October flew by didn’t it. I wanted to finish two more books but I was too busy. As we are right into the second wave of the pandemic and things are unsre I have been focusing on working on my paid projects and so reading fell a bit to the way side. I was just so terribly tired at night. However I have a few books I read in October and those I want to share with you.
The River by Peter Heller | ★★★★⭐︎
What’s it about: Two buddy’s are taking a long planned kayak trip through the Alaskan wilderness. On their way the meet only a few people but that is all it takes to have their vacation’s purpose change quickly.
What I thought: It was a book I saw a recommendation off by an author I quite like. It was a a good story set in a wonderful nature setting. I did learn a bit about wilderness and survival. It wasn’t quite as suspenseful as I had anticipated but it was a good entertainment. I did like the dynamic of the two friends. I found it rather unique – or maybe it’s how guys function and I just don’t have a clue.
Original Language: English
Published Languages: German, maybe more
Recommend to: Everyone liking a suspenseful story that is not fast paced.
Licht in der Nacht der Seele by Martin Duda | ★★★⋆⭐︎
What’s it about: The book promises to be a literary antidepressant. A textbook for people suffering from depression by applying bibliotherapy.
What I thought: I have never heard of the therapy with books called “bibliotherapy”. This was very intriguing. However I wished it was a bit more deeply explained how this exactly works. Nevertheless this book is full of good thoughts and nudges to have literature help you when being at the lowest in life. While there were a few text excerpts from potential “positive reads” it wasn’t a collection of those. More references to go deeper into those texts was however provided by constantly dropping names.
Original Language: German
Published Languages: German, I don’t think it’s been translated yet
Recommend to: Everyone having some sort of relation to depression either as patient or as family member. I do not recommend reading when in the midst of a depression.
Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern | ★★★⋆⭐︎
What’s it about: “The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.” (Goodreads summery)
What I thought: Argh I wanted to love this book. It was a tough read. I started in summer – postponed it to fall cause it felt more like a fall read (it is!). But for some reason this book just couldn’t really swoosh me away. I loved the setting, I loved the idea of the color theme, I loved the storyline and idea … yet… I had a tough time following the timeline and actually had to take notes. I do not think the main characters love story was interesting. I often found the magic a bit too vague. However I found the writing often very poetic and it actually sounded even better when reading aloud. Maybe this was just not for me. Maybe I didn’t really get what it was about. Maybe this book would have been better as an audio book.
Original Language: English
Published Languages: very many
Recommend to: Everyone loving magic, a circus and a different kind of book and love story.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley | ★★★⭐︎⭐︎
What’s it about: I guess everyone knows the name Frankenstein and this is the famous horror story. Originally published anonymously in 1818.
What I thought: It was very different from what I expected. But what did I expect? I guess the name Frankenstein triggers a certain expectation. I found the novel was much more and what we refer to as Frankenstein is actually only a fraction of the story. The protagonist struggles through his life after making on decision that is following through life.
Original Language: English
Published Languages: probably all you can think of.
Recommend to: Everyone loving a classic, wants to know what the original looks like and like to read a horror story that doesn’t scare.
Always with me by Barbara Freethy | ★★★⭐︎⭐︎
What’s it about: Two teenage sweethearts meet accidentally in a small town where their summer camp was located. Each of them have lived through their share of headaches in the last 14 years. Both have issues to deal with but see a second chance.
What I thought: It was good entertainment, a quick read and just what I needed at the moment. Fluffy good feel romance with a bit of drama. I found the timeline a bit off. Everything happening within 2/3 weeks is just a bit over the top for me but I often have that issues with American novels.
Original Language: English
Published Languages: English
Recommend to: Everyone needing a quick escape from daily life with some romance that isn’t too one dimensional.
With the NaBloPoMo going on in November I am not counting on reading much this coming month. However I have many books lined up. But I have a feeling I need low involvement romance novels in November. What is your go to genre when things get hectic?
Happy reading friends
2 comments
5 books is pretty good, I’d say. I only managed to finish two in October.
Sounds like The River was your favorite last month. It does sound interesting! I am also intrigued by the Night Circus. I’ve heard about it before.
Yes I was surprised by the number.
The river was interesting for sure. The night circus is so hard to put in words. It would be interesting to hear what you think.