What did you read in ~~ October 2025

[Alias Reader]

Here is the Folder and thread to tell us what your monthly reads for October 2025 were.

Please provide:

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

[Hailey]

Hello everyone. For October (a.k.a Spooky Month) I read four books.

My first October book was Jenny the Swamp Witch: A Dark Fantasy Short Story by Aubrey Law. I wrote a whole review on it, which you can read here.

Despite what the title says, this book is more like a novelette, but I digress. Anyway, this book is about Duncan Moonfall and his clan trying to defeat a swamp witch named Jenny.

I will say, this book certainly knows how to make Jenny quite the interesting character and certainly knows how to create twists that are not only surprising and logical, but also tie back into some of the themes of the book as well.

However, I think what kind of holds it back for me is the inconsistent tone, particularly in how Duncan's sisters speak clashes with the way the rest of the characters speak and the occasional moments of redundant writing that could've easily been fixed.

Rating: B-

The second book I read for October was Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz. My full review can be found here.

Do I even explain what this book is all about? Well, might as well. It's basically a collection of short stories based on folklore and urban legends and all that good stuff.

One thing I can definitely say is that from the short, snappy, and efficient way the stories are told to the masterful use of setup and payoff, this is a collection that thoroughly respects the reader's time and observation skills. What's also cool is that the final chapter offers more humorous stories as a way to provide some relief from the horror while still managing to feel like they actually belong. Oh and I cannot forget those legendary illustrations! My God are they awesome and legitimately terrifying!

Though the one complaint I do have is that some of the stories kind of suck, like The Walk, which has no tangible ending. Seriously, it's just some stage direction that tells the person reading the story out loud to scream. Like, what was the thought process behind that?

Rating: A-

Another book I read for October was Indian Burial Ground by Nick Medina. My review on this book can be found here.

Despite what the blurb on Goodreads tells you about this book, most of it centers on a time in the past of a guy named Uncle Louie where horrific supernatural shit was going on and he wasn't sure why, which is occasionally interrupted by another storyline starring Uncle Louie's adult niece trying to find out why her boyfriend committed suicide in the present day. If you found that explanation confusing, I don't blame you.

Now, to be fair, Indian Burial Ground does have quite a bit going for it. The prologue was intense and did an awesome job hooking me, the first two chapters built upon the prologue in smart ways, certain aspects of the Tadoka tribe lore were clever and creative, the big reveal was decent to some extent, and even the Noemi and Uncle Louie storylines, despite their flaws (which I'll talk about in a bit), excelled at drip-feeding information and being slow burns that kept me guessing.

With that said though, while there are attempts to connect both the Uncle Louie storyline and the Noemi storyline, they really do not do much to prevent the Noemi storyline from just feeling tacked on, as if it was put there by publisher meddling or something rather than being something the author genuinely wanted to include. Oh and my God, the number of things that are flat out inconsistent and/or just don't make sense is mind-boggling. Like, seriously, how did nobody catch any of these?

Rating: C

The last book I read for October was Well Witched by Frances Hardinge. Full review here.

The plot of this book is surprisingly complicated. Initially, it seems like it's gonna be about some kids named Ryan, Josh, and Chelle trying to redeem themselves after stealing coins from a wishing well and getting cursed by the Well Witch. But as the book goes on, the plot sort of morphs into something more.

So with that said, it should come as no surprise that this book is a masterclass in deep character writing, clever and creative worldbuilding, unexpected yet logical twists, and even some great humor! Like, damn!

Honestly, the only issue I have is that there are some minor cultural inaccuracies that don't appear to be a part of any localization effort or anything, making me question why they're even there to begin with.

Rating: A

Overall, October was a pretty decent month for me.

[John]

Appreciate the thorough examination of those books! Burial Ground may have been one of those books where the publisher offered a contract based on the quality of the writer's sample. However, when it came to the execution, the plots didn't come together neatly, too late.

[Alias Reader]

#2 Hailey wrote:

"Hello everyone. For October (a.k.a Spooky Month) I read four books.

My first October book was Jenny the Swamp Witch: A Dark Fantasy Short Story by Aubrey Law. I wrote a whole review on it, which y..."

Wonderful reviews, Hailey.

As to the short story collection you read, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz. I'm glad that overall it was very good.
Short story collections can be uneven.

Yesterday I added a short story collection to my TBR, even though some reviewers said it also had some very good and some not so good stories. Though of course that is subjective.
The Best Short Stories 2024: The O. Henry Prize Winners Edited by Amor Towles

I'm a fan of Towles so that is what caught my eye.

[Alias Reader]

Here is a recap of my October reads:

Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power by Jon Meacham
Non Fiction- biography
Rate: 5/5 Excellent
I did an immersive reading. I listened to the audiobook as I read the eBook. The audio book was exceptionally well done by Edward Herrmann.

Meacham takes the reader from Thomas Jefferson's birth in 1743 to the death in 1826. By the end I really had a good sense of who Jefferson was and what he stood for. He was very smart and well read. His interests were wide ranging from science, architecture, natural history, astronomy, invention, literature, philosophy, and music.

Recently a final question on Jeopardy asked who had all these interests. Having just read the book, I knew the answer. So reading does pay off! :)

The book is very well written by the Meacham, who is a Pulitzer Prize winning presidential historian.

The book is a very in-depth look at Jefferson and that time period. I think the book would appeal to readers who enjoy learning about U.S. history and our Founding Fathers.


Secrets of Adulthood: Simple Truths for Our Complex Lives by Gretchen Rubin
Non fiction
Rate: 2/5 - did not meet expectations
It's basically a slender book of aphorisms. It's one line sayings with little reflections. Most were basic advice.

The audiobook had very long pauses between the aphorisms. So much so I had to move the speed up 30%. Even at normal speed it is just one hour. The book is narrated by the author.

If you are interested in this book, I absolutely suggest getting it from the library.

Medgar & Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story that Awakened America by Joy-Ann Reid
Non Fiction
Rate: 4/5 - very good
I listened to the audio and followed along with the eBook. Joy-Ann Reid did the narration well. She used to be a host of a TV show on MSNBC.

Medgar Evers was a World War II veteran who served in a segregated battalion in Europe, including in the Normandy campaign. After fighting for his country during WWII he returned home to Mississippi, a state with Jim Crow laws, that didn't give him that same freedom he had so valiantly fought for overseas.

Medgar married Myrlie in 1951. They had three children. Joy- Ann Reed was able to talk with Myrlie for much of the recollections of the events in this book.

Medgar Evers worked as the NAACP's field secretary in Mississippi. This involved challenging segregation and voter disenfranchisement, often in the face of extreme violence and threats.

In 1963, thirty seven year old Medgar was assassinated in the driveway of his home in Mississippi by the KKK.

I thought the book was well written, thought provoking and informative. It also contains wonderful photos.

What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama
Fiction
Rate: 3/5 - Good
The novel is translated from Japanese by Alison Watts.

The book is divided into five sections. Each section is about a person with some type of problem. For example, being unemployed, overwhelmed with being a new mom, newly retired and feeling worthless. The stories are connected because each person ends up at the community library. The librarian selects an unusual book for them that helps them to see their worth and all the opportunities around them. Sometimes just looking at a problem from a different angle is all that's needed. Each section contains a simple uplifting moral message.

I would characterize the book as a gentle, thoughtful, simple read. I think that is what is drawing me to the Asian books I've read.

[madrano]

Hailey wrote: "Hello everyone. For October (a.k.a Spooky Month) I read four books.

My first October book was Jenny the Swamp Witch: A Dark Fantasy Short Story by Aubrey Law. I wrote a whole review on it, which y..."

Hailey, your full reviews are very interesting, as usual. I wonder whether your have always noted the problems with books you read or if this is a result of now being an author yourself? Both make sense and, possibly, you cannot have one without the other. I write stuff, but i don't seem to note as much as you do.

My favorite part of your full reviews are the traditions and habits characters and/or their "sort" (tribe, family, being) have and how it works in the novels. It's a pleasure to learn how authors create their worlds and stories.

Thank you for sharing here.

[madrano]

John wrote: "Appreciate the thorough examination of those books! Burial Ground may have been one of those books where the publisher offered a contract based on the quality of the writer's sample. However, when ..."

Good point, John. I suspect this happens more than we think but that some authors are more adept at adjusting their prose.

[madrano]

Alias Reader wrote: "Yesterday I added a short story collection to my TBR, even though some reviewers said it also had some very good and some not so good stories. Though of course that is subjective.
The Best Short Stories 2024 The O. Henry Prize Winners by Amor Towles The Best Short Stories 2024: The O. Henry Prize Winners Edited by Amor Towles

I'm a fan of Towles so that is what caught my eye.."

This is a good way to learn if the work of some novelists call to you or not. Sadly, i didn't recognize only two of the authors included. Not that this still isn't a good introduction, only that i'm less called to them.

Thanks for the note, Alias.

[madrano]

I read only fiction last month. Those who click on the title link will be able to see my review, if they scroll down. I do this, rather than try to capsulize, as i am truly awful at that.

The Correspondent--Virginia Evans. A fine epistolary novel about an older woman who prefers to write than call those in her life.

Wise Blood--Flannery O'Connor. The usual, unusual characters, who shine in her prose. The premise is a military vet deciding to create the "Church Without Christ".

Moon Called--Patricia Briggs. Set in Washington state, the MC is a werecoyote (auxiliary, of sorts, to werewolves). Need i say more? I see i did not, in fact, offer a review of this one. Just As Well. It was fine for what it was and a nice one for the season.

Camp Zero--Michelle Min Sterling. The Earth is changing, due to overall warming. This novel, set in the far north, approaches some ideas. I was only so-so on this novel. Again, my review is at the book link above.

Pedro Páramo--Juan Rulfo. Rulfo is considered one of the first Magic Realism authors. It was a challenging book but my overall impression is positive. Another overall impression is that i'm glad i don't have to read it again.

Inherit the Wind: The Powerful Courtroom Drama in which Two Men Wage the Legal War of the Century--Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee. This is a good play from the 1950s, as important now as when new, it was a response, of sorts, to McCarthyism.

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch--Jean Lee Latham. This is a YA historical novel, based on a real man who lived in the late 18th & early 19th centuries, in Salem, Mass. Bowditch was a mathematician and captain of sailing vessels, who wrote important books relating the two topics.

[Alias Reader]

#9 madrano wrote:
"I read only fiction last month. Those who click on the title link will be able to see my review, if they scroll down. I do this, rather than try to capsulize, as i am truly awful at that.

Deb it's unusual for you to read only fiction as my impression is you usually read more non fiction. Maybe your 1950s challenge is moving you in the fiction direction.

Regardless, I enjoyed your reviews. As usual, you had a nice eclectic reading month.

I will also give a shout out for Inherit the Wind: The Powerful Courtroom Drama in which Two Men Wage the Legal War of the Century. It's outstanding.

[madrano]

You are correct, Alias, it's seldom i read only fiction but i'm playing catch up with my '50s books. The 50s NF has been harder, as it's rather dated. At least the fiction is from different genres, which has been good for me.

[John]

madrano wrote: "I read only fiction last month. Those who click on the title link will be able to see my review, if they scroll down. I do this, rather than try to capsulize, as i am truly awful at that.

[book:T..."

Thanks for bringing up The Correspondent, one I'm planning on giving my mother as a gift.

I've been daunted by Pedro Paramo, but is one I feel "belongs" on my TBR list.

[Denise]

I read 7 books.'

5 stars:
The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore Evan Friss
loved this history of bookstores in the United States

4+ stars:
Before We Forget Kindness Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Another collection of stories, this time about regret, from the Before The Coffee Gets Cold Series

4 stars:
The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle Stuart Turton
Unusual mystery that unfolds slowly over several days as the MC inhabits various "hosts" who each hold pieces of the puzzle
Mansfield Park Jane Austen
Love triangles, ridiculous moms, each brother-sister pair, cruel aunts,long suffering loves. Everything you love about Austen.

3 stars:
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Caused an Epidemic of Mental Illness Jonathan Haidt
Useful info to parents about the problems with smartphones but nothing around breaking.
Man's Search for Meaning Viktor E. Frankl
Liked the theory of man's need for purpose but not a fan overall
Knickerbocker's History of New York Washington Irving
Some fantastic satire in this somewhat true history of New York.

[Alias Reader]

#13 Denise wrote: "I read 7 books.'

5 stars:
The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore Evan Friss
loved this history of bookstores in the United States


I enjoyed your concise reviews and the star ratings.

It looks like you had a solid October of reading. Nice !

[Patricia]

🌻Happy November, everyone! October reads is such a nice read even though I only read 3 books, which sucks. I did enjoy 1 of my books that I read, which I still want to share with all of you, my October reads.

✅1. My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine - 4 stars/⭐⭐⭐⭐
• This is the first I read this October, and I have a TBR twin for this one. I did enjoy reading this book with her, and although she didn't enjoy it as much as I did, I did enjoy this one. I guess this is my unexpected read, like I don't read a lot of vampire books, and I only read the "enemies to lovers" trope or "forced proximity" or any other tropes. This one didn't fail me because I love both of the characters, and their chemistry is really good. I just didn't give it 5 stars because there's not much plot.
My full review is here:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

✅2. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston - DNF
• I did want to finish this book, but I pass. Now, I chose this book because it's one of the books of the month in one of my reading groups, so I decided to read it so I could join them for this one. The first chapters are good, and I did enjoy them, but when I was in the middle of the book, which is 40-50% of it, just the excitement was gone, and I decided that this book is not for me.
My full review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

✅The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yōko Ogawa - 3 stars/⭐⭐⭐
• This book is good so far compared to the last book I read that I didn't finish reading. I think this book was the first literature I read, and the writing is good so far. There are some chapters that I'm excited to read, but there are some chapters I don't feel like reading. Maybe the long chapters just got me bored reading it.
My full review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

So, those are my October reads, and I'm still glad I tried to enjoy some of them. Maybe I'm still lucky to discover new books and try different genres. I hope November brings the same luck and hopefully more 4-5 stars!🥰🫶🏻🎀

[John]

Here are mine!


byJess Kidd ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


My review: https://share.google/TNuJaeQyHibWbeKdP


by Bernice Rubens ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


My review: https://share.google/lEPESn4qqShRxc6bl

by Clara Parkes ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


My review: https://share.google/x5zwcYDehv5DvYQFl


by Mel Pennant ⭐️⭐️


My review: https://share.google/JoVERNMlYEm12T25t

[madrano]

12 John wrote: "Thanks for bringing up The Correspondent, one I'm planning on giving my mother as a gift.

I've been daunted by Pedro Paramo, but is one I feel "belongs" on my TBR list..."

I suspect your mother will like it very much, John.

I'm glad to have Pedro Paramo under my belt. It's odd that i feel this way, as i hadn't heard of it before this year. Overall, for me, it was somewhat easier to read than Marquez, probably because i just allowed myself to go with the flow.

[madrano]

Denise wrote: "I read 7 books.'

5 stars:
The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore Evan Friss
loved this history of bookstores in the United States

4+ stars:
[book:Be..."

Denise, i marvel at how few words your descriptions of the books you read need. What talent. Thanks for sharing with us. Good reading month, it seems.

[Alias Reader]

#15 Patricia wrote: "
✅2. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston - DNF
• I did want to finish this book, but I pass. Now, I chose this book because it's one of the books of the month in one of my reading groups, so I decided to read it so I could join them for this one. The first chapters are good, and I did enjoy them, but when I was in the middle of the book, which is 40-50% of it, just the excitement was gone, and I decided that this book is not for me."

I gave First Lie wins a 3/5 rating. Good.

Here was my review

Rating 3/5
This is a fast paced thriller. Nothing is what it seems. No one is who they say they are. The book has enough twists and turns to satisfy hardcore thriller readers.

The central character is a con women of multiple names who works for a mysterious Mr. Smith. She has a sidekick that is a computer wiz that helps her out of jams. The reader learns about her through multiple flashbacks to previous criminal jobs she handles for Mr. Smith.

The only thing that stopped this from being a 4 star read for me was the relentless timeline flips back and forth. There are a lot of threads and characters to follow and I found it a bit confusing. After awhile I just decided to suspend belief and go with the flow. In the end I would say it's a good beach read thriller and a solid debut for an author who previously wrote YA novels. I gave it 3/5 stars

[Alias Reader]

#15 Patricia wrote: "
✅The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yōko Ogawa - 3 stars/⭐⭐⭐"

Patricia, your link refers to your review of First Lie Wins.

The Housekeep and the Professor was a 5/5 read for me.

Maybe this type of book is a quiet read and one you need to be in the mood for.

I read it back in 2021. Here was my short comment on it.

I loved this poignant story about a housekeeper and her son who care for an elderly brilliant math professor. Unfortunately, after an accident his memory is only 80 minutes long. Highly recommend.

[madrano]

Patricia wrote: "🌻Happy November, everyone! October reads is such a nice read even though I only read 3 books, which sucks. I did enjoy 1 of my books that I read, which I still want to share with all of you, my Oct..."

Patricia, i like that you are open and aware of why you don't continue the books you do not finish. It helps others decide whether they want to try it.

ONE problem, though. I couldn't connect via your link to your review of The Prof & Housekeeper, a book i liked quite a bit.

While it's unfortunate not all the books called to you, it's neat that you gave them a try. Thank you for sharing here.

[madrano]

John, it was a pleasure to read your honest reviews. The last, particularly, sounds exhausting. Audio would fail me & my feeble memory with all the characters/family.

You tempted me with the Parkes book, as i wouldn't have guessed there was much travel involved. I'm now curious.

Thanks for the reviews & links, John.

[Alias Reader]

#16 John wrote:

"Here are mine!

Mr. Wakefield's Crusade Bernice Rubens"

This sounds good. Unfortunately being older it's not available in eBook.

I see it was also a short lived TV series back in 1992.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0180850/

As always, I enjoyed reading your reviews. You always find such interesting books that I'm not familiar with.

[John]

madrano wrote: "John, it was a pleasure to read your honest reviews. The last, particularly, sounds exhausting. Audio would fail me & my feeble memory with all the characters/family.

You tempted me with the Park..."

As I recall, the Parkes book includes a fair amount of time in TX and NM, which might might mean something to you, specifically?

[madrano]

Very interesting, John. Thanks for that additional info! It's firmly on my TBR now.

[Denise]

@madrano (sorry I’m on my phone and can’t reply): I did longer reviews after I read them so I figure the wrap up should be shorter as people who wanted to read the longer reviews probably already did so

[Barbara]

madrano wrote: "I read only fiction last month.

Inherit the Wind: The Powerful Courtroom Drama in which Two Men Wage the Legal War of the Century--Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee. This is a good play from the 1950s, as important now as when new, it was a response, of sorts, to McCarthyism.
..."

This is an oldie but goodie. To me, it's unfortunate when people try to legislate against science in favor of religion.

[Alias Reader]

RE:Inherit the Wind: The Powerful Courtroom Drama in which Two Men Wage the Legal War of the Century

#27 Barbara wrote: "This is an oldie but goodie. To me, it's unfortunate when people try to legislate against science in favor of religion."

I can only imagine your frustration, Barbara, as you are a scientist.

As you noted it's unfortunate. I would say a disgrace and doesn't bode well for our countries future. :(

[Patricia]

Alias Reader wrote: "#15 Patricia wrote: "
✅The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yōko Ogawa - 3 stars/⭐⭐⭐"

Patricia, your link refers to your review of First Lie Wins.

The Housekeep and the Professor was a 5/5 read f..."

My bad, I already edit my link above. I am so sorry, I didn't notice it. I did enjoy the book but not much. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the book!

[Patricia]

madrano wrote: "Patricia wrote: "🌻Happy November, everyone! October reads is such a nice read even though I only read 3 books, which sucks. I did enjoy 1 of my books that I read, which I still want to share with a..."

Thank you for telling me Madrano! Here is my review about the book: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I really hope my November reads will like it more and maybe will give it 4-5 stars.

[madrano]

Denise wrote: "@madrano (sorry I’m on my phone and can’t reply): I did longer reviews after I read them so I figure the wrap up should be shorter as people who wanted to read the longer reviews probably already d..."

This is a feature i appreciate about this monthly round up, Denise.

[madrano]

#27 Barbara wrote: "This is an oldie but goodie. To me, it's unfortunate when people try to legislate against science in favor of religion...."

I think the play was on-target, as far as that goes. Today's audience might be surprised to see how adamantly the religious aspect overwhelmed the science. This is why a trial drama worked so well, defending you faith in black & white was the issue. Each may well have their place but to legislate against it is wrong-headed.

Actually, i suppose this is also what we are saying about book banning, too.

[madrano]

#29 Patricia wrote: "My bad, I already edit my link above. I am so sorry, I didn't notice it. I did enjoy the book but not much. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the book..."

Thank you for editing the link, Patricia. I was interesting in your impression of the book. Like Alias mentioned in post #20, it was a good story, well told.

This year i've read several novels by Japanese writers. Each time i am impressed by how much can be expressed in their books. Last night, i read one, which was not even 200 pages, Snow Country--Yasunari Kawabata. He won the Nobel Prize for Literature in the '60s. The descriptions were beautiful and the story interesting.

ANYway, i hope you will try more literature from other nations, as we can compare & contrast it with what we consider our favorite writers. And learn as we go, in many cases!

Again, thanks for the review.

[Patricia]

madrano wrote: "#29 Patricia wrote: "My bad, I already edit my link above. I am so sorry, I didn't notice it. I did enjoy the book but not much. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the book..."

Thank you fo..."

Thank you, Madrano! It's my first time I've read Japanese literature, so maybe I'm just not used to it. But maybe I will try to read other Japanese literature. Thank you for your suggestion, Madrano. I think I will try to read Snow Country, which you recommended to me.

[madrano]

There has been an explosion of translated Japanese novels in the last 10 years or so. Snow Country, which is from the '50s, is more literary than what is popular today. Recent favorites of mine include the following:

Before the Coffee Gets Cold--Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Convenience Store Woman--Sayaka Murata

Sweet Bean Paste--Durian Sukegawa

[John]

The Makioka Sisters has been one of my favorite novels.

[madrano]

Thanks, John. I saw this title on a couple of "best of Japanese Lit" sites. It sounds interesting, particularly the parts about trying to preserve what they felt was best over the years. I'm adding this to my TBR.

[Barbara]

Denise wrote: "I read 7 books.'

Before We Forget Kindness Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Another collection of stories, this time about regret, from the Before The Coffee Gets Cold Series

I'm reading this now Denise. I'm a fan of this series. 😊

[Denise]

Barbara wrote: "Denise wrote: "I read 7 books.'

Before We Forget Kindness Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Another collection of stories, this time about regret, from the Before The Coffee Gets Cold Series

I'm reading this n..."

There is a 6th book coming out in May 2026 😊