I don’t feel like I read as much in September as I have been this year. I think I was adjusting to school starting and a new routine for me – all the children are in school full-time this year. I also started the month focused on finishing Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry. That took a chunk of time! (I’m now watching the miniseries and it’s really good!)
I have 88 books on my have-read bookshelf so far this year – a lot more already than my usually 52 books a year! I really think that setting reading goals each month is not only helping me read more, but also read a wider variety of books. I’m glad those books include a variety of classics, inspirational, historical and biographical books. I have learned a lot this year so far from the books I’ve read and have been starting to make a dent in the to-read bookshelf.
In the past, I would usually just grab a book from my to-read pile or start reading what is available from my hold list on Overdrive. Instead, I am choosing a fiction, historical, biographical, inspirational and classic to read each month and then after I have read those five, I can read whatever I find that’s available. I will also have book club books to read from a moms group and the online book club on this site. Oh, and there are the advanced copies I receive to review. Lots of reading going on here!
In September, I read the following 8 books (reviews to come soon):
- Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio
- Mercy in the City: How to Feed the Hungry, Give Drink to the Thirsty, Visit the Imprisoned, and Keep Your Day Job by Kerry Weber
- Among the Branded by Linda Smolkin
- The Final Spark (Michael Vey 7) by Richard Paul Evans
- The Rosie Project by Samson Graeme
- Camino Island by John Grisham
- The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck
For October, here is my to-read list:
Fiction: Auggie and Me by R.J. Palacio
I read Wonder by R.J. Palacio with my daughters in September and we all wanted to read the extra stories. They’re ahead of me already!
Historical: Twilight at Monticello by Alan Pell Crawford
We visited Monticello of the summer and I picked this book up at a local bookstore. I am very interested to read more about Jefferson after visiting his home.
Biographical: Martin Luther by Eric Metaxas
This book has just been released and I pre-ordered it. I have enjoyed and learned a lot from every Eric Metaxas book I have read, so I’m excited about this book.
Inspirational: Simply Tuesday by Emily P. Freeman
I received this book at our moms book club August book swap and I’m excited to read it. It’s always good to be reminded to slow down and enjoy the daily treasures in life! (I started this at the end of September, but didn’t finish it, so I’ll continue it into October.)
Classic: The Third Man by Graham Greene
I’m not quite sure if this is technically a classic, but it was made into a movie and I’ve recently listened to a podcast about Graham Greene, so I thought I’d give one of his books a try.
Moms Book Club: The Good Girl by Mary Kubica
This is a thriller, but I’ve heard good things about it. Should make for an interesting discussion for our moms book club.
Online book club: The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb by Melanie Benjamin
Read more about this choice at the link above and then join our discussion on the blog and on Facebook on Oct. 25.
Non-Fiction: Drone Warrior by Brett Velicovich
I want to learn more about the “drone” world and this is a recent release by someone who has worked with them. (I did not get to this one in September, so I’ll read it in October.)
Requested Reviews/Advanced Copies/Book Launch books:
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Fearless Parenting by George Barna and Jimmy Myers
In the Middle of the Mess by Sheila Walsh
Solo Disaster by Victoria Kimble
If you’re curious about what else I’ve read this year, you can visit my monthly bookshelves: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August and September.
What are you reading right now?
What are you planning to read this month? Comment below!
