October was a pretty good reading month for me, as I read 8 books and met my Goodreads reading goal for the year! I set my reading goal fairly low (for me!) at 75 books and I’m thinking it’s possible I can make it to 90 or more (especially with my upcoming cruise at the end of the month during which I’ll have copious time to read).
I think I need to take a moment and stress here that yes, I read a lot and no, I do not think everyone needs to read as much as I do. I read a lot because I have the free time to do so: no partner, no kids, no crazy social calendar. And I read a lot because, as an introvert, it’s my way of recharging my batteries. In essence, I need it to feel like myself. You may have a different way to recharge your batteries, like baking or watching TV or knitting or exercising. But the last thing I want is for someone to compare their reading list to mine and feel shame or guilt. We all have different priorities! And that’s totally okay.
With that off my chest, let’s dive into this month’s reviews!
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (★★★★★)
This novel was probably one of the best I’ve read this year. Not because it was life-changing or had an important message or anything like that, but because of the way it made me feel. This book made me feel so grateful to be a reader and get to enjoy this incredibly fun story. It’s romance, but please don’t let that deter you from reading it because the overall story is just so delightful. I never wanted this book to end and I’m 99% sure I’m going to buy a physical copy to keep on my bookshelf and reread frequently.
Confess by Colleen Hoover (★★★☆☆)
Usually, a Colleen Hoover novel is an emotional process. She writes in such a way that just captivates me and makes me lose all focus because I can’t stop thinking about the characters and the story. This novel was not that experience. That’s not to say the novel wasn’t good, because it was, but it just didn’t have that same emotional gut punch that her other novels have. I also reallllllly couldn’t stand the main character; she was super frustrating and made decisions I didn’t care for.
The Ramblers by Aidan Donnelley Rowley (★★★★☆)
I reviewed this book earlier this month and you can find the review here.
Results May Vary by Bethany Chase (★★★★☆)
I read this for my in-person book club and it was a heavier read than I was expecting. The story begins with the main character, Caroline, discovering her husband of ten years has been cheating on her… with a man. Normally, the stories I read about infidelity write about it in a way that seems to glamorize it, but this one really dug deep into how irrevocably painful infidelity truly is. The author takes readers on a journey as Caroline tries to piece her life back together and decide whether she can forgive her husband or if the secret is just too massive and heartbreaking to get over. It’s a remarkable story and the writing is exquisite.
Rumor Has It by Jill Shalvis (★★★☆☆)
There’s not too much to say about this novel. It was a cute contemporary romance that continued Shalvis’s Animal Magnetism series. It’s one of those novels that’s just easy. There’s nothing hard or gritty about it. It’s just meant to make you smile and believe in love for a little while.
Dare to Love by Carly Phillips (★★★☆☆)
Another cute contemporary romance, though the writing fell a little on the cheesy side. Also, I felt that the male protagonist was a bit too controlling at times and I was a little uncomfortable with some of his actions, but that could just be my preconceived notions. It was a good story, but not outstanding.
Joyland by Stephen King (★★★☆☆)
I read this for Postal Book Club and this is what I love so much about this book club: reading books I would have never picked up on my own. Thankfully, this wasn’t a horror novel, but more a coming-of-age story coupled with a mystery. I’ll admit that the mystery never gripped me, nor was I very interested in it, though the reveal did end up surprising me! But the way this book was written made me clearly see why Stephen King is so beloved. He’s truly one of a kind.
A Night Like This by Julia Quinn (★★★★☆)
I read this novel in, like, two days. It was excellent! It’s a Regency romance, the second novel in Quinn’s Smythe-Smith Quartet series, and fiercely feminist. I loved Anne for her vulnerability and her badassness when called upon. She was loving and gracious and I just wanted to see her happy ending. I felt that Daniel, the male protagonist, wasn’t as well developed and I would have liked more from him, but overall, a great novel.
OCTOBER BOOK STATS
- Number of books read: 8 (2,655 pages)
- Format breakdown: e-books (4), physical books (4)
- Genre breakdown: romance (5), fiction (3)
- Number of diverse reads: 1 out of 8 (13%)
- Where I got my books from: Overdrive (3), library (2), friend (1), TLC (1)
- Money spent on reading this month: $0.00
What was the best book you read in October? What’s your favorite way to recharge your batteries (and psst! Extroverts also need to recharge, so you guys aren’t off the hook here!)?
I will have to check out The Hating Game since you loved it so much! Results May Vary sounds interesting, too. I usually don’t like novels that deal with infidelity as I think they often romanticize it, so it’s good to hear that the author actually addresses the reality of cheating.
The best book I read in October was The Ramblers. I really loved it and did not want the book to end!
Ways I recharge my battery are reading, knitting, crocheting, and cooking.
Yes, yes, yes! I loved The Hating Game so much!
I added the Hating Game to my TBR list once I saw how much you liked it on IG. I can’t wait to track down a copy and read it 🙂
I didn’t read much AT ALL in October, sadly. I don’t have much to show for it. So far I’m digging the book I’m reading right now, Lowcountry Bordello, which is a cozy/southern mystery and I love it.