It's just a bunch of hocus pocus

We are almost halfway through October. As I type this, it is really coming to me that it’s been seven months since I last felt normal. I don’t know about everyone else, but I am constantly having to remind myself to let go of expectations and enjoy what we can of the world right now. I feel so lucky to be able to just go outside regularly and see my family every weekend- two things that were impossible to do just a few months ago.

What I read so far this month:

The Roommate by Rosie Danan: Synopsis: The Roommate follows Clara, an east coast socialite who moves to Los Angeles on a whim. Her childhood crush invited her to be roommates- unfortunately he ditches her last minute and she ends up living with a Craigslist replacement, Josh, who has a very interesting career. They are inspired to tackle stigma around female desire and sexuality. Review: This book came HIGHLY hyped by the internet- my FOMO dictated that I purchase it immediately. Although I enjoyed it, I definitely do not think it was the “patriarchy smashing” book it’s been called. I loved the exploration of female desire and pleasure, the slow burn, and the steam- really though, if you want steam, look no further. On the other hand, Clara’s character fell flat for me, and like I said, while I enjoyed the subjects and ideas this book explored, I don’t think it is leading to the fall of the patriarchy. 3.5 stars

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie: So I have been HYPE about this book- my first Agatha Christie- I knew admittedly nothing about her except that she is the ~queen of mystery~. But then a) within the first 20 pages, there were anti-semitic comments and b) I found out what it used to be called before the title was changed- both of these things really turned me off. And although the mystery was well built and I never solved it, I was never captivated by the story or any of the characters. 1.5 stars

Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke: Synopsis: In Bluebird, Bluebird we are introduced to Darren Matthews- a Black Texas Ranger. He’s facing a suspension at work, marriage trouble, and now he’s in a small town where there have been two murders inside a week. He must solve these murders and save himself before the long simmering racial tensions swallow him up. Review: Reading this after And Then Were None was so refreshing- not only did it touch on real issues, I felt like the characters, relationships, and depictions of life in small town Texas felt real. The mystery wasn’t ridiculous and fantastical but believable (yet I still did not see the end coming!). I see why Locke won the Edgar Award for this novel. I bought the sequel to this (which was released in August) and hope to read it soon. 4 Stars

The Tourist Attraction by Sarah Morgenthaler: Synopsis: Zoey Caldwell is visiting Alaska for two weeks for the vacation of a lifetime. She meets Graham, reluctant and grumpy owner of the popular local diner, and begins to fall for him. The only problem- Graham has a strict no tourist policy. Review: I chose this book (and it’s sequel below) because I wanted something that was just readable enough to keep me reading but that would require exactly 0 brain power. Sometimes I enjoy a book that is just okay- I compare it to when I lie on the couch for 5 hours watching a tv show I barely care about. This book was just cute enough to keep me reading but not memorable or exciting in my opinion. 3 stars.

Mistletoe and Mr. Right by Sarah Morgenthaler: Synopsis: The sequel to The Tourist Attraction (a 3 book series); this one follows Zoey’s best friend Lana- a rich socialite who literally buys the entire town of Moose Springs, Alaska (where these books take place). Her plan is to bring life and business to the town- the catch being that Moose Springs does not look at tourism and new comers kindly. She soon forms a connection with Rick Harding, owner of the local (struggling) pool hall. Review: This one was barely readable in my opinion. I skimmed through a lot of the middle, which felt like filler. The character of Lana was not as well written as Zoey’s character, which impacted my opinion of the book for sure. 2 stars

I am currently reading:

Once I Was You: A Memoir of Love and Hate in a Torn America by Maria Hinojosa: I am listening to this audiobook as what will likely be my last book for Latinx Heritage Month. I am absolutely loving it- Hinojosa is a journalist so it is not surprising that her memoir is completely engrossing.

When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole: I am reading this for book club this month. I have a feeling the discussion around this book will be extra fun and am really looking forward to it.

What I enjoyed on the Internet Recently:

Mindy Kaling has a new essay collection. She also announced on The Late Late Show this past week that she just had a baby last month. I loved the low-key announcement.

210,000 lives lost..and counting

This was (one of) my WTFs of the week this month

I am so excited to read this book and may cave and buy myself a copy this week.

We are 3 weeks from the election and many states are well into early voting: Learn How to Spot Voter Suppression on Election Day — and Fight Back

If you are like me and October is the one month you risk it all and watch scary movies, check out this list of the best horror movies on Netflix right now.

See you back here soon,

Sarah