This November, I read nine books. And while it’s two books fewer than last month, I read way more pages this month! It was certainly a massive reading month for me.
There were a couple of books I really loved, and there were also books this month that took me a really long time to think over.
This month was also a pretty decent mix when it came to genres. I’d say that’s every month for me anyway, but there were some genres I read this month that I haven’t in a while, and really want to get to reading more of soon. These are definitely things I’m keeping in mind as I plan my reading goals for 2021. In particular, I don’t feel as though I’ve been reading as much literary fiction and non-fiction as I used to earlier this year, so that’s definitely something I want to read more regularly. It’s hard to balance your reads when you read so many genres!
Anyway, here’s everything I read this month, and my thoughts on each of them!
I Hope You Get This Message by Farah Naz Rishi
It is rumored that after another planet makes contact with Earth that the world will end in seven days. For Jesse Hewitt, one bad blow after another leaves him indifferent if things were to end now. But for Cate Collins, she wants to use the time to learn about the father she’s never met. And for Adeem Khan, he can’t forgive his sister for leaving. And with only seven days left, these three people are brought together.
I really enjoyed the many references to computing in this book – that was definitely my favorite part! I think that the ending of this book was super abrupt though. It definitely feels like a book that was more about the themes it explored than the story itself, which is something that I can definitely appreciate.
The Little Book of Life Skills by Erin Zammett Ruddy
The Little Book of Life Skills is a guide to all the little things to get you by in day-to-day life, from work tips to house organization to setting routines. It includes explanations from experts in the field plus strategies to implement these tips.
I really like reading books like these from time to time! I like the author’s intent with this book as a consolidation of all the online how-to posts we tend to read, with the inclusion of guidance by the experts. I was a bit confused about the audience for this book as I think a lot skills were may more obvious than others, but a good book overall.
Devonna by Audrey Francis-Plante
Six years after the death of her cousin, Devonna Moreau still carries the guilt of it all. The truth is, that she may have been able to save her if she were able physically feel anything. Until one day, Devonna feels the touch of Bram Hanaghan – but Bram is a ghost. Devonna hopes to use the encounter to find her cousin, but vengeful ghosts have other plans for her.
I received a finished copy of this book in a giveaway by the author. I haven’t read a ghost story in a very long time and now felt like the perfect time to read one! I like the detail that went into the types of paranormal entities and how that played into the plot overall. I do wish that there was more detail in the setting, but overall I thought this was a pretty cool story.
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte
This classic follows Helen Graham, who returns to Wildfell Hall after a failed marriage. There, she starts her life under a new name and makes a living as a painter.
I never actually rated or reviewed this one! I’m still a little lost at what to think of this one. I did like the way Anne Brönte used this book to navigate social issues at that time. But on the other hand, I think I had different expectations for who the story would focus on. I also felt that this read more like an Austen novel, which I historically haven’t clicked well with. So it’s hard to say how I feel on this book!
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
A Little Life follows four college classmates who move to New York. Over time they navigate complexities and their own relationships, but they find that Jude has been struggling and continues to suffer, defined by the unspeakable traumas that defined his childhood and his adult life.
If you’ve been reading my WWW Wednesday posts you’ll know I’ve been reading this book for quite some time before November. I am really glad that I took my time because this book was heavy in more ways than one. I liked the way it explored Jude’s experiences and what helped and hurt him through the eyes of other people’s actions. I also liked how this book explored the power of long-term friendships.
A Gallery of Mothers by J.S. Latshaw
A Gallery of Mothers is the sequel to The Threat Below. Mountaintop, the last known village of humanity, is at risk of its end, and only Icelyn Brathius can save it. But in order to do so, she must travel to a legendary tower in the middle of an unforgiving desert – and face the truths that she’s given.
I liked this second installment more than the first! I had all the questions I wanted answering from the first book here and more. There’s so much we got out of the worldbuilding in this book and I thought that aspect of it was perfect.
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
The Shadow of the Wind is a historical fiction novel that takes place in 1940’s Barcelona. It follows a book dealer’s son, who, while greiving the loss of his mother, finds comfort in a book called The Shadow of the Wind. But as he searches for the author’s other works, he finds that someone has been destroying them, and he may have the last copy. Set out to know why, the narrator delves into Barcelona’s history and secrets.
This is another book where I’m upset with myself for not having read it earlier! I was recommended this book so often and it definitely was a great fit based on my current favorites. I haven’t read historical fiction in a while either so it was really nice to become immersed in this novel and its lyrical writing.
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Robin Wall Kimmerer is both a botanist and a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. In her book, Kimmerer brings both of her experiences together to demonstrate what nature can teach us about the world around us.
This is definitely one of my favorites of the year as well! There was definitely a lot that I unlearned in regards to how we treat nature and how we look at our possessions. There are so many action steps I’m ready to take after reading this book, and I’m looking forward to creating better intentions after reading this as well.
Artificial Life After Frankenstein by Eileen Hunt Botting
Artificial Life After Frankenstein explores Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, its impacts on literature, and how the story compares to political and ethical decisions today. Looking at topics such as genetic modifications, machine learning, and the fears of artificial intelligence in our future, Bottling uses literary examples inspired by Frankenstein to explore these scientific, political, and upcoming subjects.
I received an e-arc of this book from NetGalley. This served as a really interesting combination of my love for literature and technology. It is written more academically but it is definitely accessible for those that are less familiar with the concepts. Books like these are definitely ones I want to read more of as well.
How did your reading month go this November? Did you come across any new favorites? Let me know! I’d love to know if you’ve read any of these as well and what your thoughts were!
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Looks like a great month, and I’m glad you mostly enjoyed your reads! I read lots of genres too so can relate on what you say. Have a lovely December 😊
Thank you Stephen! I hope you’re having a great December as well!
You always such an interesting mix of reads. It looks like you had such a great and engaging reading month. I’ve added Braiding Sweetgrass to my TBR as well. Happy reading!
Ooh, I hope you love it! Braiding Sweetgrass is one of my favorites this year.
Great selection of books! I love seeing The Shadow Of The Wind on here… I’m long overdue for a reread next year! I hope you will have a wonderful December. xx
Thank you! It’s definitely one I’d love to reread in the future myself. I hope you’re having a lovely December!
I’ve decided to make the reread my first book of 2021! At least I know I will be starting the reading year on a high note this way. 😉
Ooh, that sounds like a fun way to kick off 2021!