October Wrap-up

In looking back, October was a busy month of reading. I read or listened to 14 books in October, not too bad. As always, there were some incredible winners and some that need to go back to the shelf to stay. Here is my quick wrap-up for October:

1. When All is Said by Anne Griffin - the main character, Maurice Hannigan, is near the end of his life and over the course of an evening in a bar describes the five people in his life that were most influential. I had high hopes from the description but the book just went on too long. Go back to the shelf.

2. Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors - the story of four sisters and how the three remaining are dealing with the loss of one sister. This book received a lot of hype but it was not for me. It also went on too long. Go back to the shelf.

3. Undistracted by Bob Goff - this book was one from my church Sunday School class. It offered a fresh perspective on what is important and how to avoid becoming distracted. Bob Goff is a gifted and very funny writer. A winner for me.

4. James by Percival Everett - Huck Finn as told from the perspective of Jim. A winner.

5. The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden - Sydney is looking for love and coming up short. She finally meets the perfect man, doctor and all. I thought I had this one figured out but I was not even close. Definitely a winner.

6. Credence by Penelope Douglas - all I can say is that I finished it. Now way, not ever again. Go back to the shelf never to see the light of day.

7. Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown - great concept, mysterious death of a Princeton student who is associated with a secret society. Fell short for me. Go back to the shelf.

8. The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia - this was an ARC and a first time author. This is the story of two women who meet on a plane and the mysteries unravel from there. A clear winner.

9. Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten - great book. I loved hearing about her journey and how she overcame adversity. A winner.

10. Three Days in June by Anne Tyler - another ARC. The story of Gail and the three days surrounding her daughter's wedding. Funny and engaging. A winner.

11. Empty Mansions by Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell - the true story of Huguette Clark, a wealthy reclusive who spent the last ten year of her life living in a hospital. Amazing. Another winner.

12. A Trick of Light by Louise Penny - another in the Gamache series (#7). A winner.

13. Theo of Golden by Allen Levi - a fictional story of Theo who moves to Golden (i.e., based on Columbus, Georgia) and makes quite an impact in a short time. A story of generosity and friendship. A winner.

14. Home Before Dark by Riley Sager - another amazing book by Riley Sager. Could not put this down, think Amityville Horror in Vermont. Absolutely a winner.

    
    

Overall, more winners than not. Until next time, keep turning those pages....