Show Us Your Books October 2023

September was a good reading month for me. I enjoyed some end of summer reads, some middle grade, and, of course, Holly. It’s kind of funny now to think how hot it was when I read some of these books. So glad sweater weather is here. (You can tell it’s getting cooler because my two cats will actually spend a few hours sitting next to each other not fighting.)

Five Star Reads:

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling -- I‘m probably not the intended audience for these books, but I really like them. I love the characters and love cheering them on as they navigate teenage life.

Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal -- I loved this book. It was so sad, but also so insightful. 5 stars. Perfect end of summer reading.

Four Stars:

Holly by Stephen King -- Holly is such a great character, and I will read anything King writes about her. Great creepy story.

I do understand why some people complained about the politics. It didn‘t seem natural to me that people would bring it into conversation as soon as Holly met them.

Salt Houses by Hala Alyan -- Multi-generational books are my sweet spot. This book about a family over time and what home means was no exception.

Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk -- Listened to this MG coming of age story with my daughter and we loved it.

The Butterfly Effect by Rachel Mans McKenny -- I enjoyed this book about cranky mc Greta and her dumpster fire of a year. Grumpy ladies have feelings too. Thanks for the representation.

The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray -- This book was delightful. Gray brought so many characters together from Jane Austen‘s books for a murder mystery in a way that seemed authentic and humorous at the same time.

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This is linked to Quick Lit on Modern Mrs. Darcy.

On My Nightstand September 24, 2023

It took the arrival of Tropical Storm Ophelia, but it finally feels like fall. Right on time since the Autumnal Equinox was September 23. That brought about one of my favorite traditions- Reading This Was Our Pact- a graphic novel set on the Equinox. It was so cozy reading under a blanket with the rain and the wind howling outside. It’s hard to believe I couldn’t go outside without melting at the beginning of this month.

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week:

“We forgive the faults of those we love so often, so deeply, that we sometimes convince ourselves the faults do not exist. The rest of the world is not so easily persuaded.”

— The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray

On my nightstand:

Graduates In Wonderland by Jessica Pan -- I haven’t started this yet, but am hoping to get through it for a book club.

What Happens In Dubai by Sophie Gravia -- I had this lurking on my Kindle and I figured it was worth a try for the setting.

The Butterfly Effect by Rachel Mans McKenny -- I have been wanting to read this for YEARS. Now is the time!

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This post is linked to The Sunday Post on Caffeinated Reviewer.

REVIEW: The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend is a love story between a town and some books. Yes, actual people fall in love too, but the love story between people and books is more believable and satisfying. It's not that there's anything wrong with the person to person love stories. It's just that the example of a run down town that starts with almost nothing, but is completely transformed into a place people want to live once it gets a book store is so satisfying. It's economic and social policy that makes more sense than anything you'll see in a presidential debate.

The story starts off simply enough. A Swedish girl goes to visit her pen pal in Broken Wheel, Iowa. The only problem is she shows up just as her pen pal's funeral is ending. The town puts her up, because it's the right thing to do, and they take care of all her needs. However, it doesn't seem right to come all the way to Iowa only to let others make hamburgers for her and make her coffee. All alone, and without purpose, she decides to pay back the town's kindnesses by opening a book shop. The town is doubtful, but as all bookworms know, a small bookstore can solve everything.

If you love reading you'll love this book.

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