What I Read in October 2024
It’s the time of year when my reading intentionally begins to slow down. Just last week we had something to do every single night after work. With our bedtime routine being crunched and pushed to the limit, reading falls to the wayside a bit more. I want the books I read from here on out to be stories I can savor and that fit the moodier Fall atmosphere.
Psst… if you find your next great read in this newsletter, consider supporting my work and keeping me caffeinated while I write.
October Book Reviews
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Literary Fiction
Pages: 454
Format Read: digital, borrowed from the library
While not my favorite, this is Sally Rooney’s smartest book yet. She expects her audience to be able to follow her thoughts. It differs in style a good bit from her previous works but the characters remain somewhat unlikeable and very real. Every sentence felt purposeful. The multiple POVs felt distinct in this story. Ivan rambles. Peter’s thoughts are written in a staccato style to match his outward rigidity. Margaret is quiet and introspective. Yet all 3 are very much living life in their heads. The crux of this story is a familial relationship instead of a romantic one in her previous novels. Peter and Ivan experience grief differently and it strains an already delicate idea of brotherhood. This book explores themes of power and vulnerability (as Rooney’s other books do). I love how she is able to seamlessly weave social and political critiques into deeply personal narratives. It’s thought-provoking. The Lit Girls were right and it's worth the effort to read this one.
The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop
⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Celebrity Memoir
Pages: 256
Format Read: audiobook, borrowed from the library
I’m a tough critic when it comes to celeb memoirs and I felt like Bishop really held back. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook narrated by the author because there were moments where she spoke about women’s rights in particular where the same feistiness I’m used to from her character on Gilmore Girls was able to shine through. Otherwise, this felt like the cliff notes version of her life that anyone could Google. I learned a lot but personally wasn’t very invested in her dance background and dating history.
Frozen II: Forest of Shadows by Kamilla Benko
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Pages: 405
Format Read: physical copy, borrowed from the library
Anna wants nothing more than to be helpful to her older sister, Elsa. However, since Elsa's coronation, Anna feels her sister has been managing Arendelle without her. Elsa is about to embark on a grand world tour, leaving Anna behind. A mysterious illness strikes Arendelle, unexpectedly delaying Elsa's departure and giving Anna the perfect chance to prove her worth. When Anna uncovers a secret room in the castle and recites a magic spell, she hopes it will fulfill her dream of curing the sickness. Instead, a more sinister nightmare materializes. This original story from Disney is much darker than the movie, hence the middle grade rating. In the book, Anna’s anxiety takes on the form of a wolf, and the sisters have to work together to save their kingdom. Because of the grade level, this book is able to explore the dark magic, secret lore, hidden myths and extinct creatures that would be too scary to include in the movie series. Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and Sven’s personalities are true to the movies and I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected to when I picked it up from the library!
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 419
Format Read: audiobook, borrowed from the library / Kindle (owned)
I’ve been saving this gothic fantasy for Fall and it definitely delivered in the worldbuilding. Gillig succeeds in setting a dark and twisted fairytale setting with her descriptions of the woods, mist, and ancient castles. The voice in Elspeth’s head is bonechilling, especially on audio. The magic system of the cards took a while for me to understand and I felt like it overwhelmed the plot of the book despite not being very sophisticated. There is some romance between Ravyn and Elspeth but it’s limited to just a couple of chapters. There was so much potential to do more with the villainous vibes and it fell flat. I’m sure I will read book two since the twist at the end was so interesting (but predictable? I’m conflicted…) I need to lower my expectations first.
Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood
⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Romance
Format Read: audiobook, borrowed from the library
At this point, if you’ve read any of Ali Hazelwood’s STEM romances before, then you’ve read this. I don’t think anyone should be surprised that they’re more or less copy and paste with a few different twists on tropes and new names thrown in. I’m still going to read it and enjoy it every time. I actually think her books lend themselves very well to the audiobook format and appreciated a short and to the point novella as a palate cleanser to some other books I’ve read this month.
Morbidly Yours by Ivy Fairbanks
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Romance
Pages: 351
Format Read: Kindle
“We obviously have physical chemistry. Well, like, ‘Oops, we accidentally blew up the school science lab’ chemistry.”
This book had its moment on Booktok and I decided to read it thinking it would have some Fall vibes. It’s both deliciously sweet and spicy while taking the reader on a journey through grief and sticky emotions. I mean, Cal talks dirty to her in Gaeilge. It can’t get much hotter than that. Both main characters have a really unique career path and especially love seeing a FMC in a senior role. Callum is an undertaker and Lark is an animator. Their opposites-attract dynamic had me pining with them from the first chapter. I could have done without the third-act conflict but recognize the characters needed to be able to work through their individual issues. I had a fun time reading this book!
The Rereading Project Update
In January, I challenged myself to reread 12 books from my childhood that made a significant impact on my life as a reader. You can see my full list in the post linked below!
The Rereading Project
Nothing new to report in October! If you’re following along on Storygraph, I extended the challenge to end December 2025.
What’s up next in November
I started Gemma Styles’ upcoming book Why Am I Like This? which is marketed as a thought-provoking, vulnerable, and engaging conversation on mental health, societal norms, and personal expectations from Gen Z’s favorite big sister.
I am planning to move forward with The Shepherd King duology and read Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig. I have a physical copy and Kindle copy to alternate between.
Night by Elie Wiesel is available on audiobook from my library. Since it’s relatively short, I think it will help me get back on track with my rereading challenge. It was originally my plan to read it in November anyway.
You can keep up with my reading journey in real time on Goodreads or The Storygraph!
Tell me, do you find that your reading slows down in the Fall and Winter?
Happy reading,
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So glad you found time to read amidst everything else!! Hope your next 5 star comes this month!
Your review of Kelly Bishop’s memoir helped me realize something about my taste: I prefer cliff notes versions of celebrity memoirs 😂 Thanks for that phrasing!