Good afternoon book buddies!

Coming to you a little late today, but I REALLY needed to clean my house, especially my book room. I plan to spend the rest of the day in there filming with my newest toy, a DJI Osmo Pocket 3. I haven't been feeling very inspired to create reels for IG/TT, mostly because it's a pain to film with the back camera on my phone. I have a feeling this new toy is going to change all that!

I'll be honest, when I first sat down to write this it felt like I hadn't read much this week, but as I looked back I realized that isn't true. I read quite a bit, but didn't finish much. Here's the scoop ⬇️:

To everyone who told me I would love Slewfoot, you were right. I did an audio/physical copy and really, really enjoyed this book. It was very atmospheric and enchanting, without being scary. It had a lot of great critical commentary on organized religion, which I personally enjoyed. 4⭐️s

Speaking of religion, I DNFd The Book of Chuck. As I said last week, there was something that wasn't working for me. The more I listened, the more I realized it was the heavy focus on radical Christian faith in one of the storylines that I found to be triggering. I stopped right as the book switched timelines again, but at that point, I hadn't found a reason to keep going. It's too loose, meaning there are threads that interested me, but the author hadn't started to weave them together in a way that made sense or compelled me by the 40-45% mark, so I sat it down.

I also DNF'd An Immaculate Deception. It's not a bad book, in fact many of my mutuals have loved it. My issue: the FMC is insufferable. I have realized over the years that I loathe helpless female main characters. It's a played out trope that perpetuates misogynist beliefs. Whiney, hapless females and I do not mix.

I haven't picked up The Next Ship Home again, but I'm hoping to do so this today. I'm reading this with the BBFL and want you to come read with us!

I'm chipping away at Dracula but finding it hard to read the paperback copy I have. The font is the right size, but there seems to be spacing issues with the print, so I'm finding it difficult. I may see if I can find a Kindle copy and read on my Scribe. So far, I'm really enjoyed the book, but it's hurting my eyes.

I started The Quarter Queen and am completely sucked into this New Orleans fantasy world. It's been a terrific audiobook that I'll likely finish on my dog walk tomorrow morning, so I don't have a rating for you today. It's perfect for those who love great world building, don't mind lots of characters, and want to get a glimpse in to Voodoo culture.

Lastly, I read another 10% of my Kindle copy of Lonesome Dove and am feeling very overwhelmed by how big this book is! Despite that, I'm LOVING it and finding it hard to put it down to do things like clean house. I promised myself I would only read it with my eyes, but I'm regretting that now. I may have to bend my own rules to spend more time with Gus & Call.

ICYMI:

• My October TBR: All the books I probably won't read lol 😂

• Books Perfect for FALL on YouTube: something for everyone!

• Or get the FALL recs over on IG

• A fun little teaser package for my most anticipated read of the Fall

• Tudor Fiction Fan? Then you'll likely enjoy this read

Hear It Here First:

Paid Bindery subscribers will get early access to the December historical fiction look ahead sometime this week!

My September reading wrap up will be live across all channels very soon!

I am loving building community and having great bookish convos over on FB, so watch for another fun giveaway there.

It's the last chance to choose my November TBR! Go Vote Now 🗳️

I'm off to record a long-form version of Books You Couldn't Pay Me To... and Books to Read If You Loved the Calamity Club, so be sure to stay tuned on Youtube for those.

xoxo

c

Having started the October Book a little late in the game, I wanted to give everyone a chance to vote and snag a copy of our November book club pick.

For November we have:

Adventures of a Decaffeinated Coffee Gremlin by Trash Panda

• A comedic adventure story full of mythical mayhem and quick witted quips

An Embarrassment of Itches by M.K. Dean

• Cozy mystery

Art of Her Life by Cynthia Newberry Martin

• Fiction: A mother balancing a chaotic schedule, family life and a health scare

All of these titles are by Independent authors. Many can't be found in your local library, I know, it sucks. Most publish through Amazon where you can find these three titles. Better yet! I advise visiting your local library and asking them to get you a copy orrrrr your local independent bookshop to order one for you. The library puts it in rotation for other readers to find and the other option also supports your local bookshop. Win Win!

Willow is on the run from her sadistic partner. Stealing his lavishly expensive RV she high-tails it out of town only to find herself in a different heep of trouble. A thrilling mystery, with a dash of the supernatural, that was difficult to put down.