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Tuesday, November 1, 2016

October Not-So-Spooky Reads

Do you know how hard it is to get your hands on some spooky books in October? I think everyone had the same thought for themed reading. I shouldn't be too disappointed since my plan was to only read light romantic comedy books. My mood changes and my plan was derailed after my first October book. My second read, a historical fiction novel, rerouted my reading plan mid month setting the tone for the rest of October. I read 4 books this month compared to the 6 books I read  in September. My reading goal for 2016 is 55 books. I have currently read 51 books.



I had a major slow down this month compared to September! My months started a little slow. I finished Uninvited by Lysa Terkeurst which I had started in September. I was reading chapter by chapter as a Christian book study. I really enjoyed this book and I feel like there are so many takeaways for everyone. The main theme is rejection. We've all felt it; most likely, we are all continually affected. This book shines a light on where rejection may hold you back and how to overcome those feelings. I highly recommend this book. 


#2 The Hating Game by Sally Thorne. I added this book to my reading list because a few bloggers I follow have raved about it. I'm not sure what I missed ?? but it was a dud for me. Goodreads, which I highly trust, rated The Hating Game 4.32 out of 5. I gave it a 3. The general synopsis is a struggling love story between two co-workers vying for the same promotion. The Hating Game is what I like to call smut. My definition of smut is...storyline exists for the sole purpose of having mundane conversations and many descriptive sexual encounters. If that is your thing, then by all means :)


#3 Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys. This is my favorite new book in 2016 book (so far). I love when authors create a story which is unique and thoughtful and smart. Then, they package the smart story in a way to appeal to your heart and create great empathy. This is everything Salt To The Sea is. A young adult (YA) historical fiction novel set in Eastern Europe during World War II. The story evolves from 4 characters each fleeing their respective war torn country. The focus is on the impact WW2 had on the neighboring countries of Germany who were being invaded by Russia and Germany leading up to the true event of Wilhem Gustloff. Sepety's Salt To The Sea receives my highest recommendation for an all around great book. 

All I wanted to do after reading Salt To The Sea was read it again! How often do you find a book like that? For me, almost never!! I couldn't shake all the good feelings. I picked up a handful of books and nothing was keeping my attention. I was heading into one of my infamous reading slumps, which notoriously happens after I read an amazing book. All I really wanted was to re-read Sepetys' book again. So...I got another one of her books...


#4 Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Septys. My daughter's favorite book. This novel is another WW2 young adult historical fiction novel. The story is told from the perspective of a Lithuanian teen, Lina, being impacted by the conflict between Russia and Germany. Compared to Salt To the Sea, Between Shades of Gray is more intense, violent, and graphic. I recommend it because I think the subject matter is often overshadowed by the Nazi/Jews WW2 rather than the Russia/Eastern Europe WW2. Educate yo' self :) 

Can I just say I am so insanely obsessed with Ruta Septys right now? The way she writes, the things she writes about. I want to know everything! *sigh*


Moving forward, here is my To Be Read for November:


What are you planning to read this month? 
If you have any recommendations from October, please leave them in the comments! 
The Ship of Brides is a recommendation from September. 
I wouldn't have picked it up without your positive reviews! 
Oh yeah, if you are on GoodReads, look me up. 

Linking up with Steph and Jana for Show Us Your Books. Click the link for book reviews and recommendations galore!



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12 comments:

  1. I've looked at Between Shades of Gray more than once, but I'm burnt out on WWII. I read wayyyy too many in 2015.
    I read Ship of Brides. It was okay, but not my favorite by Moyes.
    I love Bill O'Reilly's history books, so Rising Sun is on my list. Also, Dark Matter. I had it in my hands at the library and didn't get it.

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  2. I really need to get back into reading, maybe once my classes are done I can.

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  3. I'm so glad that you loved Salt To The Sea! It's easily one of my favorite books this year too, and I'm excited that you thought that Between Shades of Grey was just as good! Good luck on finishing your challenge!

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  4. I'm going to check and see if my library has Salt To The Sea. I have so many requests for books though. I pray they don't all come in at the same time. I've read some of Bill O'Reilly's killing books. I liked them all more than I thought I would.

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  5. I love reading so I'll have to check out some of these books! Bill O'Reilly has some great books. I liked Killing Lincoln.

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  6. I definitely need to read Salt to the Sea - what a great recommendation, I love books that you want to re-read right after finishing!! ;)

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  7. Dark Matter was SO GOOD.

    I generally stay away from WWII books, fiction or nonfiction. It's just not for me. My mom, on the other hand, loves those books so I'll have to send her some of these titles.

    Thanks for linking up!

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  8. between shades of gray and salt to the sea are both on my list. the hating game sounds eh. i don't mind romance but i at least like the story to stand on its own. the ship of brides and dark matter are both on my kindle, eventually i will get to them!

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  9. Dark Matter and Salt to Sea are already on my TBR. But you make me want to read Salt to Sea right now! I don't think there is any higher compliment you can pay a book (and author) more than rereading it. Uninvited is also on my TBR and I think it's another book I need to read sooner, rather than later.

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  10. I really want to read both Shades of Gray and Salt to the Sea. Need to move them up higher on my list. I really liked Dark Matter! Hope you do too.

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  11. I am a self-professed Ruta Sepetys fangirl myself. Have you read Out of the Easy? I loved that one as well.

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  12. Salt to the Sea is on my list of things to read!

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