November Show Us Your Books!

I read a lot in October, but because it was mostly dedicated to reading for the Scarathlon on Litsy I fell like just read one long book. I enjoyed the experience, but I glad to be reading with more variety in November. My October reading highlights are below. (And because I’m in a mood, one lowlight.)

I’m Your #1 Fan

Misery by Stephen King - I haven’t read this book since high school, and I forgot how good it is. Plus it didn’t take six years to read like some of King’s other books. I’m one of Stephen King’s constant readers, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate a succinct book with a good ending every now and then!

Life Is a Mystery

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie - This is only the second Christie book I’ve ever read, and I was surprised by how funny it was. I wasn’t laughing with tears coming out of my eyes, but some of the comments and observations has me chuckling on the metro in a way that made others think twice about sitting next to me.

The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny - This is another book that has escaped my re-reading habits until now. I’m glad I went back to this one though because this is the one where a lot of the later, wonderful story lines start to take shape.

Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear - These are serviceable mysteries for when I don’t have any Louise Penny books to read. I’d like to get through the series, but I don’t feel any particular rush. In this one Maisie goes back to France for the first time since WWI, and Hitler is beginning to stir in Germany.

Creepiness

The Family Plot by Cherie Priest - A good old fashioned ghost story. It could have been better if I actually cared about the characters, but the creepiness was definitely there.

The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware - Ruth Ware writes a certain type of book, and this one stuck to theme. The main character is desperate for money, and thinks her problems are solved when she gets a letter informing her of an inheritance she’s not entitled to. She just has to travel to a creepy old house to pick it up. Not Earth shattering, but a great twisty read for when you feel like crawling under a blanket.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman - Another spooky old house in this one. I got this to read with my daughter, but it was a bit too much for her. I liked it though so I ended up finishing it on my own. Coraline wishes her parents paid more attention to her, but realizes that they might not be so bad when she finds another set of parents.

I Give Up

The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy - Way too much detail about submarines, and not enough action. I bailed after 50 pages. Should I go back or let this one go?

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