e-copy of #EverRest and the review request. All opinions are my own.

Hugo and Ash and friends formed the wildly popular and sensational rock band, Ashbirds. The day that Ash went missing and was presumed to have perished during an extreme mountain climbing expedition on Mt Everest, all their lives were changed forever. The current timeline begins twenty years after the accident as each member of the band and Ash’s girlfriend struggle to make a new life for themselves. A great deal of time is spent filling in the backstory of how Hugo and Ash and his girlfriend, Elza, first met, their journey to stardom, and the explanation of what really happened on the mountain.This is the story of grief, recovery, and moving on.

My Thoughts:

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This Tender Land [Book Review] #ThrowBackThursday

October 28, 2021

This Tender Land by William Kent Kreuger
#throwbackthursday

Genre/Categories/Setting: Historical Fiction, Coming of Age, Adventure, Great Depression

In 2020, I decided to systematically revisit my older review posts and update them. On Thursdays, I’ll be re-sharing a few of these great reads. Today, I’m re-sharing a compelling historical fiction story from a popular author, This Tender Land by William Kent Kreuger

I’m linking up today with Davida @ The Chocolate Lady’s Book Review Blog for #throwbackthursday.

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

My Summary:

“During the Great Depression, four orphans escape from the Lincoln School in Minnesota, an unhappy and perilous home/institution for Native American children where they had little food, harsh punishments, and suffered abuse. This quartet of miserable children consists of rebellious, free-spirited, and harmonica-playing Odie; his responsible and conscientious older brother Albert; their best friend and Native American, Mose; and a brokenhearted little girl named Emmy. The foursome makes their escape in a canoe down the Gilead River toward the Mississippi in search of a safe place to call home and people to love them. They become found family to each other and survive encounters with all types of people.”

A journey to find safety, love, and home….

Continue here for my full review of This Tender Land…

QOTD:

Have you read This Tender Land or is it on your TBR?

All I Want For Christmas is the Girl Next Door [Book Review]

October 27, 2021

All I Want For Christmas is the Girl Next Door by Chelsea Bobulski

Genre/Categories/Setting: Fiction, Contemporary Romance. YA, Christmas, Virginia

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

My Summary:

Thanks #NetGalley @WiseWolfBooks for a complimentary eARC of #AllIWantForChristmasIsTheGirlNextDoor upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Sixteen-year-old Graham has been in love with Sarah, the girl next door, for several years. However, she’s been dating his best friend for the last two years. Graham makes a wish upon a star….all he wants for Christmas is Sarah. In the morning, Graham wakes to a new reality…..he is the one that has been dating Sarah for two years, not his best friend. As he spends more time with Sarah, he wonders whether or not they are right for each other. Further complicating the situation is that Graham is spending a lot of enjoyable time with the new girl in town.

My Thoughts:

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Joyful [Book Review] #WhatsOnYourBookshelfChallenge

October 22, 2021

Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee

Genre/Categories: Nonfiction, Self Help, Home Design, Aesthetics, Reflection

Today I’m reviewing a book that’s been on my (virtual) bookshelf for some time. I’m linking up with Deb @ Deb’s World and Sue, Donna, and Jo for the October installment of #WhatsOnYourBookShelfChallenge .

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

My Summary:

Does the outer world of design affect our inner joy? Do our outward surroundings promote joy? The author explores the principles of psychology, visual and sensory input, and design to discuss how they might promote personal joy. Ten aesthetics that affect joy are addressed in depth and she reveals “a distinct connection between the feeling of joy and the tangible qualities of the world around us”: Energy, Abundance, Freedom, Harmony, Play, Surprise, Transcendence, Magic, Celebration, and Renewal. In addition, the author provides sample worksheets for making our own spaces more joyful.

Key Concepts:

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The Fountains of Silence [Book Review] #ThrowBackThursday

October 21, 2021

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
#throwbackthursday

Genre/Categories/Setting: Historical Fiction, Post Spanish Civil War Spain, YA, Family, Love Story

In 2020, I decided to systematically revisit my older review posts and update them. On Thursdays, I’ll be re-sharing a few of these great reads. Today, I’m re-sharing a compelling historical fiction story from one of my favorite authors, The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys.

I’m linking up today with Davida @ The Chocolate Lady’s Book Review Blog for #throwbackthursday.

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

My Summary:

“In 1957, Madrid, Spain is under the control of the fascist dictator General Francisco Franco. While citizens endure harsh conditions of the dictatorship after the Spanish Civil War, tourists experience another version of life in Spain as they enjoy parties and wine at the Hilton Hotel. Eighteen-year-old Daniel is a hotel guest, a photographer, and the son of a Texas oil tycoon; his mother was born in Spain and Daniel is eager to visit her homeland. Ana works at the hotel as a maid. Daniel and Ana meet and fall in love. While Ana is simultaneously intrigued by American life and concerned for her family, Daniel sets his mind to capture the real Spain in photos and finds himself investigating the plight of stolen children. The circumstances surrounding their love story are difficult for them to navigate.”

Family…love…silence…secrets…

Continue here for my full review of The Fountains of Silence

QOTD:

Have you read The Fountains of Silence or is it on your TBR?

The Night of Many Endings [Book Review] #BlogTour

October 20, 2021

The Night of Many Endings by Melissa Payne

Genre/Categories/Setting: Contemporary Fiction, Colorado, Drug Addiction, Public Library

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

My Summary:

Welcome to my stop on the Let’s Talk Books Tour. Thanks #NetGalley #LetsTalkBooksPromo @LetsTalkBooksPromo @Getredprbooks @AmazonPublishing (Lake Union) for a complimentary eARC of #TheNightOfManyEndings by @MelissaPayne_writes upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Nora Martinez is a kind and compassionate librarian in the small Colorado community of Silver Ridge. Nora has a heart for the homeless population and after work she can be found delivering blankets, coats, and food to those sleeping on city benches. She welcomes the homeless into the library to use the restroom, treats them compassionately, believes in second chances, and tries to learn their names. Nora finds great comfort herself working in the library, and it becomes her home away from home. One reason she works tirelessly on behalf of the homeless is the concern she has for her brother who is living on the streets and is addicted to drugs. If she can’t help him, maybe she can help others. One night, a blizzard hits the small town and Nora and four others are stranded in the library overnight. As the storm rages outside, Nora and the patrons struggle to keep warm and to share their personal stories.

My Thoughts:

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Don’t be a Stranger: How to Make Connections in the Book Blogging Community [ReBlog] [GuestPost]

A HUGE shoutout to Eleanor @ notsomoderngirl for asking me to guest post! I enjoyed thinking and writing about this topic and I hope you will find my thoughts helpful!

Not-So-Modern Girl

This is a guest post written by Carol from the Reading Ladies blog. Find out more about her at the end of the post!

One of the first blogging lessons to be learned was also my greatest challenge: I needed a Community; I desired to make connections and find my people. I knew for certain that no one can blog in isolation, but the solution intimidated me.

I’m an introvert. I’m a reader, not a talker. I love cancelled plans so that I can stay home and read. I’m never lonely because I always have a book. These self-descriptors don’t set me up for making online connections. I also had fears: what if I attract creepers or someone makes a mean or negative comment?

How Did I Move From Frozen to Connected?

To be successful as a book blogger, I knew I had to extend myself, take chances, and…

View original post 967 more words

Is a Balanced Reading Life Important? #NationalBookMonth #LetsDiscuss2021

October 15, 2021

Is a Balanced Reading Life Important?

Image Source: Pixabay

October is National Book Month

All through the year there are many occasions to celebrate books and reading!

National Book Month is held each October.
The month-long celebration focuses on the importance of reading, writing and literature.

To celebrate, I’m asking a bookish question… or two….

I’m linking up with Discussion Challenge 2021.

Let’s Discuss!

Do you have a balanced reading life?
Do you think a reader needs a balanced reading life?
What is a balanced reading life?
Is a balanced reading life important?
What are the benefits of a balanced reading life?
What do you do to balance your reading life?

***This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

10 Reasons For a Balanced Reading Life:

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The Things We Cannot Say [Book Review] #ThrowBackThursday

October 14, 2021

The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer
#throwbackthursday

Genre/Categories/Setting: Historical Fiction, Poland, WW11, Love Story, Family Life

In 2020, I decided to systematically revisit my older review posts and update them. On Thursdays, I’ll be re-sharing a few of these great reads. Today, I’m re-sharing a heartfelt and poignant story, The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer.

I’m linking up today with Davida @ The Chocolate Lady’s Book Review Blog for #throwbackthursday.

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

My Summary:

“From the age of nine, Alina has been in love with her best friend Tomasz. At fifteen and engaged to Tomasz, Alina and her neighbors discount the rumors of Nazi soldiers at the Polish border, and she spends her time dreaming of her wedding. Tomasz is in college in Warsaw when the Nazis occupy Poland. While Alina and Tomasz briefly lose touch, Alina and her family’s efforts are focused on survival. In the present-day timeline, Alina is in a convalescent home in the U. S. recovering from a stroke and convincing her granddaughter that she must make a trip to Poland in her place and visit certain sites. The granddaughter, Alice, is leading a stressful life with two special needs children and an unsatisfactory marriage, but she feels compelled to honor her grandmother’s request. In dual timelines, Alice visits her grandmother, makes plans to visit Poland, and actually makes the trip, while the WW11 timeline involving Alina and Tomasz progresses. Readers find out what eventually happens to Alina and Tomasz as Alice meets the Polish family and unravels Alina’s most closely guarded secrets.”

Engaging…memorable…page-turning…and emotional!

Continue here for my full review of The Things We Cannot Say…

QOTD:

Have you read The Things We Cannot Say or is it on your TBR?

October 2021 Reading Wrap Up

DNF: The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

QOTD:

ICYMI:

Happy Reading Book Buddies!

Let’s Get Social!

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This Tender Land by William Kent Kreuger #throwbackthursday

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The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys #throwbackthursday

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How Did I Move From Frozen to Connected?

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Is a Balanced Reading Life Important?

October is National Book Month

Let’s Discuss!

10 Reasons For a Balanced Reading Life:

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The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer #throwbackthursday

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QOTD:

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This Tender Land by William Kent Kreuger
#throwbackthursday

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
#throwbackthursday

The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer
#throwbackthursday