What I Read in October

Oh look at me, wrap up basically on time for once! Mainly because I’m going to have a crazy November, and not that much time for anything. I’ve read some fantastic books in October, and as always it has been hard to choose my favourites, though some books have obvious choices for me. I read 19 books this month.

I’m a bit scared of November. I’m planning to take part in NaNoWriMo even if I haven’t decided yet what project I’ll be working on (and therefore, I have no outline) and I have my Life in the UK test at the end of the month. I’m also working full-time, and I’ve just found out I’ve accepted in the mentorship scheme run by the Society of Young Publishers – their Ahead scheme, which will allow me to learn more about Rights in publishing in the areas that are not covered by my day-to-day work. So it’s going to be a busy month, but I’m looking forward to it!

My Top 5 Books in September

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

My rating: 5/5
Genre: Fantasy
Links: Book Depository & Amazon

This book may be literally my favourite book of all time or at least one of favourites. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue has also found me at the exactly right moment, and I loved every bit, every moment of it. The book follows Addie, a woman who has made the pact with an old god and traded her soul for immortality. She will live forever (or until she gives up), but she’s cursed to be forgotten by anyone she meets on her way. I’m still trying to find the right words to describe The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and the effect it had on me, so there’ll be a proper review of the book as soon as I gather my thoughts. I have also been tremendously lucky to attend (virtually) at the event about the book, with V.E. Schwab in conversation with Taylor Jenkins Reid, and what a joy it has been! Even if the event took place at 2 am UK time…

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

My rating: 5/5
Genre: Literary Fiction
Links: Book Depository & Amazon

I’ve been listening to Taylor Jenkins Reid’s book in audio format lately, and it’s the author whose writing somehow works better for me in audiobook. I absolutely loved her style in Daisy Jones & The Six, even though I wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much in the physical form, and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo hasn’t been much different – it was such a great book following flawed, honest and real characters! Taylor Jenkins Reid is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo follows ageing Hollywood star, who decides to share the light onto her personal life, with the help of an up-and-rising journalist. Told mostly from Evelyn’s perspective, but interlined with Monique’s story, it’s a powerful and moving story of love, grief and living.

The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow

My rating: 5/5
Genre: Fantasy
Links: Book Depository & Amazon
Full review: here
(Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-copy)

I’ve read The Once and Future Witches in October, and it has been such a perfect season for this book! I really enjoyed Alix E. Harrow’s style and the atmosphere she has created, and I will definitely be picking up her previous book soon. The Once and Future Witches follows three sisters, each very different, but each strong and full of passion and care for each other. I loved how it explored the period where most witches supposedly ceased to exist, and allow the sisters to bring back the witching, the magic, their ways in more open ways. And I really enjoyed how it was set against the backdrop of the beginning of suffragettes. Alix E. Harrow’s book had such a great cast of diverse characters, and despite being set in the 19th century, it has remained timely.

Before the Devil Breaks You by Libba Bray

My rating: 5/5
Genre: YA Fantasy
Links: Book Depository & Amazon

Before the Devils Breaks You is the third part of The Diviners series, and another book, I have consumed in the audiobook format this month. I have really been enjoying the series lately, and I’m looking forward to listening to the fourth instalment of the series shortly (though it’s currently not available at my library sadly). This part of The Diviners still has a great atmosphere of the late 1920s New York, but it seems like each book in the series becomes darker and darker. In Before the Devils Breaks You, characters have even more to lose (and some really lose so much!) and the stakes are higher than ever before. But what keeps me reading this series, is a predominantly a great cast of characters. It’s another book that has so many different and full characters, each with their story to tell, and I’m enjoying following their journeys a lot.

Failosophy by Elizabeth Day

My rating: 4.25/5
Genre: Non-fiction, Guide
Links: Book Depository & Amazon

I really enjoy Elizabeth Day’s voice, ever since I read How to Fail earlier this year. She is such an honest and relatable person, and she has been through so much. I must admit, I haven’t listened to her podcast yet, but some thoughts and comments she has shared both in Failosophy and How to Fail deeply resonate with me, and left me with looking at certain things differently. Failosophy is a really quick read, it’s only 160 pages, and I have listened to it in audiobook format today, but it’s an important one. It talks a lot about accepting the failure as a part of life, and not letting it define you, which is such a great approach comparing to most of the self-guides which teach you to only think positively and not letting any negatives to your life.

What have been your favourites in October?

Take care,
Alicja

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