November Wrap Up

# of Books Read: 10

# of Pages Read:

Favourite Book(s) of the Month: Finding Chika, Over the Top, The Eyre Affair

Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren

It is hard not to compare Twice in a Blue Moon to all of the other Christina Lauren novels that I have read. Objectively, this is a very good romance, but it just does not hold a candle to The Unhoneymooners or Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating. I love the premise and that we get a behind the scenes look at a movie set. I would actually love to see the movie that they were making! I just wish that the main characters had more chemistry and that there was more time spent on them talking through some of their baggage. Also, where was the epilogue!?

Me by Elton John

Rocketman has become one of my all time favourites movies, and as I result I have fallen in love with anything to do with Elton John. There is something so fascinating and charming about him! There was so much that appreciated about his memoir, but what stuck out to me most was just how honest he was. He did not shy away from pointing out his strengths as well as his weaknesses. I also loved reading about his famous friendships!

Modern Love: True Stories of Love, Loss, & Redemption edited by Daniel Jones

Modern Family has become one of my favourite collections of essays. I actually wish that it was twice the size! I need more- to the point that I attempt to subscribe to The New York Times simply so I can read the Modern Love column. I thought that there was something in here that everyone can relate to and I appreciate that it covers all kinds of love, not just romantic. I highly recommend reading the collection and then watching to TV series on Amazon Prime!

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell

The Family Upstairs is my favourite mystery of the year, and I need to read more from Lisa Jewell. In some ways her writing reminds me of Ruth Ware, in that she is able to create atmosphere and a sense of place. I loved that we follow many different perspectives and the reader slowly comes to realize how they are all connected. I also love that there are flashbacks that were both horrifying and fascinating. Great twists, memorable characters!

Finding Chika: A Little Girl, an Earthquake, and the Making of a Family by Mitch Albom

Mitch Albom never disappoints. I was lucky enough to hear him speak last year, and at one point during the night he should a video clip of his time with Chika. I do not think there was a dry eye in the house. His love for Chika was obvious than, and it was obvious in this book. I love the way he told her story, and how he highlighted all of the lessons that he taught her. Her personality really shone through!

Dead Mountain: The Untold Story of the Dyatlov Pass Incident by Donnie Eichar

If you are like me, this might be the first time you have heard of the Dyatlov Pass Incident. I did not expect to become instantly invested in this case and the mystery behind the bizarre deaths of these experienced hiker in the 60s. The author’s dedication to the case shone through and made me as the reader also feel dedicate to their being a resolution. I thought that his conclusion made a lot of sense and was fascinating!

Death in the Clouds by Agatha Christie

Not my favourite Agatha Christie, but enjoyable nonetheless. It has all of the elements that make an Agatha Christie novel so compulsively readable. The mystery was ridiculous, but that is what makes it fun! I actually found it to be a little more predictable than some of the other books of hers that I have read.

Working Stiff: Two Years, 262 Bodies, and the Making of a Medical Examiner by Judy Melinek

I knew that this book would be interesting, but I was not expecting to learn so much and for it to make me so emotional. I didn’t realize going in that July Melinek was an ME in New York during 9/11. Those chapters were difficult to read, but it was nice to have an insight into how bodies were identified and how families were given some closure. It really made me respect medical examiners- a career that I have never given much thought to before.

Over the Top by Johnathan Van Ness

Johnathan Van Ness is such a gem- I just adore him. I had not realized that he had such a difficult past, and I am honoured that he shared it with us. I think that many readers will relate to his story and feel heard. I love that he has become such an advocate for people with HIV and is working to reduce the stigma. It is important that people with a platform like he has continue to speak out. Sprinkled in with all of the heavy stuff, JVN’s sense of humour also shines through. I also loved that we got some behind the scene stuff on Queer Eye!

The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde

The Eyre Affair has such a strange premise, and I did not know what to expect going in. It ended up being even more bizarre than I was expecting, and I absolutely adored it. To the point that it will potentially end up as one of my favourite books of the year. This is one of those books that I struggle to recommend to everyone because it can be comfusing and is definitely a head scratching, but there is something about it that is so compelling and just plain entertaining. It did take me awhile to get used to Jasper Fforde’s writing style, but he is very talented. I can not wait to continue on with the series!

November was such a great reading month! I ended up reading six books for Nonfiction November and I enjoyed each and every one of them.