Oct 2021 - Blind Date Matched (Reporting thread)

[Janice, Moderator]

When you have finished your book, report the completion in this thread.
- State your WoF Name.
- Link to your book.
- Tell us who was your buddy.
- What convinced you to pick that blind date?
- What did you think of it? Please be analytical in your presentation, and not just that you liked it or didn't. We want to know why.

When you finish your book and your date is complete, your buddy may reveal the other choices in the main challenge thread.

[Katrisa]

WoF Katrisa
My blind date was with Caesar's Last Breath: Decoding the Secrets of the Air Around Us.
It was my favorite kind of non-fiction! I chose it based on the description of science and great storytelling. And the book was that indeed! So much interesting information and delivered in an fun and engaging way. I love books that give me new perspective on "everyday" things. I especially liked the section on weather - how silly we humans can be in the face of nature! I am also slowly reading a book on the invention of the atomic bomb, so that was also a super interesting section for me. Five stars! And now I am more excited for my hold on The Icepick Surgeon!

Great choice Carrie! I am curious about the others too :)

[Janice, Moderator]

WoF - Janice

I read The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant

My buddy was Marie UK

The description that was the sway was "hilarious". Something funny about now is needed.

The story was light and humourous with quirky characters. There was a plethora of paranormal beings with a nerdy vampire as the lead. All he wanted was peace and quiet and to work as an accountant. That all changed when he went to his high school reunion. I liked how he grew into his own skin throughout the book and developed more confidence.

[Carrie]

WoF Name - Carrie

I read Joyland by Stephen King.

My buddy was Kristie.

I chose the book because a small-town 1970s murder mystery seemed like the right mood for an October read.

This was a very enjoyable story. The mystery itself was not especially satisfying, but as always with Stephen King, the real enjoyment was in the characters themselves. This story takes place in the 1970s, but is styled as though being told by the main character, many years later, and that gives it even more depth in terms of understanding the character's thoughts and feelings.

[Shirley]

WoF Shirley
Cloud Cuckoo Land



Sarah was my buddy.

Great clues, Sarah, especially chunky monkey. At 640 pages, it sure is “chunky”.

What a book! First, I liked it a bit, then I liked it a bit more, then I didn’t like it much, and by the end I was loving it. Multiple timelines and characters took some time to come together and there was such a lot going on over a long period of time in short chapters, that I had to work hard keeping track of all the connections. Also multiple themes woven through the story are a lot to think about. A rereading if the book would help. The last part of the book led to a very strong and satisfying conclusion, and the complexities of the book turned out, for me, to be the reason I enjoyed it so much.

[Margo]

WoF margo

Love After Love

This bookmwas chosen for me by Laura.

First I'll deal with the narration by the author. It was certainly authentic and mostly very good but, particularly at the start, I couldn't understand some of the dialogue which was very annoying.

The story was good. It dealt with many local issues such as domestic abuse, lack of policing and hate crimes and she managed to pack in some interesting facts about Trinidad and Tobago. Unfortunately, for me, it felt overwritten. It would have made a good story if it had stuck more to the point. The relationships between the characters were very well drawn and there is no doubt that this writter can do grief well. I think this is an author to watch!

[Kristie, Moderator]

WoF: Kristie

My buddy was Rusalka and I chose lucky #3 for my blind date because I was in the mood for a "quirky" and "feel good" read. My book date was Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine.

I really enjoyed this book. I initially didn't care for the parts of the story where our MC was obsessing over a musician, but they are used to move the story in a particular direction quite effectively. I loved the way the relationships grew and certain story lines played out. Overall, a really good read.

[Nela☆]

WoF Nela

Legend
My buddy was Janice (thank you!) and I chose book 4, because I am still in a huge hangover after reading Shatter me series ten months ago, so word: dystopia did it for me:)

This book was good, but not phenomenal. I will give it 3 or 3.25 stars propably. BUT it was a quick read and MCs were not irritating and actually really likable, even though author does not give us any deeper veiw into their personality, so it is a bit plain. Also it was not a slowburn, more like fastburn, which I do not like, but everyone is different, right? :) I will most likely continue this series!

[Grainne]

WoF - Grainne
And Then There Were None
My buddy is Vicki
I choose this book based on the clues that Vicki gave. She gave me the clues:
Island
Secrets
Retitled
Countdown

It sounded like a great mystery book to read and I was intrigued to find out what the secrets might be. I thought that it was a well-developed murder plot. I only started to read Agatha Christie in the last year or two and I have added more of her books to my TBR pile as I read.

Her characters were interesting, her scenes were well-developed and her plot line was meticulous. I thought that the addition of the rhyme and verse of the soldier poem was a very clever device,

This is at my upper limit for gruesome or horror-based stories and was a good choice for the month of October. I feel it ticked a few boxes as it also ticked the holiday and Halloween box plus being a great read overall. I loved it.

[Trudy]

WofF: TrudyAn

My buddy was Anna, and my chosen book was Once Upon a River (432 pages). Two of the Anna's descriptors for this book - atmospheric and fabulism - described the sort of novel I was in the mood to read.

These were both very accuracy descriptors, and this was a good choice for me this week. I enjoyed the mix of storytelling, folklore, and magic. It was definitely atmospheric, and the writing was good. I found it a bit slow in places, and some of the characters could have been more fully developed, but I thought the ending was perfect.

[Sharon]

1. WoF: SharonBiskit
2. Death Overdue
3. Jenn was my buddy. (Thank you, Jenn.)
4. I chose this book because the clues were irresistible for this month: Halloween, Murder most foul, Ghosts, First in a series…
I wanted something that was spooky and not terrifying and this seemed like it would fit the bill.
5. I am actually not a huge cosy mystery fan, but every once in a while one captures my attention. I’m all for a good ghost story. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I loved the setting (small town library in Connecticut), the characters, especially Evelyn, the ghost, and the holiday like descriptions for this spooky time of year. The mystery was fairly good although I felt the ending was rather rushed and could have unfolded better with a little more attention. I thought the author got tired of writing and just brought things to a close. It is the first in a series, and I liked it enough that I might get the second one.

[Christina ❤️M❤️]

Wof- Christina

Black Willow: One sister's dream, another sister's nightmare...

My buddy was Jayme

I chose my choice because I actually thought it was The Innkeeper's Song... yeah, there aren't any sisters in that, but that is what my mind went to with the words inn and spooky.

It was a excellent pick though. It was a romance that really didn't have much romance in it. Really spooky and I enjoyed the plot. I thought the atmosphere was really good.

[Beth]

on phone so can't link, but will edit later with link

wof Beth

book was They Went Left 384 pp

I was torn when I was choosing, but wanted to be sure I was getting a novel. At the moment I was picking, this one just felt the most accessible.

I actually liked this book so much more than I thought I would all the times I scrolled by it in my embarrassingly full audible library. I have read a lot of WWII historical fiction, so I was afraid it would feel redundant, but it didn't at all. I liked that it focused on the immediate post war experience of Jews in displaced persons camps, which isn't the focus of many novels. Also, I treat a ton of PTSD, and this book portrays it in various manifestations really well. I was actually thinking it would be great to use as a tool to help people learn aspects if the evidence-based treatment I use (Cognitive Processing Therapy). I had fun thinking about how I would do that in a graduate course! The author talked a bit at the end about her research for the book. She really researched survivor stories about the experience of searching for family after the war and trying to rebuild lives in the face of so much horror. The book did a great job of balancing a bleak portrayal of the horrors if the war and its aftermath with the resilience and hope of people finding ways to build new lives in the face of all that. Really good book!

[Anna]

Anna M



My buddy was Janice. It wasn't easy to pick the book as all sounded good but in the end I chose book #2 and it was Duncton Tales. I chose it because I was in mood for some lighter read and 'fantasy & adventure' seemed to fit.

I can't say that I loved or hated this month's read. It was well written but too long, too slow paced. Not boring but not page turner either.
Moles are heroes of this book but it's not story for children.
I think I would have read the next book but it's not available on Amazon.

[Jayme, Moderator]

WoF Jayme

My buddy was Sandra. I chose book #3 The Haunting of Brynn Wilder because of the clues mystery and gothic. I always like to read a spooky book in October.

I really liked this book (4 stars). There are ghosts in it of course so there is the "spooky" element, but it really is more about how our past and life choices haunt us and how that can impact us for better or worse. I did have the handsome stranger figured out rather early, but the ending was a clever surprise and I became teary eyed. Crying over ghosts. I need to get out more :)

Thanks Sandra for a great October read.

[Sandra, Moderator]

I'm glad you liked it, Jayme! I will reveal the others when I'm in my computer.

[Peggy]

WoF Peggy

Emma R was my buddy, and I picked book 4 which turned out to be All the Stars and Teeth

I picked it because the clues were so intriguing!
1. Mermaids
2. Royalty
3. First in a duology
4. Pirates
5. Magic

I mean, mermaids, royalty, pirates and magic all in one book? That exists? And I own it? I needed to know what it was!!

I really enjoyed it in the beginning. It was well-written and it was such a relief to read a more simple fantasy compared to the last fantasy book I read. But at some point it was maybe a bit too simple or too YA, and it started to feel a little long. I ended up giving it 3.5 stars. I might read the second book if it fits a challenge and I can find it as an ebook deal.

[Sandra, Moderator]

WoF Sandra from PA

TrudyAnn picked the books for me, and I ended dating Idaho. It was a fantastic read. What helped me decide for it was TrudyAnn's hint "character driven". Best of description, because this is the main characteristic of the story.
The writing was beautiful. The words so well picked to help you relate with every character. I gave it 4.5 stars. I might reread it at some point.

[Almeta]

WoF Almeta

I finished The Borrowed 496 pages 20 Oct

Picked by buddy Pragya. Book 2
Crime
Riot
Detective
Fast-paced
Rewind-telling


Kwan Chun-dok’s record of crime solving is impressive.

Especially his last case, which is revealed first.

His cases are presented in reverse order, on an informative backdrop of Hong Kong history.

Well written (or perhaps well translated.) 5 stars

[Rusalka, Moderator]

- WoF: Rusalka
- Rebecca
- Katrisa!
- I never really do October reads, but the idea of gothic, spooky, creepy housekeeper seemed to be perfect while everyone else is reading these kind of books. Also sounded the most appealing. And I had a feeling it might be this book and I have been meaning to read it for years.
- Honestly, a bit meh unfortunately. I really struggled with the first two thirds of the book. I found it a bit boring but also really borderline abusive of the girl. There was definite gaslighting going on. I found it rather sickening at times. But so so so many of you and other friends have loved it, I kept going.
The last third of the book got it up to probably a 3 star read in the end, but it is dithering around a 2.5 really.
The ending (view spoiler)[ I knew it was going to happen from the beginning. I don't think I have ever been told what happened in Rebecca (but maybe you never know what you accidentally hear about these classics without realising). I was just was thinking Jane Eyre vibes from the first couple of pages. (hide spoiler)]
But thanks Katrisa for giving me the kick to read it!

[Jenn]

WoF - Jenn
The Babbling Brook Naked Poker Club
Peggy :)
It sounded like it would be a light, playful romp, which was exactly what I had the brain power for.
It was a fun romp, but it got surprisingly deep at times, who is likely to lose in a he said/she said, elder abuse, and the realities of living on social security in this day and age. But, they kept it light and very readable, and will have to do a dive into my library to see if I have any more of the series.

[Ayacchi]

WoF Aya

My buddy is Kay and I picked The Man Who Died Twice. Crime, intrigue, and danger got me. At first I thought it was a bit hard since I don't know what the focus of the story or where it'd lead me. But the more I read the more I enjoyed it, particularly because the MCs are awesome elderly. And it's quite funny for someone who don't usually get jokes in English like me. So many twists! Loved it, and will read the first book while waiting the #3 to be published.

[Marie (UK)]

Christina picked for me and the book I got was Piranesi

I haven't completed any books by this author Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell still taunts me from the bookcase in our dining room - I have never managed to get into it.

I have had this on my TBR fir a while so was glad it was picked for me. I really struggled with probably the first half. I could not work out the setting or the characterisation but as the past started to intrude on the present everything became clearer.

I suppose what is good about this book is that it has elements of several different genres and new narrative tricks to propel the story along. I think it could be classified as easily as a mystery / thriller as it is as Fantasy or Magical Realism. Two very different worlds collide but the essence or nature of the characters remains the same. It has aspects of Control and Power - really "the other" is not a very nice person, even when he seems to be working with Piranesi he has his own agenda.

Overall I enjoyed it and rated it 3 stars although I am not sure the author and I are really on the same wavelength, my aha moment for this book took a long time coming

[Emma R.]

WoF: Emma R.
My buddy was Shirley and I picked The Mercies

I picked this book because the description had witches and I felt that was fitting for October.

I'm not sure if I liked this book but I did find it to be an interesting and well-written story with compelling characters. The book was slow to get my attention and it was not until the third part that I started reading more than a chapter at a time. I think if I had read this book at a different time I would have liked it more. October has been really intense for me and I needed a book with warm, happy feelings to escape into. That was not this book and it is strongly influencing my opinion of this story.

[Shirley]

Emma R. wrote: "WoF: Emma R.
My buddy was Shirley and I picked The Mercies

I picked this book because the description had witches and I felt that was fitting for October.

I'm not sure if I liked..."Oh that’s a shame. I totally agree that sometimes, timing can make or break your enjoyment of the story. I’ll post the full list in the other thread.

[Vicki]

WoF - Vicki

The Light Between Oceans

My buddy was Almeta. I chose this book because of the description of isolation, moral dilemma, and five-hankey read. I had no idea what it would be but I like a book that makes me feel.

I loved it. I'm surprised this was a debut novel, it felt expertly crafted, the viewpoints jumping around so we could get a total view of things. This book had a lot of hype when it came out but I think that it is deserved.
The characters were so strongly portrayed, they felt very real. I'm sure I was a bit in love with Tom the stoic and serious lighthouse keeper whose heart is penetrated by a woman and child.
The setting was also very strong in 1920's Australia in a small town rocked from losing so many of its young men in the great war. And of course, the lighthouse on a small island off the SW coast was rugged, harsh, and isolated; a very romantic setting. All the facts about lighthouses were also very interesting. If the three years isolated on the island didn't drive you mad, then the mercury might.
I'm so glad I finally read this, thank you Almeta for setting me up with it :)

[Laura (Lclwags)]

WoF - Laura (Lclwags)

My buddy Margo chose My Sister, the Serial Killer for my blind date.

Like many real life blind dates, it wasn't a perfect fit. The beginning of the book caught my intention and I did enjoy some of the dark humor. However, I could not stand any of the characters. For me to love a book, I need to form an attachment to at least one of the characters and be invested in their story. That just didn't happen here.

[Janice, Moderator]

Badges have been posted. Please let me know if I've missed anyone.