Best Books of October

As I say every month, I’m shamelessly stealing this idea from Jessica Lahey. She has a recurring monthly date where she reviews all the books she reads that month. Book reviews are important for authors, and I want to get better at doing this.

So. I’m going to review them here and also online, but I’m going to do it a little differently. I’m only going to review the stuff I really liked. I don’t see a reason to spend my time writing about something I didn’t love; it’s just using up more of my energy. So only positive reviews.

These are the books I liked (or mostly liked) from October.

Hollywood, Ending (John Green): This is an incredible book. He has created complex, interesting characters, researched the hell out of Hollywood and movie making, and given part of his heart and experience with fame to us so we could understand a bit how it feels. I will think about this story for a long time.

It’s Not What You Think (Clare Mackintosh): A twisty thriller with a disturbing plotline. I normally love Clare Mackintosh books and don’t even read what they’re about when a new one comes out. I just jump right into the story. But this one didn’t sit well with me, even though the writing itself was strong, as usual.

The Velvet Knife (Maureen Johnson): As I said with the last Maureen Johnson book, if I were still a teen, I would eat these books up and love them. I would love the characters because they would feel like familiar friends. And I would love the setting, which had Only Murders in the Building vibes. This is the sixth book in the series, and I’ve read all of them. So perfect read if you’re a teen. If you’re an adult, you may feel vaguely annoyed with the characters.

Sophie, Standing There (Meg Mason): This book will make your heart hurt in a good way. I had this on my TBR for months, waiting for it to come out. And it was so gorgeous. Sad but also thought-provoking and lovely and I just wanted Sophie to win, whatever winning means to her. I will think about her for a long time.

Do You See What I See? (Peter Swanson): It has a great twist, but I wouldn’t say it follows the rules of fair play. Which means the twist has a little less impact that it would have if all had been there from the beginning. But a good, creepy Christmas mystery.

A Box Full of Murders (Janice Hallett): Is there anything Janice Hallett can’t do? After so many brilliant adult novels, she has gone and written a children’s book in the same style, and it’s adorable. I read it before getting it for my nephew to make sure it’s not scary. Would be perfect for mid to upper elementary. But honestly, an adult could enjoy it, too.

What did you read last month?