September Reading Wrap Up

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, how is it that October is already upon us? I have a spooky TBR set up for this month, which you can check out here if you haven’t yet!

In terms of my September TBR, I didn’t stick to it as much as I would have liked to, I think partially because I read so much for school that I didn’t have much time to physically read books for pleasure. However, with a new half hour commute, I did get to listen to some pretty amazing audiobooks this month!

And in other news, this month my hubby and I have acquired a brand new kitten: Eva! She is so much fun and I have included some pictures for my fellow cat lovers out there.

Anyhow, I suppose I should get into what you all came here for, my reading wrap up!

Stats:

Books read: 17
Physical books read: 7
Audiobooks read: 8
E-books read: 2
DNFs: 1

5 stars: 2 books
4.5 stars: 1 book
4 stars: 4 books
3.5 stars: 2 books
3 stars: 3 books
2.5- 1 book
2 stars: 1 book
No rating: 2 books

In the order I read them (and if you want a full review, click on the title of the book):

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett / 5- I actually finished this the last day in August, but I never wrapped it up! I loved this super cute children’s classic. It was a super short read, but made my heart so incredibly warm.

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas / 3.5- I can’t believe I actually got around to reading this! This is one of my first adult fantasy novels, so it was a bit hard for me to follow at times. There was a lot of info dumping and characters that popped out of no where. I didn’t like this as much as others, but I am still happy I read it.

Charlotte Temple by Susanna Rowsan- I had to read this novel for school. It was very mediocre, although it was interesting to read a classic that I feel like few have heard of. Apparently this was the first American bestseller novel.

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo/ DNF- I know, I am as disappointed as you guys. I just could not get into this book. When I was at 60% and had no idea what was going on or any of the character’s motives, I decided it was time to DNF this. I still want to read Six of Crows, but this was a miss for me.

A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow/ 2- This book is definitely very relevant with current events, following a Black siren who was murdered and doesn’t get the justice she deserves. I liked the idea of the story, but the plot was a bit all over the place and not very well explained, and the dual perspective was confusing because both characters had the same voice.

One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London / 4.5- I adored this book! If you are looking for something filled with gossip and drama, this is it! There are also some really important conversations about fatphobia and the unrealistic body standards society puts on both men and women.

Richard III by William Shakespeare / 2.5- This is a play I read for school. I’m not really big into Shakespeare, but I am taking a Shakespeare in film course so I will be reading a lot of his plays. This is the fourth one I’ve read, and definitely my least favorite.

Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron / 3.5- I really enjoyed this book! The world was so fascinating and I loved how the author tied in the classic Cinderella story into this dark, modern twist. I did begin to lose interest about halfway through though, and the romance was a bit too insta-lovey for me.

My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows/ 5- I adored this book! I love the Tudor era and so watching the authors tie in this time period with fantasy and humor was such a joy! This is definitely a favorite of mine for the year!

Too Much and Never Enough by Mary Trump/ 3 stars- This book just wasn’t what I was expecting. It didn’t really add anything new to the table about Donald Trump, and the book mostly focused on his father, Fred Trump. It was quick though, so I’m not upset about reading it.

Beowulf by Unknown / no rating- I had to read this for class as well. I don’t have much to say about it. I didn’t love it but I didn’t despise it, although I do admit I skimmed through most of it.

The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel / 4- I really liked this book! Historical fiction has been a struggle for me lately, so I am so happy I liked this one as much as I did. If you are looking for a good WW2 novel, I would definitely recommend this one.

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin / 4 stars- I absolutely adored this book! Although the first half of the novel was on the slower side, by the end I was completely invested and in love with Lou and Reid! I can’t wait to read Blood & Honey!

I’m Not Dying With You Tonight by Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal/ 4 stars- This short and fast paced novel takes place in one night following the perspectives of a Black and white high schooler. This was a super interesting book written by both a Black and white author, so it was very thought provoking to get both sides of the story.

Now That I’ve Found You by Kristina Forest/ 4 stars- This book was the absolute cutest! A perfect mix of romance and Hollywood drama set in New York City, this book will definitely leave you smiling. I definitely want to go back and read Kristina’s debut novel at some point!

Hamlet by William Shakespeare/ 3 stars- This is a reread for me as I read this in high school. I definitely enjoyed this more than Richard III but it still isn’t my favorite.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston / 5 stars- Oh. My. Word! Believe the hype y’all! This was an absolute dream and I am swooning and my heart is growing just thinking about it. This brought in everything I wanted in a romance: family, lovable side characters, royalty, heartfelt love letters… I am in love!

LEAVE YOUR WRAP-UPS IN THE COMMENTS BELOW! I WOULD LOVE TO READ THEM!

HAPPY READING!