How am I already making my October list already? If time goes this quickly at age 35, I shudder to think how fast it will speed by when I’m 80.
I’m glad I can say that books are part of my very full and fast-paced life! I have several good ones to share today, including some nonfiction because I, sadly but predictably, have reached the point in the year where my procrastination on my nonfiction reading goal has become evident. I now have to cram them in before the end of the year rather than having read nonfiction books consistently throughout the year. I expect no pity; I have brought this upon myself.
So without further ado, let’s get started!
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Just Finished:
The Bitter End Birding Society
Ana Leigh Watkins came to Bitter End to help her aunt prepare to sell her house. What she never expects is to get roped into a ragtag group of birdwatchers, to have a very handsome neighbor, or to find out that her family history is complicated at best. Sixty years earlier, a moonshiner’s daighter falls in love with a preacher’s son and no one could have predicted what would happen next.
I loved basically everything about this book. All the characters felt so realistic and likable, even when they made questionable decisions based in fear or pain. I really enjoyed the dual-timeline narratives that showed how deeply our past impacts our future, and how sometimes we have a choice in what happens to us and sometimes all we get to choose is how we react. And I loved how the characters in both timelines had to grapple with complicated relationships, learning how to see the best in people and reach for hope despite trauma. Despite the hard things that happen, there were also enough sweet and humorous moments to balance it out so that the story didn’t feel too heavy.
The setting was great. I live only about three hours from Bitter End/Roan Mountain, so I might have felt a personal connection because of that. But really thought the author did a good job portraying the culture in a tiny rural TN community, and describing the beautiful landscapes. I wasn’t really that interested in the bird watching part of the story when I read the description, but it ended up being a fun, interesting complement to the plot. This book was an easy five stars, and I think it might end up on my top ten list at the end of the year.
This YA fantasy has a viking mythology kind of vibe. In a world where neighboring peoples fight each other annually to appease their deities, Eelyn was raised to be a warrior for the Aska. Her whole world is thrown into chaos when she’s captured by the Riki and learns a startling truth—the brother she thought dead is alive and living with the enemy. As if that isn’t enought to deal with, it soon comes to light that there is another even deadlier enemy that is stalking both clans.
I listened to this book in a matter of days. It’s very violent, so if that bothers you then skip it. But it was such an interesting story with several twists I didn’t expect, and I loved how Eelyn had to reconcile her fierce loyalty to her people with what she’s learning about the Riki while she’s a prisoner in her midst. It’s also got a dark, atmospheric feeling that really draws you into the story. The author does a great job with settings and descriptions that make you feel like you’re there.
In Progress:
Y’all know I love a good memoir, and this account of Bill Gates formative years is absolutely fascinating. He comes across as such a conscientious, gracious person despite almost always being the smartest person in the room even as a kid. I’m listening to the audiobook, which is narrated by Wil Wheaton (though Bill does read the introduction). I think it’s very well done, but I do wish I could see the photos that I’ve heard are included in the hard copy. My understanding is that he ends the book shortly after the founding of Microsoft in the 70’s, but I really hope he does a second half one day to chronicle his adult years up to now. I’d love to hear his perspective on more recent events and advances.
I just love Savannah Scott’s sense of humor! Olivia and Logan have been rivals since high school, and now they’re both neighbors and coworkers at the same marketing firm. I’m about halfway through this enemies to more romcom set in The Serendipity, an apartment building that may or may not be slightly magical—and willing to manipulate it’s occupants in the direction of romance.
If you want a cheeky romp through post World War II Europe, look no farther. Esme and Jasper are both theives at the top of their game, lifting opulent items from all manner of VIPs. They’re both after the Valkyrie tiara, a one of a kind piece that has them both highly motivated for different reasons. They compete, and occasionally ally, with each other as they hunt for this rare valuable, all while trying to ignore the elephant in the room—they’re married. This is a fun, unique story from an author who I’ve enjoyed before, and while this isn’t my favorite of her books, it’s still a solid read.
Up Next:
The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I will always read whatever Jaime Jo Wright puts out there. She is one of only a handful of authors that I always preorder from so that I can have the newest book as soon as possible. I don’t even know what this book is about (seriously, I didn’t read the description) but I know that it releases next week and I’ll read it as soon as it arrives. She is a master of spooky but not too scary dual timeline mysteries that will keep you guessing and looking over your shoulder.
Since I’m trying to squeeze in a few more nonfiction books in 2025, this seems like the right time to pick up a book that’s been on my radar for a long time. This book as touted as a must-read for creatives, so I’m hoping to pick up some motivation, inspiration, or some other appropriate -tion. Surely a book this popular will have something to teach me!
As always, check out Modern Mrs. Darcy’s monthly quick lit post (don’t forget to look at the comments!) for more great book recommendations.
I found the Bill Gates memoir fascinating as well. I keep hearing that Jaime Jo Wright’s books are great. I need to pick one up to read. Which one would you recommend starting with?
Gosh, it’s so hard to pick just one! A few favorites are The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus, The Premonition at Withers Farm, and Tempest at Annabel’s Lighthouse. Truly, though, you could start with just about any of them.