44. What I Read in September
eight great books from a variety of genres, including literary fiction, thriller, fantasy, and romance!
September absolutely flew by. I felt as if I blinked, and suddenly, it was the end of the month. I read 8 books in September, and I enjoyed all of them. For me, September was about keeping my promises to myself. I did, but now I’m feeling overwhelmed. I am hoping to have October to settle.
Sisters of Sword and Song by Rebecca Ross
I am a massive Rebecca Ross fan, and I’m annoyed it took me so long to read this one. She has the most beautiful prose and unique fantasy settings. I love books about sisters, and this one is no different. I honestly wish it was a duology or trilogy instead of a stand alone so that I could get to know everyone deeper. The sisters do anything for each other. We see how family can heal and break, by blood and through bonds. We see the pitting of people against each other, especially magic versus non magic wielders. I just don’t have enough good things to say about this one.
The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young
Unsettling but absolutely beautiful. There is a reason why it is so popular. Young has put together a mix of many genres - fantasy, fiction, historical fiction, romance, women’s fiction, magical realism, mystery … basically anything you can think of. I hesitate to really dive into it because the beauty of the book is in finding out the truth as you go along. All I can say is that it is written beautifully and that you probably won’t find another book like it.
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
I didn’t realize how absolutely thick this was until I took it off my shelf. I was a little worried, honestly, but I really enjoyed it. We had quick chapters and constantly changing points of view. It kept me intrigued and interested. Each character was incredibly unique, and we had several plot points moving along. I wouldn’t say I would have anticipated or guessed the ending, but I also wasn’t absolutely blown away. I think that all of the plot points got confusing for me. I don’t know! It was good! I’m overthinking!
Wild Eyes by Elsie Silver
I find it so interesting that I feel compelled to read all of Elsie’s books even though they aren’t my favorites. I have to say, there is something comforting about them. For me, they are great palette cleansers. There’s something about the quiet of the west with characters who are going through very real life problems that always seem to comfort me. Is this a favorite? No, but I enjoyed it and I’m glad I read it. I will say, the kids are done so well!
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels (reread) by India Holton
I feel like the best way to describe this book is chaos. And I kind of love it. Regency era women pirates with flying houses? Okay yes, I’m in. The characters and India’s voice throughout the novel are so funny. I loved the banter, and I have never read another book like this. It is a great palette cleanser while also touching on some delicate family situations.
The Paradise Problem (reread) by Christina Lauren
Ugh I really, really love this one. There is something so vulnerable about sharing your writing, but for these two to share the act together? Wow. They must be soul sisters. I love it. This book is hilarious and kind of insane but also sad. Anna is a wonderful heroine. She is real in so many facets and absolutely hilarious. I want to give West a hug and also send him to therapy because his dad is crazy. They balanced the fun parts of this romance with very serious family struggles really well. I flew through this as fast as the first time I read it.
Fear the Flames (rerelease) by Olivia Rose Darling
I was so excited for the rerelease to come out. It is definitely different from the indie version. In the indie, there is something just raw about it. I could tell this was more polished. The map is absolutely stunning. There was more attention to detail in the writing itself, and I loved that we had more of a focus on the dragons throughout the whole book. It felt like I read two books for sure. I am grateful that I have both copies, and I am excited for book two!
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
CHILLS. I don’t have words to describe this one, so let’s paraphrase my note. I was worried to read this because I am a sister and as a sister, I was worried about the book ending. How do you end something like a sister bond? But this book was all about the continuation. The continuation of the bond despite everything and the continuation of life despite what it gives you. Life isn’t kind and your sisters probably aren’t sometimes either, but they will always be there for you through anything. Full review:
It’s giving fall. Also: affiliate links!
Identity Unknown by Patricia Cornwell (Thriller): Oct 8, 2024
The Stars are Dying by Chloe C Peñaranda (Fantasy): Oct 8, 2024
Monarch by Sophie Lark (Romance): Oct 8, 2024
Women Living Deliciously by Florence Given (Women’s Health): Oct 8, 2024
A Reign of Rose by Kate Golden (Fantasy): Oct 8, 2024
A Dark and Secret Magic by Wallis Kinney (Fantasy): Oct 8, 2024
The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche (Historical Fantasy): Oct 8, 2024
What Does It Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella (Women’s Fiction): Oct 8, 2024
The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni (Thriller): Oct 8, 2024
Books I’ve compiled from mainly the NYT Bestsellers List, but also the B&N Top 100 and Amazon Bestsellers in no particular order. I’ve decided to simply add the books I haven’t before, since I’ve caught up to the new additions. If you’re curious, last week’s post can be found here.
Counting Miracles by Nicolas Sparks (Romance)
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney (Literary Fiction)
Goldfinch by Raven Kennedy (Fantasy)
Playground by Richard Powers (Literary, Political)
I know nothing about him which feels not right, so let’s talk about Nicolas Sparks.
To begin, his website is a fabulous resource for writers - I suggest taking a look! I hesitate to tell you that I haven’t read any of his books. I’m sorry! They are on my list, I swear. Everyone knows who he is. The author of some of the most beloved romance novels of our time, including but not limited to The Notebook, Dear John, and The Longest Ride. He has written twenty four novels, all of them reaching the bestseller lists. Between his internationally best selling novels and numerous movie deals, Sparks has made a name for himself as perhaps a classic author of our time.
Nicolas Sparks lives in North Carolina, and he devotes his time to many different facets. He coached track and field at the local high school, co-founded The Epiphany School in New Bern, and is a major contributor to the Creative Writing Program at Notre Dame. Sparks himself is a graduate of the university, where he still holds a record for track and field!
This is a man who gives back to the world around him. His foundation provides scholarships to underprivileged youth. He coaches local teenagers in track and field. He donates money and time to MFA programs to help cultivate new writers. And he writes romance novels. I love it.
You can learn more on his website and Instagram.
Just a reminder to comment any recommendations or email me: thesundayreads@gmail.com!
That’s all for today. Much love
Izzy
Looks like you read some great books this September! I hope your October reading will be just as good. 😊
It looks like you've had a great reading month!
Been on a book-buying ban all year, but The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young and The God of the Woods by Liz Moore are firmly on the list of books I'll be picking up in January.