# of Books Read: 8
# of Pages Read: 3232
Favourite Book(s) of the Month: House of Salt and Sorrow, His Hideous Heart
The Doll Factory by Elizabeth Macneal
This is a book that will haunt your dreams! It is brilliant in that it manages to get under your skin without the need for any supernatural elements- these characters could be real people. The setting, the characters, and the story itself all work together to make a truly terrifying and dark novel. I thought that it was one of the most interesting looks at obsession that I have ever read. It also has that art element that I adore in fiction.
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
The Language of Flowers is a few years old now, and it is not one that I see a lot of people talk about, which is a shame. I think many readers would adore this story, especially fans of Where the Crawdads Sing and Before We Were Yours- it explores very similar themes. The concept of sending message through the different meanings of flowers was so compelling. It became a little but far-fetched in the end but it didn’t hinder my enjoyment.
House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig
House of Salt and Sorrows is a book that I never would have picked up on my own- thank goodness for buddy reads! It was so much darker than I was expecting- Craig did not hold back. It was one of the most atmospheric novels that I have ever read. I loved how it explored the relationships between sisters. It has convinced me that I need to read more YA fantasy.
By Chance Alone by Max Eisen
I have read many memoirs written by people who have survived the Holocaust and they continue to horrify me. Eisen story is incredibly heartbreaking while also being a great example of the strength of human spirit. His father’s last words to him were “If you survive, you must tell the world what happened here.” Eisen has done just that, and I know his father would be proud.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
I was worried that Maybe You Should Talk to Someone would be too much like a self-help book, but that was not the case. This is more of Gottlieb’s memoir of what it is like to not only be a therapist but to go to therapy herself. Her road to becoming a therapist was also extremely interesting. I did feel a little weird about her sharing stories of her own patients but I am sure she had their consent.
Beyond the Point by Claire Gibson
Beyond the Point was my first military novel and I really enjoyed it. I loved that it focused on women in the military. I thought that it was an honest and realistic look at female friendships. These characters were supportive of one another, but also had their conflicts and judgments. I highly recommend the audiobook- there are three narrators, one for each main character, and it made me feel more connected to ethem. I want to mention that there are some religious undertones to this story, which didn’t bother me but I know is not everyone’s thing.
The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
There is no denying the Ruth Ware is a gifted writer- she knows how to create atmosphere! I really liked the first half of this book. I thought she did an amazing job setting up there story and having it told through letters was effective. I also thought there were some interesting twists. That said, there were some pacing issues and moments that drag, and the ending left me with more questions than answers.
His Hideous Heart edited by Dahlia Adler
His Hideous Heart is an anthology of thirteen short stories each inspired by a different work from Edgar Allen Poe. Every story was so unique and I liked something about every single one. Of course I had my favourites, but I felt each of them was strong in its own right. There was everything from historical fiction to SciFi! A must-read collection for October. I appreciated that the original stories were also included.
My online classes started again in September, so I wasn’t able to read quite as much as I did in August, but I am happy with the reading that I did! It was a month full of four star reads, and one three star. No new favourites but still pretty solid.
What was the best book you read in September?
Ooh I’m really keen to try The Doll Factory! I’ve read some really great reviews on it and am keen for something a little bit different 🙂 What a great selection of books this month! <3 Jen
The Doll Factory is unlike anything I have ever read!
Looks like you read some great books this month. I need to check out His Hideous Heart.
I really did! His Hideous Heart is so great.
I love The Lanuage of Flowers and I’ve never seen anyone else talk about it!!
I know! People are sleeping on that book. It’s so so good!
Nice job reading eight books even with being busy with your classes! I started to read Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, but for some reason stopped. I need to pick it up again though, because I did enjoy what I did read. I think I felt guilty about ignoring my ARCs, so decided to put it on hold to read those instead.
Thank you! I listened to the audiobook for Maybe You Should Talk to Someone and I think that helped. It felt like I was talking to a friend! I completely understand that ARC guilt!
Looks like you had a good month! I’m very excited to read House of salt and sorrow!
(www.evelynreads.com)
I did! House of Salt and Sorrow caught be by complete surprise- so good!
I think it is almost my turn for the library book!
His hideous heart is on my TBR, so I’m happy that you liked it! The best book I have read in September was The cat man of Aleppo, so heartwarming.
Aw that sounds like a book I would love!
These all sound really interesting – I’m intrigued by The Doll Factory! As a horror wuss though – is it a “keep you up at night” kind of read or is it more of a general creepiness?
Hmm I think it depends on what would keep you up at night! It’s all realistic so no monster or anything like that but the obsession can get intense. He is also a taxidermist so there are so things with animals that made me feel uncomfortable.
I loved Language of Flowers and the poignant aged out of foster care theme!
So true. I often think about kids aging out of foster care. That has got to be so difficult. I thought that book did a great job shining a light on that.
In general I think the twenty somethings need as much of our support as the teens do! So many decisions to make!
I’m very interested in «The Turn of the Key« by Ruth Ware, especially now that it’s finally getting colder outside. Perfect weather to read some mystery and thrillers. 🙂
Yes, definitely! I am so ready for all of the October reads!
Looks like you had a good month! I’ve been meaning to read some Ruth Ware. I think some of her books sound really interesting–just haven’t gotten around to it yet!
I did! I highly recommend The Death of Mrs. Westaway!
That was the one at the top of my list!
I’m glad that you enjoyed a House of Salt and Sorrows, I am really keen to pick it up!
I hope next month is just as productive for you 🙂
– Emma
Thank you! I think you will enjoy House of Salt and Sorrows!
I want to read His Hideous Heart so bad! It’s definitely on my TBR 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it!
It’s so so good! Perfect for Fall!
I really liked Maybe You Should Talk To Someone, I thought she did a great job of combining her own stories with those of her patients.
I completely agree!
Awesome wrap up! I’m still really curious about turn of the key, even though it had pacing issues, cos I agree that Ware really can write! And I’m definitely curious about house of salt and shadow as well!
She is a great writer and it had some interesting twists!
I will have to read House of Salt and Sorrow soon.. I’m glad you enjoyed reading it. So did you have nightmares after reading The Dollhouse? 😊
I loved it! The Doll Factory was more creepy than scary but I definitely had some weird dreams!
Ooh, I’m glad you liked His Hideous Heart, I’m really looking forward to checking that one out!
It’s really an amazing anthology!