September 2018 Reading Round Up
Posted 1st October 2018
Category: Round-Ups Genres: N/A
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September was fairly good for reading. The weather has changed but the hours around noon, when there is sun, are hot enough to read outside. Otherwise planning is afoot, for both Christmas and autumn in general. In terms of reading, in keeping with my plans I’ve got a couple of Christmas books from the library; I found Dilly Court’s The Christmas Card and so loaned it out, and they had Jenny Colgan’s Christmas At Rosie Hopkins’ Sweet Shop so I got that too. I’ve no idea what the Colgan is about or whether I need to read any previous books first, but the title sounds suitably warm and fuzzy. I like the idea of reading them now – well, I kind of have to, having loaned them! – and thus having reviews ready for early December. Interestingly, according to the issue slip, the copy of the Court has been issued out in the spring and summer months but never any later.
All books are works of fiction.
The Books
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Americanah – A Nigerian student leaves behind the love of her life to study in America, where she discovers that she is now ‘black’. This book is fairly complex, summing it up difficult, but it’s incredible, albeit that the heroine isn’t particularly great (the hero’s fine).
Özgür Mumcu: The Peace Machine – A Turkish writer of erotic fiction comes to know about a theoretical ‘peace machine’ that would eliminate hate in the world, and joins the highly political faction that is spending time with those working to assassinate the Serbian monarchs whilst working on their machine. Yep – it’s confusing all right.
Sylvia Plath: The Bell Jar – A high-achiever moves to New York but starts to fall into a deep depression over various social ideals; she had had periods of mental illness before. Plath’s semi-autobiographical novel, it’s one to read and a good literary text.
I’m just over halfway through Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn which is quite enjoyable and features department store work in 50s America which I’m loving – I enjoyed reading about and watching the following TV series on Mr Selfridge, as well as the glimpses of historical department stores in The Marvelous Mrs Maisel. Tóibín has included the social change wherein black Americans were finally invited in to shop, too, which is both fascinating and awful – lots of staring, and only 70 years ago! After this, I’ll be picking up those Christmas books.
I’m hesitant about the next few months as I’ll miss the weather. I also can’t get my head around the fact that it’ll soon enough be time to decorate for Christmas. We’ve got a new family member this year so more planning to do.
What did you read in September?
October 1, 2018, 8:33 pm
All of those books look fascinating to me. I have The Bell Jar on my kindle waiting patiently to be read. :-) Happy October!
October 6, 2018, 10:16 pm
Charlie, my reading numbers fell in September as is was a busy month for me settling into my new job. However I did enjoy the reading I did do and my favourite has to be the spooky Cauldstane by Linda Gillard, which was perfect for the R.I.P reading event. Happy October reading! :-)
October 14, 2018, 11:47 pm
I was hoping to jump start my holiday reading this month, but it has yet to happen. I still haven’t decorated for fall. I had planned to do that this weekend–there’s still time! It sounds like you read some good books in September, Charlie. I hope you have a great October.
October 17, 2018, 11:04 am
Kelly: I’m envious! I do like wrapping the presents later on, but would prefer to have them all purchased and ready by now. That book sounds compelling!
Freda: Hope you enjoy The Bell Jar when you read it!
Jessica: Congratulations on the job! :D A very, very, good reason for less reading. Is that the author who wrote House of Silence? I’ve only heard good about her; she’s been on my list for years. You too, happy October!
Literary Feline: I’d say you can apply jump-starting until mid November so plenty of time :) You, too, hope you’re having a good month.
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October 1, 2018, 3:38 pm
Time is flying. I’ve already done the bulk of my Christmas shopping (and wrapping!), so that takes away much of the stress of the season. Most everything that remains must be done at the time.
The best thing I read in September was Command and Control by Eric Schlosser. I highly recommend it.