In honor of my recent DNF post and because this month has been non-stop for me, I’ll be a bit unconventional with the way I share my September fiction list.
I had many plans of books to read but didn’t spend much time in the evening reading and my weekends were full. I also made the decision to give myself quiet space when on a walk or when I had some moments of down time (instead of listening to an audiobook).
So here are the books that I checked out from the library but had to return without reading them because of due dates:
A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey — when reading other people’s similar lists, this book kept popping up. It’s been around for a while and its but still has a lot of attention. I will put in on next summer’s TBR.
Finley Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano — the premise of this book makes me laugh
At Home in Midford by Jan Karon — a small town romance with quirky characters, I renewed it but have several weeks wait again.
Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser — this is the Cinderella story told from the perspective of the stepmother. I got several hours into the audiobook but had to return it before I finished. I found it compelling.
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What matters most to me is that I am reading often, deeply, and with enjoyment. The more I read the more I am comfortable with letting books go that don’t align with my goals right now.
If you feel like you need permission to do the same check out my DNF policy post
This book I did finish but spent the whole time cringing and asking “what the f—-?”. The main character was shocking and not likeable at all, but being in such a close 1st person narrative made it a compelling read. Every time I walked away from it I found myself wondering what would happen next and how it all ended.
The dark side of creating content on social media shown in this novel also reminded me why I took a step back from creating TikTok and Instagram posts.
I liked the book even more after listening to this podcast from the wonderful Mara Eller. The arguments she makes helped me appreciate the writing craft in this polarizing book = Yesteryear: Why Most Critism Misses The Point
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🎭Theater:
🎭Murder for Two at The Phoenix Theatre Company — My husband and I went on a double date to go see this play last month and we absolutely loved it. It’s a murder mystery with two actors. One is the police detective and the second actor is 10 other quirky characters in a mansion. I laughed so hard that my sides hurt! 🤣
October Reading Confessions:
Books I added to my list:
I Miss You When I Blink by Mary Laura Philpott — It’s a memoir written in essays with threads of perfectionism, identity, and the pressures of modern adulthood. I loved it just as much as Bomb Shelter (her most recent book I read in August). She has a way with story telling that just hits me and I can relate so well. I feel seen and deeply understood reading her books.
“That’s what books do, they are a conversation… and they introduce us to ourselves and others.” – The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Ray
🎥📖 My Jane Austen Fall:
🍿🎥Sense and Sensibility Movie — First, I would love to add subtitles to movies at the theater because I am a movie reader. But, anyway, my friend and I went and we loved it!!
I really enjoy seeing George MacKay in a the role of Edward Ferrars. I liked his character in the Netflix Series: 11.22.63 (based on the Stephen King novel about stopping the JFK assassination). The others I didn’t know and I enjoyed seeing a movie with “strangers” in the staring roles. The way the film was shot was very unique and added to the story telling. I also liked the emphasis on nature and costumes that felt real to the time period but not perfect. I am excited to watch it at home when its available.
I have also had fun watching the other Jane Austen movies with my family (or alone with the dog and my favorite snacks).
My daughter Lara and I decided that 🎥Pride & Prejudice (2005) is our most favorite even though that Mr. Darcy is not fully swoon worthy. 😜
I love having a theme that I sink in to for a season. I will continue to my watch list as the fall moves into winter. 💙
📚The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower — these Late Victorian Era books have been so fun to read! I read the first book in one evening. It felt like a Netflix show that I couldn’t stop watching. Each journal entry feels manageable and draws you in so you just keep turning pages. I would definitely recommend reading the printed copy so that you can see the capitalization and structure of her journal entries. There is a visual layer that I think the audiobook would lack.
As with anything from a different time period, I did have a few minutes of confusion adjusting to the language style and characters, but I quickly settled in. The list of characters (included at the beginning of Book 2) were super helpful to feel grounded in the story. Beth Brower has a way of writing that keeps me reading till 1am. I spent this last weekend reading for several hours and it felt like a mini-vacation. Such a hilarious and joyful escape! I’ve quickly read the first 5 books and will continue to finish the series into November.
Let’s see… other confessions…
🫤🧩I didn’t get any puzzles out yet. I pulled them down off the shelf and put them on the table, but they just sat there unopened.
🍲My favorite fall-themed meal that I have made so far is a Lasagna inspired soup. I found tiny meatballs at Aldi’s and made an Italian noddle soup dish that my family loved.
🍳I haven’t tried out muffin recipes yet, but I did make sour dough cinnamon rolls and an epic egg dish for a brunch that I hosted for our High School Leaders.
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📖 Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg — Book Club is wrapping up! Niamh Celeste and I recorded a podcast episode to finish our book conversation. It was so fun!! 😁
