What did you read in ~~ October 2022

[Alias Reader]

Here is the Folder to tell us what your monthly reads for October 2022 were. 🎃🍂📚

Please provide:
~ A GoodReads link
~ A few sentences telling us how you felt about the book.
~ How would you rate the book

[~*Kim*~]

Surprised myself by getting in 5 books again this month. I'm not that great at writing reviews, but here's my review of October:


Perfect for October/spooky month. This one was so creepy but kept me really going to the end.
5 Stars


There were a few good moments in this book, but overall it let me down.
3 Stars


This was a nice break from the 2 previous reads. It was a quick, fun read
4 Stars


OMG, loved this one. It was so cute and relatable.
5 Stars


This was by far my favorite of the month. I did not want it to end. I'd love if the author did a sequel.
5 Stars

[Alias Reader]

Here are my October Reads: 🎃🍂


At Seventy: A Journal by May Sarton
Memoir non fiction
Rate: 2/5- Did not meet expectations
This is a memoir that Deb and I did a BNC Buddy Read. You can find our discussion in the thread for the book.
This didn't meet my expectations based on other memoirs of hers that I enjoyed quite a bit, in particular Journal of a Solitude and The House by the Sea I found this one a bit too repetitious and a lot of complaints about her correspondence, people visiting and how tired she was. It wasn't as insightful on the aging process as I had hoped.

Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
Fiction
Rate: 2/5 Did not meet expectations
Diane works as an art specialist at Sotheby’s auction house in NYC. Her boyfriend is a doctor. The pandemic hits. Major twists in the plot just left me feeling played by the author. Once that happened, I just wanted to be done with the book. It didn't help that I found Diane to be a selfish ingrate.

Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley
Fiction
Rate: 5/5
I really enjoyed this feel good novel. A group of London commuters who don't know each other but see each other commuting every day. One day they break rule #1: Never talk to people on the train, when a man starts choking on a grape. This eclectic group become friends and each of their stories had me hooked. Well done.

On Tyranny Graphic Edition: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder
Non Fiction- Graphic novel
Rate: 4/5
This is the first graphic novel that I've read. I thought it was well done. This book was published in 2017 (I own the eBook), but the updated graphic novel edition was published in October 2021. The book was a bestseller when it came out. The book is about our current fragile state of our democracy and what we can learn from parallels in history. Well done and more relevant and important then ever. Well done.

Back to the Prairie: A Home Remade, A Life Rediscovered by Melissa Gilbert
Non Fiction - memoir
Rate: 3/5
Gilbert played Half-Pint on the TV show Little House on the Prairie. Now in her late 50's she decided to give up Botox, breast implants, dying her hair and Hollywood for a more honest relaxed life in upstate NY. Fortuntaely, she was able to finish fixing the run down cottage just when the pandemic hit. She lives in a very modest home, grows vegetables and raises chickens. She seems like a very sweet lady. Fans of Little House will not be disappointed.

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Non Fiction - Memoir
Rate: 4/5
Jennette became famous as a teen actor on the Nickelodeon hit shows iCarly and Sam and Cat. I had no idea who she was but since the book was a bestseller with a provocative title, I decided to read it and I'm glad I did. Her mom always wanted to be famous and an actor so she pushed Jennette to act. The Hollywood scene bring to mind the saying, be careful what you wish for. The author is also candid about her dysfunctional and traumatic upbringing. Her mom clearly had some mental issues and despite the title, loved her mom and sought to please her. The book raises the question, at what point do you have to set boundaries even with ones parent. Are you even able to do that at a young age when all you want is to please your parent and be loved?

Adrift: America in 100 Charts by Scott Galloway
Non Fiction
Rate 3/5
Galloway demonstrates through 100 graphs and concise but brief analysis of each chart how America seems to be on a wrong trajectory. He examines things from what the turning points of 1945, 1980 and today, where he posits we are now at a crossroads. The book generally has about a page or two of discussion and then a chart. I thought this was an illuminating way to bring home his points. A picture is worth a thousand words as they say and these graphs certainly fit that bill. Well done and much food for thought and discussion.

[madrano]

~*Kim*~ wrote: "Surprised myself by getting in 5 books again this month. I'm not that great at writing reviews, but here's my review of October:


Perfect for October/spook..."

Well done, Kim! I’ve added those last two to my TBR for some fun reading. Thanks.

[madrano]

Alias Reader wrote: "Here are my October Reads: 🎃🍂


At Seventy: A Journal by May Sarton
Memoir non fiction
Rate: 2/5- Did not meet expectations
This..."

While your October didn’t start out great, after that your selections pleased you. That’s good reading time, imo. Thanks for sharing about the titles here, too, Alias, as well as at the time of completion.

[madrano]

I am mostly reading books for my 100 Challenge list. The first echoes Alias’s first,
At Seventy: A Journal—May Sarton. My opinion wasn’t quite as negative, as i appreciated her discussions on poetry and the interests of her friends. However, the repetition was draining.

Living in a World That Can't Be Fixed: Reimagining Counterculture Today—Curtis White was disappointing because the title misled readers, in fact, White had no help other than suggest counterculture communities.

Winter in Sokcho—Elisa Shua Dusapin. An enjoyable story about a young South Korean woman who works in a rundown hotel. The latest guest is a Frenchman, who is a graphic novelist. She’s intrigued and they begin a friendship.

A Kim Jong-Il Production: The Extraordinary True Story of a Kidnapped Filmmaker, His Star Actress, and a Young Dictator's Rise to Power—Paul Fischer is a sort of biography of the present leader of North Korea. There are actually two other biographies included— those of a couple of South Korean movie workers that Kim had kidnapped. His goal? To build up the NK movie industry!

One Life—Megan Rapinoe, a memoir by the US soccer star. Her life and activism are highlighted. I liked her casual style and learning about her sport.

Pretending Is Lying—Dominique Goblet, a graphic novel. At least it was short. I’m just not a fan of the genre. One other thing i liked was her approach to family lies.

Upgrade—Blake Crouch, science fiction about a man hit by a bomb which ends up changing the very cells of his body for improvement. Interesting premise with more action than i usually like.

Guilt by Association—Marcia Clark, which i read to address the topic of legal issues for my challenge. In fact, it was barely about the law with no courtroom scenes.

[Petra]

Nice reading, Kim! It's nice that you surprised yourself with your reading last month.

[Petra]

Alias, you also had a good month.
I read one book by Jodi Picoult and didn't like it. I found it manipulative. I haven't read another one since then.

I like your description of Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting and added it to my TBR list. Thanks!

[Alias Reader]

~*Kim*~ wrote: "Surprised myself by getting in 5 books again this month. I'm not that great at writing reviews, but here's my review of October:

Three 5 star books ! Well done, Kim.

[Alias Reader]

madrano wrote: "I am mostly reading books for my 100 Challenge list..."

Well done on the 100 Challenge, deb. I hope more join in next year. It really has expanded my reading horizons.

[Petra]

Deb, you've had an interesting variety last month.

A biography on Kim Jong must have been a crazy ride of a story. He's one crazy dude.

I enjoy an occasional graphic novel. It's nice to hear of another interesting title. Thanks!

[John]

Alias Reader wrote: "Here are my October Reads: 🎃🍂


At Seventy: A Journal by May Sarton
Memoir non fiction
Rate: 2/5- Did not meet expectations
This..."


Very nice write-ups! Sarton could be quite cranky!

[John]

madrano wrote: "I am mostly reading books for my 100 Challenge list. The first echoes Alias’s first,
At Seventy: A Journal—May Sarton. My opinion wasn’t quite as negative, as i appreci..."


Also, very interesting information! I'm planning on using Sokcho to discuss "book set in a country you'd like to visit" at another site.

[John]

Some months are "better" than others, but each of these had some merit, I wasn't the target audience if the authors, perhaps?


Saturday Night at the Greyhound by John Hampson ⭐⭐⭐

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


Stranger Here: How Weight-Loss Surgery Transformed My Body and Messed with My Head by Jen Larsen ⭐⭐⭐

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


Rifling Through My Drawers by Clarissa Dickson Wright ⭐⭐⭐

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Alias Reader]

John wrote: "Sarton could be quite cranky!
.."

:) Yes, indeed.

[Alias Reader]

John wrote: " I'm planning on using Sokcho to discuss "book set in a country you'd like to visit" at another site.
"

Winter in Sokcho sounds interesting. I look forward to your review.

[Alias Reader]

John wrote: "Some months are "better" than others, but each of these had some merit, I wasn't the target audience if the authors, perhaps?

Sorry it was a down month for you. Here's hoping November more than makes up for it.

I have to say some of the characters didn't seem too appealing, particularly in the Larsen book. I can't imagine anyone being her target audience.

[John]

Alias Reader wrote: "John wrote: " I'm planning on using Sokcho to discuss "book set in a country you'd like to visit" at another site.
"

Winter in Sokcho sounds interesting. I look forward to your rev..."


Here you go ...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Alias Reader]

Re: Winter in Sokcho

Thanks, John. 4 stars so I'll put it on my TBR list.

[madrano]

Alias Reader wrote: "madrano wrote: "I am mostly reading books for my 100 Challenge list..."

Well done on the 100 Challenge, deb. I hope more join in next year. It really has expanded my reading horizons."

I agree, Alias. Looking back on it, I’m pleased with the reading stretches i’ve made.

[madrano]

Petra wrote: "Deb, you've had an interesting variety last month.

A biography on Kim Jong must have been a crazy ride of a story. He's one crazy dude.

I enjoy an occasional graphic novel. It's nice to hear of..."

Petra, the book had me reading it quickly, as i just wanted to see what was next. The entire family seems crazy. One truly pities the citizens who suffered under such inept decisions.

[madrano]

John wrote: "Some months are "better" than others, but each of these had some merit, I wasn't the target audience if the authors, perhaps?..."

I’ve had my share of those this year, too. It’s okay because sometimes that was my goal. It’s great to read your nit-picking points because i feel that way in many of my “not targeted audience” books. I suppose those roaming & random points actually illustrate that point. I’m glad you shared about these.

[Alias Reader]

madrano wrote: "I agree, Alias. Looking back on it, I’m pleased with the reading stretches i’ve made.
..."

Deb, the variety and the depth of your reading always amazes and motivates me.

I see you also read Winter in Sokcho

Since you and John both gave it positive reviews, it will go on my TBR list.

[madrano]

Sokcha is somewhat short, so if you don’t like it, you won’t feel you’ve lost much reading time. I hope it appeals.

[Lindsey]

Here are my October Reads:

Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men 3 stars
The information in this one is outstanding (& enraging.) But it got quite repetitive and dry at points. 5 stars for the information, 3 for the delivery.

From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life 3 stars
I'm definitely not the intended audience for this one, but enjoyed it enough. Some of the social science info is very interesting, even if I coudln't quite relate.

Circe 3 stars
I enjoyed the story and writing, but I'm afraid I'm just not the intended audience for this one. If you like Greek mythology, it's absolutely worth the read.


Kindred 4 stars
I almost hate to give this one 4 stars instead of 5. This was my first novel by Octavia E. Butler and I'm sure I echo many when I say I adore her writing style. I'm not much into SciFi, but I loved the historical fiction+SciFi blend.


Mornings in Jenin - 5 Stars
This was the most emotional, heart-wrenching story I've read in years. I know the basics of the Palestinian/Israeli conflict, but this book really immerses the reader in both sides, drawing out empathy for literally all involved (which - for such a polarizing conflict, I felt was a feat in itself). I'm shocked to have simply happened upon this book in Goodwill (how is it not everywhere? or maybe it was and I missed it...)

[Lindsey]

Alias Reader wrote: "Here are my October Reads: 🎃🍂


At Seventy: A Journal by May Sarton
Memoir non fiction
Rate: 2/5- Did not meet expectations
This..."

I was disappointed with Jodi Picoult 's novel as well. It was not quite what I expected.

Good to know you enjoyed Jennette McCurdy 's memoir without knowing who she was. I've avoided it for that reason, but may try it out now.

[Petra]

Here are my reads for October:

Tales from the Ant World (4-star): I wage war on the ants in the driveway and patio of our yard each summer. They always win. I thought this book might help me understand them more, and it did, but not in a helpful way to control them. This book is full of interesting facts on ants. The author does insert himself a lot (minus a star) but the rest of the book is quite fascinating.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Seeing Ghosts: A Memoir (3-star; audio) - an interesting memoir. While it centres on the mother of the family, she plays only a small role in the musing and thoughts throughout. This is a story of family reflection and finding one's place within it.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Elephant in the Sky (2-star) - what should have been an interesting look into child mental health issues turned out to be a boring, ill paced and simplistic story.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Moon Under Water (4-star) - a warm and homey look at an imagined perfect pub. Orwell describes the atmosphere, the acceptance, the warmth of friendship in this imaginary place. It was a really sweet, warm essay to read.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

In the Shadow of Alabama (3-star) - a nice story that tells a horrible story of prejudice and discrimination. Alabama in 1941. The discrimination showed by the Southern Army for its African American and Jewish soldiers from the North was difficult.
This story focussed on the daughter of the Jewish Sargent in the story and her struggle to understand her father through his experiences in the war.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Yellow Wife (3-star; audio) - a story that explores the many ways a person can be enslaved and imprisoned. Pheby was raised as a slave who would get her freedom papers when she turns 18. Circumstances changed all that and the world she is thrown into is a vastly different future for her. This story tells of her resilience as she finds a way to survive as best she can for herself and her children.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[madrano]

Lindsey wrote: "Here are my October Reads:

Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men 3 stars
The information in this one is outstanding (& enraging.) But it got quite repetitive and d..."

Lindsey, this book sounds somewhat depressing, in that the issues have been around for so long that one marvels at how little has changed. Thank you for sharing about it and the other books you read last month.

[madrano]

Petra wrote: "Here are my reads for October:

Tales from the Ant World (4-star): I wage war on the ants in the driveway and patio of our yard each summer. They always win. I thought this book mig..."

I love that you turned to Edward O. Wilson when ants became your pests, Petra. I became interested in them the same way, wondering how to stop them from entering our kitchen. Ultimately, moving ourselves from the house worked! Wilson knew & loved his insects!

Thanks for sharing your reviews, they succinctly inform us if the pull is worth succumbing. Editing could save many a book.

[Alias Reader]

Lindsey wrote: "Here are my October Reads:

Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men 3 stars
The information in this one is outstanding (& enraging.) But it got quite repetitive and d..."

Nice eclectic mix of books. Thanks. I'm off to Amazon to check out a few !

[Alias Reader]

Petra wrote: "Here are my reads for October:

Tales from the Ant World (4-star): I wage war on the ants in the driveway and patio of our yard each summer. They always win. I thought this book mig..."

You had a nice variety of books, Petra. I enjoyed reading your reviews.

[Marie]

My October reads are as follows:

Werewolf on the Western Front by Shane Carrow - 4 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Seven Cleopatra Hill by Justin Holley - 5 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne - 5 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Scarecrows by Michael Bray - 3 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

4:50 from Paddington by Agatha Christie - 4 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare - 5 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Hobbomock by Ryan C. Thomas - 4 stars.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien - 5 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Twisted Ones by T. Kingfisher - 4 stars.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Legion by William Peter Blatty - dnf (no star ratings)
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Out of all that I read for October - the only one I was disappointed about was the book Legion - I have owned the ebook for near four years and then finally getting around to reading it to be disappointed in it was a bummer. Otherwise I was happy with everything else I read as a couple or so books I read I have been wanting to read for a long time. :)

[madrano]

Marie, you had a neat reading month. Dipping your toes in Christie and Tolkien is a great reading step. I hope you continue with them.

I read with relish the descriptive star ratings. Scarecrow Spooky and Fur and Fangs are favorites. Delightful. And thanks for the warning about not touching weird stones in my backyard!

I’m glad you shared with us.

[Lindsey]

madrano wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Here are my October Reads:

Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men 3 stars
The information in this one is outstanding (& enraging.) But it got quite ..."

It actually was quite depressing. And maddening. The up-side was understanding why these biases have happened in the first place (the history of our culture, etc.),. Yet for all the progress that's been made, it was depressing to see where we still are, in such clear stats

[Alias Reader]

Marie wrote: "My October reads are as follows:

Werewolf on the Western Front by Shane Carrow - 4 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[book:Seven..."

As always, a very productive reading month for you !

[madrano]

Lindsey wrote: "Lindsey wrote: ":
Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men 3 stars? “Yet for all the progress that's been made, it was depressing to see where we still are, in such clear stat.."

Yes, i can see why the actual numbers would be depressing. While things improved for many, it still hasn’t been statistically apparent. I again thank you for sharing about this title, Lindsey.

[Marie]

madrano wrote: "Marie, you had a neat reading month. Dipping your toes in Christie and Tolkien is a great reading step. I hope you continue with them.

I read with relish the descriptive star ratings. Scarecrow S..."

Thank you, Deb! Yes - if you see weird stones in your backyard - run away! lol

I plan on getting back into Agatha Christie - I have a few more ebooks of her works on my kindle. I need to read some other books by Tolkien - I had read LOTR (all three books) back in 2016. :)

[Marie]

Alias Reader wrote: "As always, a very productive reading month for you !.."

Thank you, Alias! :)

[madrano]

My husband was on a Christie kick earlier this year. I believe he read all the Poirot mysteries. And loved them.

[Michele]

Hi, readers. The books I read this month do not make me proud, but I felt I had to do it to understand what the heck is going on and what is going to happen next. And then there are a couple of books I really enjoyed for myself.

. I enjoyed the account of the Patrick Ewing years and all that did and didn't ensue. 4 stars

I wish I could say this was my idea but it was for a book club. Like most people, I had read it when I was young. I forgot how superb it is, and recommend you read it again. You will thank me, and it is timely again in a big way.

Maggie Haberman is a shy, soft-spoken woman during TV interviews, and she's upset that she's been so heavily criticized for her access to Trump. People accuse her of parroting his views, which I believe she sometimes did. However, nobody could get closer than Maggie, and there are lots of good insights and information we didn't know until she wrote it. 5stars

. Pretty good overview of the way the conservative movement has devolved into a cult of personality whose members are not living in reality anymore, leaving us with candidates like Hershcel Walker and Dr. Oz. What kind of a country will they create for us?. 4 stars

Very well written and timely review of Trump's activity in the White House. Covers territory not touched in other books about the Trump years and what he did to our government. On purpose. Must read. ( I took the time to write a long review on Goodreads if you're interested) 5 stars.

Apologies for the Trumpiness of this list. I promise I am just about done with my reading in this area. Just about! Thanks for your book lists. They always provide some material for me to investigate.

Michele

[Alias Reader]

Please no need to apologize, Michele !

I've been thinking of reading the Maggie Haberman book after seeing her interviewed on a few TV shows. I'm glad to see you gave it 5 stars.

I agree. To Kill a Mockingbird is superb. I also love the movie.

[madrano]

Michele, it sounds as though you are reading to better understand what has happened politically the last 8 or so years. I admire that because i can still only read small amounts about what is occurring in that arena. Thank you for sharing about those books.

I reread Mockingbird a few years ago and appreciated it even more in my old age. The cover you linked to is gorgeous.

[Nicci]

Thank you, Michele, for the reviews and difficult reads. I too, take in the info in small doses but you inspire me to read these books.

[Nicci]

In October I read My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante because a travel writer said she was obsessed with her novels. The writing was great but I was disappointed by the ending and didn't like the narrator so I decided not to continue the series.

[Petra]

Nicci, I enjoyed My Brilliant Friend. The four books make a complete story. Each is a bit unfinished without reading the rest.
That said, if you didn't like the narrator, I don't think the story would get any better for you. Elena tells the entire story.
I still have the fourth book to read. I'm curious to see how the story ends.

[Petra]

Michelle, no need to apologize for trying to figure out what happened (and continues to happen). It's dumfounding. If these books helped explain it, they are worth the read.

[madrano]

Petra wrote: "Nicci, I enjoyed My Brilliant Friend. The four books make a complete story. Each is a bit unfinished without reading the rest. ..."

Interesting idea. Or maybe most such series are like that & i seldom read more than the first?

[Petra]

I find most series a continuation of the story. Some series have a stand-alone first book, while other first books seem unfinished and leave you hanging.

My Brilliant Friend series is really one long story written in 4 books, so reading the first book feels unfinished. Or so I found, anyway.

The Dune series is an example of a series where the first book is a stand-alone, complete story.
Yet, as in life, a story could continue after the first book ends, and it does in numerous books after Dune. Each new book adds to the story started in the first book.

[madrano]

I like the way you expressed this, Petra. For me, it is seldom that i want to continue with those characters or that world, so i end with the first. However, once upon a time, i really savored continuing, learning what came next? That was back when there were fewer multi-series books.

[Petra]

I like the "first book is a stand-alone" series, too. I can stop or continue as I wish and feel content either way.
A series that is one long story with each volume giving a feeling of incompleteness is a long commitment. It's a bit unfair to not let readers know before they start reading that the series is actually one complete story and unfinished if not read completely.