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October Favorites: Books



I always enjoy reading people's end of month reading recaps, so I decided to join in!

Favorite Books of the Month:
This was not my favorite reading month ever. I reread more than usual, which is atypical for me. I think it made me feel a bit stalled. BUT there were a few books I loved this month:
* The Correspondent by Virginia Evans--a fabulous epistolary novel. I really recommend it if you like character-driven novels with complex characters and a unique format.
* Heart the Lover by Lily King--A story of two people who meet in college and where the relationship goes from there. Also character-driven, and it almost reads like a series of novellas. I think I read the book in about two days, so it's a quick read. *A Physical Education: How I Escaped Diet Culture and Gained the Power of Lifting by Casey Johnson--An enaging memoir that really helped me as I was trying to build a new habit of strength training. I finished this book feeling motivated and like strength training was a doable new routine even if it's not the all-encompassing hobby it is for the author.
*Good Things by Samin Nosrat--My favorite cookbook I've read in a long time. We've made so many recipes from the book, and I love reading all of her notes. The whole thing reads like an ode to friendship, community, and gathering. I basically recommend this to anyone.

Liked but didn't love: *Never Been Shipped by Alicia Thompson
*A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna
*Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy

Not For Me:*Bury Our Bones in Midnight Soil by V.E. Scwab--I love this author, but I found the characters unlikeable and the three perspectives slowed down the pace for me.

I'd love to hear any favorite recent reads of yours to add to my TBR. Right now I'm super excited to read my friend Emily's debut Heart Check, which comes out on November 18th!
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Comments

  1. MarthaNovember 3, 2025 at 3:22 PM

    Sounds like you read some good ones. I'm been on a hiatus from reading due to cataracts, I sure do miss it. I'm visiting from the Nablopomo list. Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  2. JennyNovember 3, 2025 at 4:29 PM

    I LOVED The Correspondent!!! I read and liked a different book by Lily King, Writers and Lovers, and really liked it. So I'm thinking I would like this one as well. I'm intrigued by the lifting book- I'm a reluctant weight lifter, and I'm wondering if this book would inspire me? I'll check it out!
    The book I just finished is Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo- it was so good!

    ReplyDelete
  3. ElisabethNovember 4, 2025 at 10:27 AM

    I loved The Correspondent. It was so good! Currently listening to Heartwood, which is also great.
    My book reviews for October drop on Thursday; stay tuned ;)

    ReplyDelete
  4. SanNovember 4, 2025 at 4:55 PM

    I am of no help. I am in a reading slump (and working to get out of it). LOL

    ReplyDelete
  5. MelissaNovember 4, 2025 at 9:41 PM

    I've heard so many positive opinions about The Correspondent. It is on my TBR. I am currently reading Dream Count and it is great.

    ReplyDelete
  6. SarahNovember 6, 2025 at 9:57 AM

    LOVED The Correspondent, and I really like Lily King, so I can't wait for my hold on Heart the Lovers to come in. I loved Norsat's other book and I have heard her on the pdcast circuit promoting this one-- it sounds great!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Tobia | craftaliciousmeNovember 8, 2025 at 10:43 AM

    The Correspondent has come up on the blogs more often. I think I need to have a closer look. I was goi ng to read the V.E. Schwab book. sorry you didn't enjoy it.

    ReplyDelete

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