52. What I Read in November

fantasy, fiction, classic, memoir ... what genre didn't I read this month?

Dec 01, 2024

This month was iffy for me. I read Pack Up The Moon over two and a half weeks, then quickly read the following three in three days this past week. As I write this paragraph, I still have half of To Kill a Mockingbird left to read. I’m trying to stop having expectations for myself regarding reading, but it is easier said than done. In December, I hope to rediscover joy in everyday moments. I hope to feel again (I am rather apathetic right now) whether that be sobs or fear or happiness or peace.

What was your favorite book this month?

The Sacred Stones Trilogy by Kate Golden

A Dawn of Onyx
Because this is a debut series and because I now have an intimate knowledge of how insanely hard it is, I do think this is a good debut. The world being based on stones is unique and interesting! The thoughts and plans were there. However, I struggled with a lot of feelings of being told things versus shown them such as the time jumps, mentorship, and the growing relationship. The pacing was off in the middle as well, but the ending was great. There is a lot of potential here!

A Promise of Peridot
I read this one much faster than the first - her pacing was fabulous. Quite frankly, while I understand Arwen’s anger and grief, it makes no sense to me how she took it out. I thought it could have been handled a bit better. Ryder’s character confused me as well - for a soldier with probable PTSD he acts like a child. I wish he had a bit more dimension. One thing I like is that Kate doesn’t shy away from the truly gruesome realities of a situation like this. The pacing and plot of this one was much better, and the world was super unique again.

A Reign of Rose
In my opinion, the best written of the three. Reading these back to back really displayed Kate’s growth as an author. Her pacing was fabulous, emotions felt, and scenes descriptive. The way you think this will end? It does. It follows the classic hero’s journey - I do wish Kate took more liberties with that. Also, a certain death that was supposed to be traumatic I felt nothing for because the lack of pacing/showing in book one. I guess a good reminder that all things click together. I did like that the epilogue left a lot unfinished - this trilogy is just a piece of their lives.

Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson reread

There is something so comforting about Margaret’s books. She always hits some core of human life/emotion. Artemisia is a selfless soul, and she is a wonderful reminder that friendships can be found and opening up can be good. I love that this is a fantasy without any romance. It is one of friendships and unlikely found family. The world here is entirely unique, and like always, I would devour many books within it. Margaret is so, so talented. It is a complete world in every way, and she is able to do so in a single novel. The spirits were incredibly fascinating, especially a certain spirit. We are pushed out of our comfort zone with Artemisia, we trust in the unknown with Artemisia, and we find ourselves with her.

On Writing by Stephen King

What a fabulous memoir/writing book. I learned so much about King as a human and author. I particularly loved his “CV” for writing was simply his life experience. It reminds me that there is much I have to do and learn, and that my writing will grow with it all. He is funny and blunt, and he reminded me to stop looking outward for writing inspiration but trust myself and trust the story. I didn’t know much of his life and everything he has gone through. I find it fascinating that some of his novels echo his own life during the time they were written. He also has inspired me to try to work on rejection. In all facets, it is something I fear. I need to build a bit of a portfolio with writing, and I can start here and by submitting short stories to literary magazines.

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody

Kind of ironic that I read this one and King’s around the same time. Brody’s book is all about plotting and the three act structure. King says to write and see where the story goes. One thing I do like is that I’m taking in all sorts of perspectives, and I think it does help me have more information regarding writing and my own perspective. I have no formal writing education, and I’m not sure if I want to pursue a masters in creative writing, so I guess I’m trying to teach myself. Either way, I do think this is interesting from a more analytical perspective on writing. There are many great examples of books throughout the ages with their structures, and I think there is help in deciding how to market the book based on industry standards. I don’t think there is a wrong way to write a book.

Pack Up The Moon by Kristan Higgins

I don’t think I can explain this book better than my review, so here you go:

This is the most heartbreaking yet gorgeously beautiful book I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Ever. You hear about this book. You read the summary. You wince, knowing it’s going to hurt, then put it on your shelf for November because what else is this month for than the books like this?
It seems almost cruel. Cruel to have us fall in love with Lauren as we grieve her loss with Josh. We have the horrible perspective of hindsight. The writing is a tad conversational, but I like it this way. It feels more real. Grief, in situations like this, does not come in waves. It is ever constant, with a rogue wave slamming out of nowhere. You can feel it in your heart; you are Josh.
Lauren is a vision. This life is all that we have. How are you going to live it? You have that choice. As they say, get busy living or get busy dying.
Life continues against all odds. And it seems like the more time goes on the more grief is replaced by the blinding love you had for that person.
This one was horribly painful to read, but I also think it is so very important. A final reminder that this a romance. Is it a love story? Sure. But it is not a romance.This book is about Josh’s journey with grief with a beautiful thread on Lauren’s journey with life and death. Their love is an ever present theme throughout.

Where The Library Hides by Isabel Ibañez

The second of a historical fantasy duology. To begin, these books are gorgeous. Also, I simply adore the setting - historical fantasy set in Egypt! I could devour an entire world of characters here. So fascinating. Additionally, I really enjoyed the pacing of this book - I read it in one evening. I will say that I recommend rereading the first book before/starting this directly after the first book because it jumps straight in. I think I would have appreciated the beginning much more if I had all of the information at top of mind. I will certainly be doing a reread of these two soon! I wish we got more of Inez and Whit together, and I wish more of a focus was on the grief. There are certainly things that feel unrealistic when it comes to that. I don’t want to spoil anything! Here you can find historical magical objects, Cleopatra, missing and lying parent(s), a disgraced soldier, a headstrong young girl galavanting through Egypt.

Letters of Enchantment Duology by Rebecca Ross reread

Rereading these felt like coming home. I have come to recognize Ross’s writing style and feel comfort in it. One day, I hope she knows who I am because we went to the same university and I will never get over that. Interestingly, I liked the first book a little less and the second book a little more this go around! The first book was great of course, and I now appreciated the plot of the second book a lot more. Forest’s character still confuses me a bit, but I guess siblings will be siblings? If you’ve read this, let me know what you thought about him! Additionally, I came to realize that Addie plays an incredibly important role in these books - it would have been fascinating for her to play more of a central role/more airtime in the second book. She and her family sound pretty spectacular. I also loved the addition of The Graveyard and their perspective because it is such a natural thing that definitely would have happened, plus the ending! Wow. These books remind me of the love I hope to find someday.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

I’m writing this first section halfway through the book. I will say that I’m reading it rather quickly for me - I often take longer to read classics. However, I am pretty invested in the plot and POV. I love the perspective of Scout as a little tomboy. Their adventures as children are so realistic, and I feel rather nostalgic thinking of the play pretend my cousins and I got up to as kids. I always find it fascinating to read something set in the olden days and their perspectives - it is always best to remember history, not forget.

I fear I haven’t had the chance to finish this book as the drive back home took awhile yesterday. I will be completing it today, though!

I’m pretty proud of my array of books this month. In the spirit of reading and doing what I want, I will be removing my weekly list of books/shows to read/watch because it is stressing me out and that is the opposite of their purpose.

Note, these are affiliate links. All of these genres scream December to me (how are we in December? The older I get, the faster time goes.)

Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson (Fantasy): Dec 6, 2024
Unraveled by Shannon Messenger (Action/Fantasy): Dec 3, 2024
Tom Clancy: Defense Protocol by Brian Andrews & Jeffery Wilson (Thriller): Dec 3, 2024
To Shatter The Night by Katherine Quinn (Fantasy): Dec 3, 2024
Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson (Romance): Dec 3, 2024
The Last One by Rachel Howzell Hall (Fantasy): Dec 3, 2024
The Party by Natasha Preston (Horror): Dec 3, 2024
Rental House by Weike Wang (Literary): Dec 3, 2024
1. Note: this sounds fabulous!

Books I’ve compiled from a variety of lists such as the New York Times, Indiebound, and the B&N Top 100, but also through what I’ve seen online. 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.

The Mirror by Nora Roberts (Fantasy)
Now or Never by Janet Evanovich (Mystery)
The Songbird & The Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent (Fantasy)
The City and It’s Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami (Fantasy)
Trial By Fire by Danielle Steel (Romance)
The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer (Essays, Botany)
The Half King by Melissa Landers (Fantasy)

I simply cannot remember if I’ve done an AOTW for this author, but I do adore her so let’s just go again. Hi Jessica Joyce!

I must begin by telling you that she knows who I am! Jessica has commented on one of my posts before and replied to me in her own comments.

Jessica grew up reading - she comes from a line of romance book loving women. In fact, her novel You, With a View was inspired by old photographs she found of her own grandmother with a man named Nick. Something I take from the novel and the true story is all of the loves you can have in a lifetime. I fear a lot of never finding love, but it seems that love is woven into every aspect of life. Sometimes I try so hard to find it that I wonder if I’m missing it everywhere else.

Either way, she lives with her husband and son in San Francisco and adores 2005 Pride & Prejudice (she obviously can be trusted). Her book The Ex Vows broke and remade me this past summer. What a gorgeous, heartfelt read. I have been looking for a physical copy so I can annotate it, but it seems to be sold out everywhere I look! I am planning to read her holiday novella, A Risk Worth Taking, over the Christmas holidays.

I think what I admire most about Jessica is her whit, honesty, and dedication to the craft. She inspires me that it may happen for me one day too. You can learn more on her website and her own SUBSTACK:

sorry for screaming

Just a reminder to comment any recommendations or email me: thesundayreads@gmail.com!

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
1. I am perhaps the last person on the planet to read this book, but at halfway through I can already see why it is a classic. Has anyone read the sequel that came out a few years ago?

That’s all for today. Much love

Izzy