At the beginning of each month I post a reading wrap up of all the books I read the prior month.  

What a busy reading month October has been! We took a family road trip to Michigan, so I got plenty of reading and audiobook listening completed! (And yes, it was cold and wintery in Michigan…or at least for us Texans.)

Let’s jump right in!

Non-Fiction

I’d Rather Be Reading

by Anne Bogel

Everything about this book makes me smile. The cover, the little illustrations throughout, the chapter titles, the chapter topics, the examples. Everything. This is the book I wanted, even needed, Anne Bogel to write. She is a true reader that understands readers. And I could have read this book in one sitting if I hadn’t been interrupted. Instead it took just under two days! Quick, beautiful read. (Read more HERE.)

Hope in the Dark

by Craig Groeschel

The title says it all: This book reminds us of HOPE in our darkest moments and darkest places. When so many people view pastor’s as going from glory to glory, Pastor Craig Groeschel digs into the dark moments he has walked through with his family as well as those of family’s he has prayed with who have received miracles and those who haven’t. He reveals moments of doubt and fear, and why he believes it is okay and right for Christians to have questions, and how to find hope in the dark valleys. (Read more HERE.)

Everybody Always

by Bob Goff

There were some amazing thoughts throughout this book. Goff’s philosophy and ideal of loving people the way Jesus does deserves a full 5 stars in and of itself. His stories are INCREDIBLE, but the book is a bit repetitive for me. The story at the end of the book made it all worth reading. It left me with Holy Spirit goosebumps! (Find out more HERE.)

Seven Deadly Friendships

by Mary DeMuth

Every single one of us has been in a toxic, unhealthy, “deadly” friendship. We have all been touched by hurt, pain, betrayal, envy, drama, some even abuse. And this book is a healing balm to the parts of us that have been broken by such relationships. This book is for each and every one of us. I HIGHLY recommend it. (Read a description and my full review HERE.)

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Read-Alouds

City of Ember

by Jeanne DuPrau

My kids and I started this series as our current read aloud. My son was less than impressed with the description but was enraptured pretty early on in this world without light. So much so that together, two of children are building the city of Ember in their Minecraft worlds. What does that mean? They very much enjoyed it! This was their first real venture into the dystopian genre, and I have delved in many more times. I can see the pieces from many other series that may have either influenced Ember or been influenced by Ember. But it was so fun to introduce this genre to my kids. Now we begin book number two!

 

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Fiction

Little Fires Everywhere

by Celeste Ng

You know when you’ve waited so long to read a book, and hyped it up in your mind so much, that when you read it, it sort of lets you down. That’s what happened to me with Little Fires Everywhere. But I can’t say it was the book’s fault. It was my soaring high expectations. I adore Ng’s writing style. Adore it. I didn’t dislike this book, but I guess I preferred her first book to this one. (Find out more HERE.)

Voyager

by Diana Gabaldon

This third installment of the Outlander series has blown me away again! This story is so epic, that all of the hundreds of pages and the little details are worthwhile. Above all, these characters are phenomenal. Sure, maybe you’ve watched the show on Starz, but books are always better! I definitely recommend the audiobooks…especially since they are so long. (Read more HERE).

A Court of Thorns and Roses

by Sarah J. Mass

This is completely outside of the realm that I typically read, but I kept seeing so many readers on Instagram loving it that I couldn’t help but have a go. When you are on a road trip where you are driving through the night to arrive at your destination, you need an intriguing audiobook to keep you awake even in the darkest moment of the night. And it delivered. Not for a second did I even get tired while I listened to Freya’s dilemma. It was such a great fantastical re-imagining of Beauty and the Beast, similar enough to be noticeable but not so much that I saw every twist coming. And that kept me on the edge of my seat and steering wheel, quite literally. Started the second installment in the series on the return drive.

Beartown

by Fredrik Backman

Easily the best book I read this month…possibly this year. OUTSTANDING. Oh this book has so much heart. If someone had told me I would love a book about hockey, I would have looked at them cross-eyed. But this book blew me away. You know when you pick up a book and from the first page or first chapter you just KNOW that you are going to really love it. And still, it surprised me. All the way to the last page. (Read my complete, gushing review HERE.)

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You guys, I know that was a lot. I told you, it was a very busy reading and listening month! If you want to know more about how I’m able to find the time to read, I give all my tips in How I find the time to read.

 

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