What I'm Reading Sept/Oct 2025

[Lynn]

Tamara's comment in the July/August thread made me realize that I forgot to post a new thread for September and October! I have no idea what I was doing that distracted me, but I'm back on track now with this thread for your discussions of what you're reading right now. I'll be closing the old thread to new posts soon, so please continue your discussions here.

[Tamara]

Lynn wrote: "Tamara's comment in the July/August thread made me realize that I forgot to post a new thread for September and October! I have no idea what I was doing that distracted me, but I'm back on track no..."

No worries, Lynn. I'm editing and re-posting my message here since it is a September read.
I recommend The True True Story of Raja the Gullible by Rabih Alameddine. Sixty-three-year-old Raja's relationship with his mother is laugh out loud hilarious. It's one of the best books I've read all year. Alameddine skillfully weaves the last sixty years of Lebanon's history with the antics of Raja and his outrageous mother.

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

[Lynn]

Thanks for reposting, Tamara!

[Donna]

One of my in-person book discussion groups paired two books about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The were the Pulitzer Prize winning narrative nonfiction A Day in the Life of Abed Salama: Anatomy of a Jerusalem Tragedy by Nathan Thrall and a beautiful book of verse inspired by the young Palestinian activist and writer, Janna Jihad The Tiny Journalist by Naomi Shihab Nye. The two books explored the human side of the conflict from a Palestinian perspective and complemented each other beautifully.

[Mary Ellen]

Yesterday I finished A Noël Killing, the 8th mystery in a series by M.L. Longworth. Set in Aix-en-Provence, the series features an investigating magistrate, Antoine Verlaque, and Martine Bonnet, a law professor. I read them for the pleasure of armchair travel - they are light, relatively short, the food and wine are great and the scenery charming.

I would recommend the series to fans of Donna Leon's mysteries, noting that Longworth does not use her series to comment on current social issues. I also recommend reading them in order, though that is not essential. Bon appetit!

[Tamara]

I read The Library of Ancient Wisdom: Mesopotamia and the Making of the Modern World by Selena Wisnom. A fascinating exploration of the legacy of ancient Mesopotamia. Prof. Wisnom is an Assyriologist. Her study is very readable, thoroughly documented, and with an extensive bibliography and notes.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Lyn]

I'm rereading the excellent Hear Yourself: How to Find Peace in a Noisy World.

[Tamara]

I read The Heart in Winter by Kevin Barry. It was an absolute delight!
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Tonya]

I just started The Heart in Winter--just past half into it. Did these characters who populate the town remind you of Lonesome Dove too? Their coarseness, the way their origin countries are emphasized, the casual patois and slang had me noticing these similarities almost right off. But I must say, McMurtry was an easier read! I want fewer invented words, and more quotation marks. I am doing a lot of backing up to understand conversations.

[Ruth]

This one’s waiting in my TBR pile

[Barbara]

I just put this on my TBR list too.

[Tamara]

I read Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis. The novel unfolds in the first-person voice of Nadia Amin who is sent by the UN to rehabilitate former ISIS brides held in refugee camps in Iraq. I thought the novel presented a disappointing and flippant treatment of a serious and complex issue.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

[Joy D]

I have been reading the Booker Longlist and recently finished Seascraper by Benjamin Wood. I read it twice. The first time I gave it 4.5 stars, and the second time I bumped it up to 5. It is a beautifully written and poignant story of a young man trying to eke a living from the Irish sea. When a stranger comes to town, the story takes a surprising turn (this is one not to know too much ahead of time). It is an atmospheric book with an optimistic message, and I just loved it.

[Tamara]

I read Shakespeare Saved My Life by Laura Bates. An English professor teaches Shakespeare to incarcerated individuals in a maximum security prison. The memoir focuses primarily on Larry Newton, a convicted murderer. His reaction to and reading of Shakespeare's plays was inspirational.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Joy D]

The Place of Tides by James Rebanks - 5* - My Review

This book is the author's memoir about spending a season with Anna, one of Norway's last "duck women," who tends eider ducks on the remote Norwegian Vega archipelago. The book alternates between the details of work related to the ducks, and Anna's stories about her life, the island's history, and Norwegian folklore. Anna renewed an old tradition, which took years of great care and dedication. It shows how one person’s actions can make a difference in our world. I found it fascinating.

[Tamara]

I read Heart the Lover by Lily King about three college students whose friendship and love for one another endures. I've read a couple of other Lily King novels, and this is my favorite so far.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Lynn]

Tamara wrote: "I read Heart the Lover by Lily King about three college students whose friendship and love for one another endures. I've read a couple of other Lily King novels, an..."

I'm glad to see your review, Tamara. Heart The Lover is on my TBR list because I've enjoyed the two other books by Lily King that I've read. Now I'll move it up in my priorities!

[Tamara]

I really enjoyed it, Lynn. I hope you do, too.

[Maya]

Mary Ellen wrote: "Yesterday I finished A Noël Killing, the 8th mystery in a series by M.L. Longworth. Set in Aix-en-Provence, the series features an investigating magistrate, Antoine Verlaque, and Ma..."

I started this book. I enjoyed it more than the television series where I had a hard time wrapping my head around their very english accents in france.

[Maya]

If any of you like birds, I recently discovered Amy Tan's Back Yard Bird Chronicles which documents her observations of wildlife in her backyard--specifically the birds, which she also used as inspiration for the gorgeous artwork she created.

[Lynn]

Maya wrote: "Mary Ellen wrote: "Yesterday I finished A Noël Killing, the 8th mystery in a series by M.L. Longworth. Set in Aix-en-Provence, the series features an investigating magistrate, Antoi..."

Based on Mary Ellen's post, I picked up the first two books in the series and enjoyed them. I couldn't find them in my local libraries, so I bought used paperbacks. Now I'm going to pass them to my sister, who taught French for over 40 years. I'm sure she'll appreciate the language and cultural references throughout, in addition to the mysteries, of course.

[Mary Ellen]

Lynn, I'm so glad you are enjoying the series! So far, I've been able to get them from libraries near me, Maya, I didn't know there was a TV series based on the books. But it sounds like I haven't missed anything.

Most of the time I am disappointed by video productions of books I've enjoyed - the characters are never quite how I have pictured them! And I definitely do not picture the Aix crew with British accents.

[Tamara]

I read another great Maggie O'Farrell novel: Instructions for a Heatwave.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Book Concierge]

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue – V E Schwab – 4****
In 1714, a young woman flees from the planned / arranged marriage and begs the gods for her freedom. Luc grants her wish but … What a wonderful, engaging story. I was completely captivated. And while I’ve grown to hate the ubiquitous dual timeline, in this case it was necessary, for how else to tell the story of “invisible” Addie LaRue, and her Faustian bargain? What a cunning, clever woman!
LINK to my full review

[Lynn]

Book Concierge wrote: "

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
– V E Schwab – 4****
In 1714, a young woman flees from the planned / arranged marriage and begs the god..."

My dentist was raving about this one a few years ago. She's an avid reader and my appointments always start with a review of what we've been reading. She's often read the same things I have or takes my recommendations and comes back with her reaction at the next appointment. Sometimes our tastes don't coincide, though, so I don't always take her recommendations. (She and the hygienist were raving about Colleen Hoover at one point. ) Your review has increased my interest in the Addie LaRue book, so it may make my TBR pile now :)

[Tamara]

I read A Calamity of Noble Houses by Amira Ghenim; translated from the Arabic by Miled Faiza and Karen McNeil. It was a finalist for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction. A gripping tale with eleven narrators, all of whom recollect the same event with a prejudicial lens.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Ann D]

I read the November Constant Reader discussion book: The Blackhouse by Peter May. I highly recommend it. It is described as a "thriller," but it is much more than that. There's lots of character development and astute psychological observations. It reminds me of Tana French's mysteries.

The setting is The Isle of Lewis, the northern part of the largest island in the Outer Hebrides. I found that part fascinating, although it isn't a place I want to visit. The weather itself is almost a character. For the most part, it is bad - strong winds, wild waves, and lashing rain. Yet the weather changes constantly during the day and there are also short intervals of great beauty.

There are lots of secrets in the book. These slowly unravel. The story kept me fully engaged during long flights back and forth from the East Coast to visit family.

[Gina]

I'm so glad Ann D. Can't wait for our discussion.

[Sue]

Thanks for the reminder. I’ve read it before but that was quite a while ago so I want to read it again. Blackhouse is a personal favorite, along with the rest of The Lewis Trilogy.

[Ann D]

Sue, this is the first Peter May book I have read. I will definitely be reading the rest of the Lewis Trilogy.

[Sue]

Ann, definitely a good choice. I will definitely read them all again. I think I read them originally from the library but now I have kindle copies of all three.
I like other of May’s books too, especially the Enzo Files series. Each book has a different title.

[Sheila]

Lynn wrote: "Book Concierge wrote: "

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
– V E Schwab – 4****
In 1714, a young woman flees from the planned / arranged mar..."

BC and Lynn, I've dipped into her books to see if they were for me and the answer is a yes. They are on my TBR pile - the English one! Yes I now have 2 x TBR piles - and I am only making progress with the Hindi one :)

[Sheila]

and if you like VE Schwab the other author on my TBR list of a similar vein is Naomi Novik

[Sheila]

Sheila wrote: "and if you like VE Schwab the other author on my TBR list of a similar vein is Naomi Novik"


Oh my first post went a missing! never mind. BC and Lynn it was in response to your posts 24 and 25 above saying I dipped into her books to see if they were for me and she is most def
on my TBR list

[Lynn]

Sheila wrote: "Sheila wrote: "and if you like VE Schwab the other author on my TBR list of a similar vein is Naomi Novik"


Oh my first post went a missing! never mind. BC and Lynn it was in response to your post..."

Your first post is still there, Sheila - new posts just temporarily drop to the bottom of the page for some reason after they're posted. I've been confused by that before myself.

[Joy D]

Tyll by Daniel Kehlmann - 4.5* - My Review

Tyll is reimagining of the legend of the German folk character Tyll Ulenspiegel. Tyll is a performer with many talents, such as rope-walking, juggling, and singing. He is also a trickster known for exposing hypocrisy and foolishness This story places Tyll within the context of the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), a time of catastrophic upheaval in central and eastern Europe. The novel constantly probes the nature of truth. The author employs humor throughout as a much-needed respite to the more serious scenes Tyll walks the line between realistic character and mythological archetype. It is ultimately about survival, not only for individuals, but also the survival of meaning, art, and human connection. This is only my second time reading Daniel Kehlmann’s work. I am very impressed.

[Joy D]

Remnant Population by Elizabeth Moon - 4.5* - My Review

In this SciFi novel, Ofelia Falfurrias is a widow in her seventies living on a planet in the outer space colonies of a human civilization. The people on her planet are being relocated by the company that controls it, but she hides during the evacuation, preferring to stay in familiar surroundings. She ends up being better at "first contact" with the indigenous species than the so-called experts. The primary topic of this book is ageism. It portrays the way older people, especially older women, become invisible and are dismissed as having little to no value. Other themes include colonialism, linguistics, “othering,” and self-determination. I became totally invested in this story and stayed up into the wee hours of the morning to finish.

[Joy D]

It turns out I had quite a few 4.5 star reads. This month, I "discovered" a new favorite author in Catherine Chidgey:

The Axeman's Carnival by Catherine Chidgey - 4.5* - My Review

Set in the High Country of New Zealand, this is a most unusual story, told by a magpie, that tackles the difficult topic of domestic abuse. Marnie rescues the bird and brings him into her home, and posts cute videos online. The bird becomes a social media sensation, but Rob is a private person, and all the media attention creates conflicts. Animal narrators are difficult to pull off, and I found it amazing that the author was able to sustain the bird’s perspective without becoming saccharine or labored. The magpie’s mimicry creates humorous situations. It also is an appropriate way to portray how an innocent views cruelty and how online attention differs from actual help. The writing is outstanding, as is the audiobook.

The Book of Guilt by Catherine Chidgey - 4.5* - My Review

This book is a blend of alternate history and science fiction set in 1979 Great Britain, decades after World War II had ended in a treaty. The main characters are identical thirteen-year-old triplets who live in a "home for orphans" in the English countryside with their three “mothers.” The boys take medicine daily and are told they will eventually join other children in a "big house" where life will be filled with seaside pleasures. This book explores what Britain might have become if Hitler had been assassinated in 1943, leading Germany to share concentration camp research with Allied nations. As a reader, I immediately began to feel a “creepy” vibe. Readers will be aware that something is not quite right, and the pieces are gradually revealed. It is disturbing yet strangely compelling.

[Joy D]

What We Can Know by Ian McEwan - 4.5* - My Review

Set in the year 2119, when parts of the UK are submerged by rising seas, the world has gone through the “Derangement” of climate change. Within this environment, scholarly life goes on. The protagonist of the first half of the book is academic Thomas Metcalfe, of (fictional) University of the South Downs who specializes in literature of the 1990s to 2030s. He has become obsessed with finding a lost poem, Corona for Vivien by acclaimed poet Francis Blundy, which had been read aloud at a party in 2014 to celebrate his wife's birthday. The second half takes place back when the poem was written and reveals crucial information that reframes everything we read in the first half. I am a fan of Ian McEwan’s writing, and I think this book ranks right up there with his best works.

[Ruth]

Joy D wrote: "What We Can Know by Ian McEwan - 4.5* - My Review

Set in the year 2119, when parts of the UK are submerged by rising seas, the world has gone through the “Derangemen..."

I enjoyed that strange book a lot, Joy.

[Tamara]

Joy D wrote: "What We Can Know by Ian McEwan - 4.5* - My Review

Set in the year 2119, when parts of the UK are submerged by rising seas, the world has gone through the “Derangemen..."

Thanks, Joy.
I have not read anything by Ian McEwan, but I intend to start based on your high praise of his work. I've put this on my TBR.

[Joy D]

Ruth wrote: "I enjoyed that strange book a lot, Joy...."

Glad you enjoyed it too, Ruth!

Tamara wrote: "Thanks, Joy.
I have not read anything by Ian McEwan, but I intend to start based on your high praise of his work. I've put this on my TBR..."

I will look forward to seeing what you think of his writing, Tamara.

[Sue]

I really enjoyed this book too. My first McEwan.

[Tamara]

I read Empty Cages: A Novel by Fatma Qandil; translated from the Arabic by Adam Talib.
Fatma Qandil is an accomplished poet who won the Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature in 2022. The novel is a fictional memoir of growing up in Egypt. Written in the first-person voice of Fatima, the novel authentically depicts what life is like for a woman struggling to survive in a misogynistic, patriarchal world. It was raw, honest, and very powerful.

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

[Lynn]

I just opened a new thread for these discussions during November and December, so this thread is now closed to new posts. Please continue your discussions in the new thread.