1. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo (Adult Paranormal Mystery) (450 pages) (5⭐️)
Alex Stern is part of the Ninth House which is tasked with monitoring the secret societies of Yale. While there she attempts to solve the murder of a local girl. This novel perfectly matches paranormal/fantasy with mystery and is what first got me into mysteries. The novel showcases what Bardugo is best at: writing morally grey characters.
Read if: You like dark academia.
2. Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron (Nonfiction) (277 pages) (4⭐️)
This is the story of a cat (named Dewey) who grew up in a small town library. The book also covers the town (Spencer, Iowa) and Dewey's mom (Vicki). It's a mostly heartwarming, easy read that reminds us that even the smallest among us can have a big, positive impact. I think any age could enjoy this book.
Read if: You're a cat person.
Full Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4303284981
3. The River at Night by Erica Ferencik (Adult Thriller) (292 pages) (4⭐️)
Four friends go on a white water rafting trip in the remote wilderness. Forces of nature and human conspire to keep them from ever returning home. Ferencik's writing really engages the senses and makes you feel like you're right there with the characters. The fast pacing kept me on the edge of my seat. I just wish I liked the characters' dynamics more.
(Don't) Read if: You're about to go rafting.
Full Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4269510619
4. Beasts and Beauty by Soman Chainani (YA Fantasy Short Story Collection) (320 pages) (3.75 ⭐️)
This short story collection re-imagines 12 fairy tales. I breakdown my thoughts on each in my full review so be sure to check that out! Among the standouts, though, are Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, and Little Mermaid. Besides those I also really enjoyed Peter Pan. The best ones were the ones which felt the most like Chainani had left his personal mark on them.
Read if: You're a fairy tale fanatic.
Full Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4325543371
5. Rock, Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney (Adult Thriller) (304 pages) (3 ⭐️)
A married couple (Amelia and Adam) take a wintry vacation to an old chapel in Scotland in a last bid to save their marriage. How well does Adam really know his wife? The setting was fantastic and atmospheric (if a little over the top). The inclusion of letters to Adam written by his wife gave the novel that mixed media element I love. The downside is this thriller is super predictable.
Read if: You want a fun (if not so suspenseful) thriller.
6. Sweet & Bitter Magic (YA Fantasy) (359 pages) 4.25 ⭐️)
Tamsin (a witch cursed to be unable to love) and Wren (a source or person made of magic) team up to take down a dark witch. My favorite part of this novel was the world building. The way that Tamsin's curse works and how Wren's power works were unlike anything I've seen before (and I've read many YA fantasies). The relationship between Tamsin and Wren was sweet if cheesy.
Read if: You're looking for a unique standalone fantasy.
Full Review: Coming soon to the blog!
TOTAL PAGES READ (OCT): 2,002pages (avg. book length: 333.7 pages)
TOTAL PAGES READ (YTD): 26,168 pages (avg. book length: 323 pages)
AVERAGE STAR RATING (OCT): 25/30 ⭐️ (4..17 avg. rating)
AVERAGE STAR RATING (YTD): 312/370 ⭐️ (3.85 avg. rating)
1. Read at least 60 books
I read 6 books this month meaning that I have completed 81 books to date. I am proud to have exceeded my goal.
2. Have at least one book a month be a reread
While I started a reread of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue this month I have not completed it so it will bleed over into December. I will still be doing another reread in December, though.
3. Read at least 1-2 adult books a month
I completed 3 adult books in November, exceeding my goal.
4. Read at least 10 nonfiction and/or poetry books
To date I've read 4 nonfiction and 3 poetry collections and my goal is 70% complete. In all honesty I don't know that I will be able to complete this goal since I am in the midst of a reading slump. I am only picking up things I am super interested in right now. I would like to at least reach 80-90% completion.
5. Post a blog every weekend unless ill and/or recovering from surgery
I missed the last two weeks due to being in a very deep depression. I consider this to be ill as depression is a mental illness, so I'm not beating myself up over it.