Last month, Steph and I posted our book reviews on the same day and from that, we got to talking and decided we’d start a monthly book chat where we share and review books we read the previous month. It’s one of the dozens of things I’ve come to love and appreciate about bloggers–most of us share a huge love of books and we have no qualms about recommending our favorites (and warn against the ones we hate don’t like as much). So, in addition to sharing our reading choices, we want to know what you read, too.
In other words, we want you to show us your books!!!
How you choose to do it is up to you. You can write a thorough review, you can summarize in a few sentences, or you can be like Lisa and do it in 140 characters or less. There are no rules other than to let us know what you read and what you thought.
As for me, in September (and by “September”, I mean the 4 weeks after Steph and I had the conversation so maybe it includes a little bit of October, too) I read 5 books (well, technically 6 but one was SO, SO BAD, I’m pretending I didn’t actually read it). I liked all of them; however, there were a few I liked way more than others. So let’s start with those.
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. You can read the Goodreads summary here. Jana says: I loved this book. Not quite as much as Eleanor and Park because the little snippets of the Harry Potter-like stories got on my nerves after awhile, and I found myself skipping over those at times. Trust when I say it didn’t impact the overall story. I adored the characters, identified immensely with the main character, Cath, and the plot was so realistic. If you’re looking for a quick, can’t put it down book, read this one.
Late, Late at Night by Rick Springfield. You can read the Goodreads summary here. Jana says: I am now officially obsessed with Rick Springfield. Yes, that Rick Springfield. The guy who performs “Jessie’s Girl”. But after reading the book, you realize he is so much more than that. Yes, he’s basically a scumbag but he admits it. He admits all of his ugly secrets and flaws and how he’s spent almost his whole life trying to fight his demons and be a better person. The way he talks about his depression is so open and honest and raw, and I believe that if you want to understand how depression truly operates, you need to read this book. He makes you realize that depression isn’t just chronic sadness; it’s a lurking presence, waiting to come out when you least expect it.
Where’d You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple. You can read the Goodreads summary here. Jana says: The way the book is written took some getting used to but once you figure it out, it’s so worth the effort (like The Time Traveler’s Wife but better). It’s such a creative, well done, intriguing story and like Fangirl, you forget at times that it’s actually a YA book. Honestly, with the amount of quality YA books I’ve been reading lately, I feel kind of cheated that all I had was the VC Andrews saga/trash and Sweet Valley High. Or maybe that’s all I chose to read. Definitely one of those.
And now for the ones I liked but not nearly as much.
How To Tell Toledo From the Night Sky by Lydia Netzer. You can read the Goodreads summary here. Jana says: I did like this book, even with all the sciency stuff mixed in. I mean, it did bore me a little at time and I found myself not falling in love with the characters like in some of the other books I read this month, but overall, it was a good read. Took me longer to finish than the others because it got tedious but it was great for the plane ride and as a read before bed.
Accidents of Marriage by Randy Susan Meyers. You can read the Goodreads summary here. Jana says: I wanted to like this book so much more than I did. I love the premise of this book and it had so much potential, yet for me, it fell a flat. The characters weren’t developed enough or something and I found myself getting annoyed with every single one of them. There were plot points that felt unfinished or the resolution was too simplified. It wasn’t terrible but I wouldn’t put it high on my list of books I’d recommend.
I’m excited for my October reads and I’ve already gotten started reading The Rosie Project. You’ll have to wait for next month to hear what I think of it!
The next chat is on November 10, and then the second Tuesday of every month going forward. We hope you’ll join us!
Tell me: What books did you read in September?
