Towards the end of September I started rushing, I wanted both to get through more books and to be free and ready to study. This month saw my first two “proper” review requests upheld – as in ones I was approached to write – as well as the beginning of my conscious decision to get back to reading more of my own choice of books rather than those I’d read about. It was a good decision, one which I am going to keep working at, because it renewed my enjoyment of reading, which had become somewhat lost under the idea of what I ought to be reading. I’ve realised that while it’s nice to be able to fully participate in a discussion there is no reason why I cannot create my own discussions.

All books are works of fiction.

The Books

Alison Weir: Innocent Traitor – Weir uses the material she wrote for her non-fiction to invent a fictional account of Lady Jane Grey’s life. A brilliant slice of history where any gaps are filled by the suppositions of a well-versed author.

Charlotte Brontë: Jane Eyre – Neglected during childhood, Jane takes up a position as governess for a girl who’s guardian is peculiar but captivating. But there’s something going on at Thornfield Hall and it seems no one knows what it is. Truly one of the best books I’ve ever read, I’d say this has something for everyone.

Julie Buxbaum: After You – An American travels to Britain to look after the family of her murdered best friend, but may aid herself in living more than them. Spoiled by an extremely prejudiced author.

L J Smith: The Forbidden Game – A group of teenagers find themselves in a game of life or death in order to save their friend from an eternity in the shadows. Old school paranormal writing that puts modern releases to shame.

Molly Roe: Call Me Kate – Living with other immigrants, Kate learns about the injustice done to those who wish to be accepted in Civil War era America. Head-strong, she’s not likely to let it go on and do nothing. Great history and an alright debut, Roe shows promise.

Rosy Thornton: The Tapestry Of Love – Divorced for several years, Catherine decides to move to France for a different way of life. She finds it but there may be problems with her location. Not bad but a little too descriptive sometimes.

If you’ve read the above you hardly need ask, Jane Eyre was my favourite this month and it joins Alex Bell’s The Ninth Circle and Jane Austen’s Pride And Prejudice in the list of books read this year that have joined the ranks of my all time favorites. Jane Eyre was everything I never expected but definitely craved, and I can’t wait to become acquainted with the other Brontë sisters and be able to compare styles. Aside from this success (I suppose it can be called such because it adds a book onto my year-long quest to read classics) I got through my first ebook, Call Me Kate. I read it on two devices, depending on whether I was at home or on the move and while I can’t say I prefer reading that way, I was at least able to get used to it. Reading on my computer screen was better because I couldn’t get to grips with the mobile device’s small screen and fewer words on the page. But yes, I did it, so any moaning I may do about ebooks in future will at least be from the mouth of someone who has experienced it. Incidentally, I will be reviewing Call Me Kate on 14th October. Lastly, as discussed in my review of The Forbidden Game, if you’re sick of Twilight fever and want a bit more sass, check out the work of L J Smith.

Quotation Report

In After You an expectant mother gets teary over a nappy commercial, and in Jane Eyre, Mr Rochester suggests that his dog is more like him than the girl he is guardian of. But perhaps Rochester has better manners than said dog, who waits for no one – when it’s his dinner time he’ll gladly leave his human love birds to their conversation in the middle of a meadow, and trot off back home.

Another of Rochester’s beliefs is that you may never think of hating someone whom you already despise. And just to let you know that if you ever venture to Thornfield Hall you may find his cook in the kitchen looking like she’s about to spontaneously combust from the work given her.

I have one more book lined up for leisurely reading and then I’ll hit the books (as in studying). Farewell pleasant world, you may become cruel yet!