October Reading Wrap-Up
My favorite season is here, which means getting cozy and reading some good (and bad) books. One of my favorite fall activities is walking through my neighborhood, headphones on, walking my dood and listening to an audiobook while watching the leaves turn colors. I thought I’d share the ones I completed in October with you, including my ratings, and in chronological order from first read to last read. So let’s get into it!
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Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
I’m a huge fan of Lisa Jewell’s thrillers. The first book I read of hers was “None of This is True” and I became obsessed. This story was a little creepy for me if I’m being quite honest. It was enjoyable nonetheless. As I was getting to the twist, I did figure it out and I finished the book quite quickly. Overall, I gave it 4 out of 5 stars and not lower because I’m a fan of the author.
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The Housemaid (The Housemaid, #1) by Freida McFadden
This book has been on my Libby waitlist for ages and when it finally became available in October, I was thrilled. Perfect easy read to set the spooky Halloween vibes. It was a little predictable but I did enjoy the plot twist. I also wanted to see what the hype was all about since the movie was announced! I’m excited to watch the movie now, but I will say I didn’t really like the narrators voice in the audiobook version. I would give this a 4 out of 5 stars because I loved how I finished it super quickly and wouldn’t mind reading the next one.
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Where the Library HIdes (Secrets of the Nile, #2) by Isabel Ibanez
I was so excited for this second book in the Secrets of the Nile series. The first book, What the River Knows, was full of lush world building, vivid prose, and that sweeping sense of adventure. I turned each page rooting for Inez and blushed at her budding romance with Whitford Hayes. I also appreciated the “telenovela” style plot and the slight introduction to some sort of magic system (?). So when I dove head first into this second book, I had pretty high expectations. Unfortunately, I’m so sad to say, the second book was missing that same spark for me. Without any spoilers, a few character choices left me confused and the pace of the story was not consistent. I would have to give this one a 3 out of 5 stars because I couldn’t finish it.
And while I have my mixed feelings about the story, I wouldn’t discourage anyone from picking it up. Especially if you’re a fan of the romance in the first book. The audiobook retains the same wonderful narrators and is still worth listening to or reading because it continues to explore the mystery of exploring Egypt and ideas that made the first book so captivating. You might find the magic lands differently for you.
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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Another book that was finally available on my Libby lol! I had high expectations for this one because of its undeniable cultural impact. I went into it presuming the glamour and heartbreak and while I was touched by a few moments of the sharp commentary on fame, heartbreak, and perseverance, I couldn’t help but feel the book was overhyped. Now don’t get me wrong, it’s a hue part of the literary zeitgeist of the 21st century, and the story is compelling and beautifull written. However, at times, the characters surrounding Evelyn and the reveals throughout the story didn’t land for me the way they seemed to for everyone else.
So while it’s easy to see why this novel is such a phenomenon, and I just know the movie version will be gorgeous with Old Hollywood charm, I didn’t love it as much as I was hoping to. For that reason, I’d give it a 3 out of 5 stars.
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My last book was one that was somewhat viral on Tiktok when all the Love Island drama was unfolding over the summer. The reviews on booktok did catch my attention and I was curious about the book. It promised Love Island style reality games with a thriller twist. I really don’t think it lived up to the recommendations though. It was too slow paced. The main character was not well written, and the twists were also lackluster. I really could have not finished this book and I would have been fine. 2 out of 5 stars.
There you have it. These were all the books I completed in the month of October. You could say I was a harsh critic for most of these, but I’m being as truthful as I can. I hope November brings me some unforgettable reads. So far, I’m 30% into The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and it’s so refreshingly well written and compelling. I can’t wait to finish it and rate it in my round up.
What books did you read in October? Knowing my list above, what would you recommend I check out next? Let me know in the comments below! Thanks so much for reading and see you in the next round up!
Lots of Love,
Natasha