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. 

Nicole on GoodReads

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

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