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Best Books of October 2024
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- Title: The Kamogawa Food Detectives- Author: Hisashi Kashiwai
- Rating: 4
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): Cozy mystery
- Brief reason why it was the best: just a sweet, quick read that was a nice break from my heavier reading, busy life, and current work stress. It's formulaic as you can predict the outcome of each vignette, but the food descriptions are great.
- Title: Call Us What We Carry- Author: Amanda Gorman
- Rating: 5
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): book
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): Rejects prompt: A book by a female or non-binary author which won an award also open to male authors
- Brief reason why it was the best: Beautiful, creative, emotional poetry about contemporary issues.
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- Author: Amanda Gorman
- Rating: 5
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): book
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): Rejects promp..."
I usually find poetry boring but I loved this!
I have two this month:- Title: Foreign Affairs
- Author: Alison Lurie
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format: eBook/audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for: I've finished (would fit 33. a book involving travel, 36. a book featuring a character in education)
- Brief reason why it was the best:
This character-driven novel examines the lives of two American professors who have travelled to England from the US. Each gets involved in an unplanned and unexpected relationship. This is a story of flawed and realistic characters. Their inner dialogue comes across as occasionally arrogant but often comical. Despite very little plot, it kept my interest throughout, and there are a few surprises along the way. But if you enjoy high quality writing with dry humor and characters who make a lasting impression, then you may enjoy this book as much as I did.
- Title: A Golden Age
- Author: Tahmima Anam
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format: eBook/audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for: I've finished (would fit 10. a book of history or historical fiction or 14. main character is a person of color, 33. a book involving travel)
- Brief reason why it was the best:
Story of a widow and her two teenage children embroiled in the Bangladesh War of Liberation. Strengths include complex character development and vivid sensory descriptions. I am impressed by the author’s ability to humanize a larger political situation, which helped me feel what it was like to live through such an awful time.
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It was so delightful! The main character is a fox who can transform into a human, based in Chinese folklore. There was mystery and excellent characters and a lot of whimsical magic.
- Title: The Adult- Author: Bronwyn Fischer
- Rating: ★★★★★ and ❤
- Format (Print)
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): Used in the Fall Challenge for the letter "A" in Hot Apple Cider
- Brief reason why it was the best: In her debut novel, Bronwyn Fischer delivers a poignant exploration of identity, responsibility, sexuality. Eva, an 18-year-old moves to Toronto to begin college and enters into a relationship with Nora, an older woman.
Two for me this month!Title: The Witch Doesn't Burn in This One
Author: Amanda Lovelace
Rating: 4.5 stars
Format: Print
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): None. Picked it up for the Read-a-thon, then realized it was too short to qualify. Read it in the aftermath anyways.
Brief reason why it was the best: I loved so many of the poems here. I'm not a big poetry reader, but this inspired me to immediately get the prior one in the collection (The Princess Saves Herself in This One), which I didn't like quite as much (maybe I'm more witch than princess!), but I will still keep reading what Lovelace publishes.
Title: The Word for World is Forest
Author: Ursula K. Le Guin
Rating: 5 stars
Format: Print
ATY Prompt you used it for: From a Five Books list - this seemed to be on so many of the sci-fi lists - having read it, I understand why!
Brief reason why it was the best: It just packs such a punch. A short read, but a powerful one. I liked that we got a bunch of different POVs on the situation. An interesting alien race that didn't just seem like humans in a different colour skin. One that I think will really stay with me.
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Author: Daniel Mason
Rating: 5 stars
Format: Print
ATY - I've finished, but it would fit historical fiction, book related to land, involving a wild animal
, a touch of magic, chilling atmosphereBrief reason why it was the best:
It has a very original method of storytelling. This book traces a section of land in Massachusetts over several centuries, with linked stories of the people who live there. There is some magical realism, some humor, drama, tragedy and wonderful depictions of the natural world.
Title: How Can I Help YouAuthor: Laura Sims
Rating: 5 Stars
Format: Ebook and Audio
ATY Prompt you used it for: N/A
Brief reason why it was the best: I enjoyed the dark humor, the unlikable characters and how it all played out.
Best Non-fiction of the Month:- Title: An Arabian Journey: One Man's Quest Through the Heart of the Middle East
- Author: Levison Wood
- Rating: 5*
- Format: eBook/audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for: na (I'm finished, but it would fit 1. A book with a title that ends in A, T or Y, 33. A book involving travel, 45. A book that is not a novel
- Brief reason why it was the best: This is the true story of the author's amazing journey through 13 countries on the Arabian Peninsula and Middle East. He befriends local people, which results in former strangers offering him advice on how to navigate his way through (or avoid) the more dangerous areas. He portrays the variety of Middle Eastern cultures. The book also serves as a commentary on the impact of political unrest and war on the daily lives of people across the Middle East. It emphasizes the power of travel to deepen empathy. It is a wild journey, and at times Wood is lucky to escape extremely perilous situations. I always enjoy reading about places I will never be able to visit, so I loved this book!
The Mountains Sing- Author Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai
- Rating 4 Stars
- Format Ebook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) Not used in my ATY list this year. Would have fit a few, including "A character in education" or "Involving travel"
- Brief reason why it was the best This novel was beautifully written and deeply moving. I always love a family saga, especially one set in a turbulent place and time.
-Title: The Education of Little Tree-Author: Forrest Carter
-Rating: 5 Stars
-Format: Print
-ATY Prompt: Fall Challenge (Title starting with E in HOT APPLE CIDER)
-Why Best: Inspiring depiction of homeschooling vs. cruel boarding-school practices foisted on Native American children.
I had one 5-star read this month:- Title: Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here: The United States, Central America, and the Making of a Crisis
- Author: Jonathan Blitzer
- Rating: 5 Stars
- Format: Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for: Fall Challenge: Title starting with E in PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE. Can also be used for the following ATY prompts: history book, book with a title containing 6+ words, book with wings on the cover, book with fewer than 2,004 ratings, author's name includes a Z, book involving travel, wild animal on cover, not a novel, published in 2024
- Brief reason why it was the best: This book provides a comprehensive look at the complex US immigration system through seven administrations. I liked how it uses the personal stories of the refugees, asylum seekers, deportees, activists and policymakers to illustrate the construction and impact of these immigration policies. It really added a human touch to a hotly debated political issue.
Title: Blanche on the LamAuthor: Barbara Neely
Rating: 5*
Format: Print
ATY Prompt used for: A cosy mystery. Also fits: main character is Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color, involving a crime other than a murder, part of a series, senior citizen character
Why it was the best: Loved the character of Blanche, she's smart, funny, and generous but has a strong sense of self and when to stop helping others. The mystery itself was intriguing, and there was a good balance between the fun elements of a cosy and the seriousness of the crimes that had taken place. I look forward to the rest of the series.
This was a good month for me - Four 5 star reads, and a very strong 4 star. I'll just use the 5 star, but leave one out since it's already on the list. Sorry for 3, but they are all very different and I can't weed one out...Title: On Call: A Doctor's Journey in Public Service
Author: Anthony Fauci
Rating: 5 ⭐️
Format: audio
ATY Prompt you used it for: N/A, but could have used: 21. A book with a title containing 6+ words, 42. A book with a sound-related word in the title, 45. A book that is not a novel, 10. A history or historical fiction book, 35. A science or science fiction book, 49. A book with a senior citizen character, 51. Published in 2024, 34. A book related to the name of one of Snow White’s seven dwarfs (doc), and possibly others.
Brief reason why it was the best: It was good to hear Dr. Fauci's history and many contributions to our country, and the world, from his own humble perspective. I wasn't very familiar with him until COVID-19 hit, and although his contributions through that nightmare were huge, he had a history of other amazing contributions that it was good to learn about. Plus I got to hear his raspy, endearing voice for 19 hours 🎧
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Title: Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men
Author: Caroline Criado Pérez
Rating: 5 ⭐️
Format: Kindle
ATY Prompt you used it for: 35. A science or science fiction book (data science), but could have been used for 45. A book that is not a novel, and possibly others
Brief reason why it was the best: This was an enlightening, infuriating, and important book. I learned so much about how the world is NOT designed to consider women. Some things I could related to, but some things affected women whose lives are very different, and harder, than mine. It was really eye-opening to get a huge amount of information that points out how men being the ones solely "in charge" can negatively affect ~50+% of the world. The basic premise used throughout (at least modern) history is that "men" are considered to be the "average human", and "women" are considered to be some "complicated and un-understandable variation of the average human"!
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Title: Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend
Author: Matthew Dicks
Rating: 5 ⭐️
Format: Kindle
ATY Prompt you used it for: 4. A book related to something mentioned in the lyrics of What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong (friends)
Brief reason why it was the best: I'm discovering that I really enjoy books from the perspective of non-humans. So far I've read from the perspective of: a fig tree, a wild dog, a mountain lion, a typewriter (also this month), a robot, and now, and imaginary friend.
The author did a great job creating the Rules of this World of Imaginary Friends, that not only made it feel realistic, but also created issues for the protagonist, Budo the Imaginary Friend, to have to work around. For example, Budo can pass through closed doors and windows, but not ones that "his Human" would not consider to be a door or window — such as elevator doors, since "his Human" is afraid of elevators. This book is both heart warming, and unexpectedly thrilling.
Two this month:- Title: Ghostwritten
- Author: David Mitchell
- Rating: 5/5
- Format: Audible
- ATY Prompt you used it for: #17 - a book involving intelligence
- Why it was the best: Would recommend this to anyone, I loved it. Narration was also excellent. I will continue reading anything David Mitchell writes. Go in blind, but know that the book doesn't stick with a single narrator so if you don't like the first one keep reading.
- Title: How I Stole the Princess's White Knight and Turned Him to Villainy: Miracle 1
- Author: A.J. Sherwood
- Rating: 4/5
- Format: kindle
- ATY Prompt you used it for: #1 - title ends in ATY (would of course also count for #21 title with 6+ words!)
- Brief reason why it was the best: I would recommend this to cozy fantasy/romance readers. Super cute MM romance with competent protagonists who want to do good and meet other nice people to achieve their noble goals. White knight X 'evil' sorcerer. Fun banter, feel-good quest time.
Title: Wrong Place Wrong Time- Author: Gillian McAllister
- Rating : 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) : print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): I slotted it under book with a touch of magic (I'm running out of prompts)
- Brief reason why it was the best: It is a mystery, but with a unique structure. She wakes up and it's the day before the murder. And then the day before that.
- Title: The Reformatory- Author: Tananarive Due
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): I listened to this on audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for: 47. Two word title that starts with The. Could also work for 1. Title ends in A, T, Y, 10. Historical Fiction, 14. Main character is BIPOC, possibly even 46 Related to night
- Brief reason why it was the best: I thought this book was well-written and the audiobook was well done. It reminded me of The Nickel Boys which is a book I also loved. Some people might be disturbed by some of the subject matter, but I loved reading historical fiction that's not from WWII. And... it has "haints!"
Title Paladin's HopeAuthor T. Kingfisher
Rating 5 stars
Format Ebook
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) I'm finished the challenge, but it would work for author initials, Snow White (Doc), Series book, and it's perfect for a touch of magic.
Brief reason why it was the best 2 guys falling in love while trapped in a deadly escape room. What's not to love?
Here is my pick for October!- Title: Yumi and the Nightmare Painter
- Author: Brandon Sanderson
- Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Audiobook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): None
- Brief reason why it was the best: A fascinating fantastical world with a belivable love story
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- Title The Diary of a Young Girl- Author Anne Frank
- Rating 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) PS incarcerated author
- Brief reason why it was the best Her opinions and comments on Hitler and the Allies fighting him hold true of wars currently taking place. It makes you think about how quickly things can change and how your attitude matters.
- Title Two Can Play
- Author Ali Hazelwood
- Rating 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) n/a
- Brief reason why it was the best Ali Hazelwood always makes me laugh.
Title: Tom Lake Author: Ann Patchett
Rating: 5 stars
Format: Audio
ATY - I've finished but I'm guessing it was on a Best of list in 2023 and 2024 ...
Why ... here's a brief review
Tom Lake – Ann Patchett – 5*****
This character-driven story set during the COVID pandemic is the kind of literary fiction that I love. I was completely captured by this tale about love - the reckless abandon of youth, the quiet strength of long-term relationships, the fierce protection of a parent for a child. I loved the relationships between the Nelson family members. Their solid foundation of love and respect gives them the grace to open their hearts to others, which is so beautifully shown in the ending.
LINK to my full review
- Title A Discovery of Witches - Author Deborah Harkness
- Rating 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) n/a - it was for a book club
- Brief reason why it was the best The cast of characters were fantastic - there were witches, vampires, demons, and humans. It was is an epic, and this is just the first book. I'm excited to read more in the series.
- Title Incendiary and Illusionary
- Author Zoraida Córdova
- Rating 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) n/a
- Brief reason why it was the best I put both of them here because it is a fantasy duology, and it is fantastic. There are some fantastic twists. The story was just great. When I finished the first book, I immediately dove into the second. Definitely recommend.
- Title Tinder Box: The Iroquois Theatre Disaster 1903
- Author Anthony P. Hatch
- Rating 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) n/a
- Brief reason why it was the best It is a very well-researched book. It is about the US's worst theatre disaster. The story is awful and heartbreaking. He details all the things that led to the disaster as well as the fall out afterward.
Other five star honorable mentions for this month:
In the Margins: On the Pleasures of Reading and Writing by Elena Ferrante - a collection of essays. Some of them were fantastic. All of them were good.
Wayward Witch by Zoraida Córdova - Book 3 of the Brooklyn Brujas series. This one might have been my favorite of the series. Three young brujas each have an adventure, and this one is the youngest sister. A great series if you want a fantasy about young witches without a side of Rowling's transphobia.
The Original by Brandon Sanderson and Mary Robinette Kowal - this is a SciFi novella, and it's a real - well - here is the definition for the word I won't use on here: a disturbing or extremely confusing experience, in particular one that is caused by deliberate psychological manipulation. I loved it so much!
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Vol. 2Author - Beth Brower
Rating - 5
Format - eBook
I love these books. They are quick reads and the characters and town are familiar and cozy. Plus Emma is hilarious and just tells it like it is. I love how determined she is to change her fortune.
Title: Bright Dead ThingsAuthor: Ada Limon
Rating: ★★★★☆
Format: Print
ATY Prompt: 27. A book related to land (The bright dead things of the title are the immature carrots the author dug up out of her father's garden when she was a child.)
Brief reason why it was the best: None of the books I read this month quite made it into total amazement for me, but a few of the individual poems here make it, and it's nice to have some poetry on the list.
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The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
★★★★★
Format Print
ATY - NA
I love historical fiction when you really learn something surprising about the person you are reading about.
Hedy Lamarr was a wonderful actress but she was so much more…likely responsible for saving who knows how many soldiers lives. The book was very well written and I’ll recommend it over and over again. It gets five stars from me as I wouldn’t be apposed to reading it again someday.
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Author: Daniel Mason
Rating: 5 stars
Format: Print
ATY - I've finished, but it would fit historical fiction, book related to land, involving a wil..."
This was one of my favorite books of the year-- I used it for the Ben & Jerry's prompt-- there's an apple pie flavor!
- TitleHomecoming
- Author
Kate Morton
- Rating
5/5
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio)
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable)
#8 A book by an author from Canada, Australia or New Zealand
- Brief reason why it was the best
Kate Morton is one of my all-time favorite authors. I love her writing style and that her books are set in Australia. The mystery was intriguing and I didn't guess what was going to happen as it unfolded.
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- Title: A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: Murder in Ancient Rome- Author: Emma Southon
- Rating: 5/5
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): ebook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): n/a
- Brief reason why it was the best: A really excellent non-fiction book about murder in ancient rome, kept me fascinated throughout.
Around the Year in 52 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: Murder in Ancient Rome (other topics)Homecoming (other topics)
North Woods (other topics)
The Only Woman in the Room (other topics)
Bright Dead Things (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Kate Morton (other topics)Daniel Mason (other topics)
Ada Limon (other topics)
Zoraida Córdova (other topics)
Deborah Harkness (other topics)
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