October 2020 Bookish Wrap Up

It might be a week late, but I’m finally done writing about the books I read in October. While my brain is still a little mushy from the events happening in the United States, I was able to accomplish many of the goals I set up for myself. I read my fantasy books. I doubled up on fantasy and spooky reads. I also read some amazing Latinx authors to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month.

The books I read were all inspiring, hidden surprises, and some great reads. While not every book I read was a winner, there were definitely a few that I wanted to share.

My Favorites of the Month

Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters

I picked Would Like to Meet just because I needed some lighter books as we approach the end of the month. Would Like to Meet was just perfect for it. It’s about a young woman who wants to prove herself as the next best rom-com screenwriter. She just has a big ass obstacle: her boss doesn’t take her seriously and he wants her to work with one of the best screenwriters. And we’re talking Hollywood level big time screenwriter who’s a little too arrogant for his own good.

This one was definitely surprising and in a very good way. I loved how this story moved and made you root for one of two very eligible dudes. It’s not a romance by definition, but if you’re looking for something a little bit relaxed, this might be for you.

Skyhunter by Marie Lu

I am always blown away by the worlds Marie Lu writes. Skyhunter is no exception as we journey to what feels like a dystopian world. It was definitely action packed with so much intrigue that I need to read the next one just to find out what happens next. I’m such a sucker for a military fantasy and this one is definitely on this list.

The best part of this book has to be the world building. There’s references to a world before, which makes me think this is Earth but after some cataclysmic catastrophe that wiped us out to the point of extinction. But that’s just my prediction. With the Skyhunter weapons and humans being turned into something evil, it will definitely keep you busy and make you think about what will happen next.

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

This was THE spooky book of October and it was a perfect blend of fantasy, horror, and real world issues. I loved that Yadriel is a young trans man who wants to prove himself a brujo despite not having the kind of traditional ceremony the rest of his family received on their 15th birthday. Of course things go wrong on his way especially when the ghost of a newly dead person starts to follow him around. There were some light-hearted moments and it also had its darker components. I also love the deeper conversation about gender especially in a culture that’s got some hard and fast rules on what men and women should be doing.

But absolutely heart-filled and the scary bits weren’t too scary. It will definitely put a smile on your face, but also creep you out a little.

Lobizona by Romina Garber

This one was an absolutely sleeper. I’m so glad I read it, but I wish more people would. It’s the story about a young girl who is running from her father and moves to the United States to do just that. However, her family is being chased by ICE and being an undocumented immigrant is only the tip of the iceberg especially when Manu finds out the truth about why her family came to America and what her family is hiding from her. Similarly to Cemetery Boys, there was this conversation about how gender is deeply ingrained in the culture and traditions of this world.

It was such an exploration into YA fantasy and if you’re still getting your feet wet in the genre, this is a perfect one to start you off with especially since there’s that subtle connection to reality. I will say, I wasn’t a fan of Manu’s “Mary Sue”-style tendencies, but that’s just me.

Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson

With every book I read from Brandon Sanderson, I feel like my love for the Cosmere grows. This is no exception especially when the focus on this book was one of my favorite characters from The Way of Kings, Shallan. I love Shallan and I love that we got a taste of the world she came from and what her role is in the middle of all of this.

Of course the book also dives into more about the stormlight and how it works. I feel a lot more lore and intrigue will follow suit in the next book. Even though the book was over 1000 pages long, I still would reread this book in a heartbeat.

Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie

This was my first book from Agatha Christie, but it’s not my first Agatha Christie story. I knew that there would be some opulent story about rich folks who find themselves in the middle of a murder. What I absolutely loved is how scandalous the entire thing turned out especially at the end. HOLY COW!

I wouldn’t say this is the book for hardcore sleuths. It’s super quick and has a cozy feeling to it instead of the suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat vibe from most modern thrillers. It really caught my attention and I found myself trying to figure out the killer right alongside Poirot. If I had a moustache, I would’ve twirled it.

Honorable Mentions

Chilling Effect by Valerie Valdes

I had high hopes for this one especially when the cover had a bunch of cats on it and the main character is a captain traveling across space to save her sister. Sadly, the story was a little too surface-level. I didn’t need the book to be hard science fiction or be super technical, but I did want more about Eva and her crew. Also, the plot itself felt a little scattered as it started with one thing, pivots a few times where you’re confused by the main plot again and then resolves itself to create another plopt. I don’t konw, but that scattered feeling was defintie

When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole

I was so exited for Alyssa Cole’s first thriller book and she brought a level of fear that’s a little too close to reality. Learning about the horrors of this little neighborhood in Brooklyn while also trying to save the neighborhood was such a refreshing take on the psychological thriller. I was definitely creeped out especially when the body count started to go up. I think the only issue I had with this book is that it moved pretty slowly at first and then wrapped the entire thing in the last 50 pages. While I’m totally a fan of a slow burn, I’m not a fan of all the time spent writing the story with little hinting at the bigger creep factor trickling in and then stuck with everything happening all at once that the very end.

A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwab

This one is only on the honorable mentions list because I already read it before! This was a reread for our book club and it was just as enjoyable the second time as the first. Although, I will say I listened to the audiobook version of this one and I had to admit, I was a little disappointed. The narrator seemed to be much older than I imagined Kell to be, so every time Kell spoke, it seemed gruffer, older, and rougher. It’s very weird especially when you have a specific view of Kell from your first read.