As we are now moving out of Autumn and thinking about Winter and Christmas (where has the time gone) it's time to reflect on the pages I've turned and the stories I've ventured into throughout October. Whether you're participating in a yearly reading challenge or simply seeking a personal literary adventure, the changing of the seasons provides a perfect backdrop for your reading journey. In this blog post, I'll take a closer look at my own October reading challenge progress, the books that have left their mark, and the new goals and discoveries that have emerged along the way. So, grab your favourite blanket, brew a warm cup of coffee, and join me as I navigate the literary landscapes of my October's reading challenge update.
The fist book on my reading challenge was a Fantasy Book and I chose 'The Ghost Ship' by Kate Mosse, I must be honest here the cover initially drew me in but see below what I thought of it....
Author: Kate Mosse
Genre: Historical, Romance, Thriller
Series: Book 3 of 3 The Joubert Family Chronicles
Publisher: Mantle
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 473
Format: Hardback I purchased myself
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot and recommend
About Book: The Barbary Coast, 1621. A mysterious vessel floats silently on the water. It is known only as the Ghost Ship. For months, its captain – Louise Reydon-Joubert – and her courageous crew has hunted pirates to liberate those enslaved during the course of their merciless raids. But now the Ghost Ship is under attack – its hull splintered, its sails tattered and burnt, and the crew at risk of capture. But the bravest among them are not who they seem. Louise is fleeing a miscarriage of justice; her lover, Gilles Barenton, is at risk of being exposed – she is forced to masquerade as her brother. The stakes could not be higher: if arrested, they will be hanged for their crimes. Can they survive the journey and escape their fate?
My Thoughts: Kate Mosse's "The Ghost Ship" is a beguiling tale that merges history, mystery, and the supernatural to create a haunting reading experience. Set against the backdrop of a rugged coastal town in France, this novel draws readers into its eerie world from the very first page. Mosse's writing is atmospheric and rich, evoking a sense of unease and fascination as the story unfolds. The characters are well-drawn, each harbouring their own secrets and insecurities, adding depth to the narrative. The central mystery surrounding the appearance of a spectral ship on the horizon is both enigmatic and compelling, and Mosse masterfully weaves together past and present to uncover the truth. What sets "The Ghost Ship" apart is its seamless blend of historical detail and supernatural elements. The author's meticulous research shines through, immersing readers in the world of shipwrecks, coastal folklore, and the enigmatic legend of the ghost ship. The alternating perspectives between characters from different time periods offer a captivating narrative structure that keeps you engaged throughout. While the pacing may feel a tad slow at times, the gradual revelation of secrets and the eerie atmosphere make it a deliberate choice rather than a drawback. "The Ghost Ship" is a beautifully written and intricately plotted novel that will appeal to those who appreciate historical mysteries with a touch of the supernatural. If you're in the mood for a chilling and immersive read that will transport you to a world where the line between the living and the dead blurs, then "The Ghost Ship" is well worth your time.
The next book from my reading challenge was a Book set in a rural area and I chose 'Growing Season' by Seni Glaister a book I have had on my to be read list for a while, so a good time to read it.
Author: Seni Glaister
Genre: Domestic
Publisher: HQ
Date Publish: 2020
Book Length: 384
Format: Paperback I purchased myself
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot and recommend.
About Book: When life gets tough, do you give up? Or do you grow up?
Danny is riddled with anxiety. But he wants to be strong for his wife Sam. She’s been through so much already.
If only he had someone to talk to.
Sam is facing a very different future to the one she expected. She’s ready to move on, yet other people won’t let her.
If only she had someone to talk to.
Their new neighbour Diana is hiding from her past. She wanted a new life. Now she’s got it she feels angry and alone.
If only she had someone to talk to.
Each of them is hiding their pain. Each of them needs to heal. But only when they learn to let each other in will they finally be able to grow.
My Thoughts: Seni Glaister's "The Growing Season" is a thought-provoking and imaginative exploration of the choices we make and the things we are dealt with in life, and Glaister excels in crafting complex and relatable characters, each with their own motives, fears, and desires. The narrative structure, which includes multiple perspectives and a non-linear timeline, adds depth and intrigue to the storytelling. However, at times, this complexity can be a bit overwhelming, and some readers may find it challenging to fully engage with all the characters and their subplots. While "The Growing Season" raises profound questions and presents a compelling vision, the pacing can be uneven, with moments of slow development followed by bursts of intense action. Additionally, the ending may leave some readers wanting more closure on certain characters. In conclusion, "The Growing Season" is a captivating and relevant novel that pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling. If you're looking for a thought-provoking read that challenges your perspective on the future of parenthood and technology, "The Growing Season" is a worthy choice that will leave you pondering its themes long after the final page.
The third book on my reading challenge list was to read a book by an Author who writes under a Pseudonym and what better book to choose than 'The Cuckoos Calling' by Robert Galbraith A.K.A J.K. Rowling. I had already seen the series on television and loved it, I hadn't realised then that there was a book and who it was written by. But, once I realised there was a book, I just had to purchase it and see if it was as good as or better than the series. See my review below.....
Author: Robert Galbraith
Genre: Mystery Crime
Series: Cormoran Strike 1 of 7
Publisher: Sphere
Date Published: 2014
Book Length: 560
Format: Book I purchased myself
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: When a troubled model falls to her death from a snow-covered Mayfair balcony, it is assumed that she has committed suicide. However, her brother has his doubts, and calls in private investigator Cormoran Strike to look into the case.
Strike is a war veteran - wounded both physically and psychologically - and his life is in disarray. The case gives him a financial lifeline, but it comes at a personal cost: the more he delves into the young model's complex world, the darker things get - and the closer he gets to terrible danger . . .
My Thoughts: "The Cuckoo's Calling" by Robert Galbraith, the pseudonym for the literary genius J.K. Rowling, is a triumph in modern detective fiction that leaves readers utterly captivated. With its meticulous plotting, compelling characters, and a dash of classic noir, this novel sets a high bar for the genre. Galbraith introduces us to Cormoran Strike, a private investigator with a troubled past and a keen eye for detail. Strike is a character who leaps off the page, brimming with complexities and a wry sense of humour that keeps you engaged throughout. His assistant, Robin Ellacott, is equally well-drawn, and their evolving dynamic adds depth to the story. The mystery at the heart of "The Cuckoo's Calling" is a labyrinthine puzzle that keeps you guessing until the final pages. Galbraith's writing is sharp, and the narrative is richly textured, immersing readers in the glamorous yet seedy world of celebrity culture and high society. The author's ability to craft a compelling plot while delving deep into the intricacies of human nature is nothing short of remarkable. What truly stands out in this novel is the authenticity of the characters and the meticulous attention to detail. Galbraith explores themes of fame, identity, and the masks we wear in our daily lives, all while delivering a satisfying, old-school detective story that pays homage to the classics of the genre. "The Cuckoo's Calling" is a brilliant start to the Cormoran Strike series, and it's a must-read for fans of detective fiction. Rowling's ability to craft a compelling mystery under a new name showcases her versatility as a writer. This book is a testament to her storytelling prowess, and it will leave you eagerly reaching for the next installment in the series. In short, "The Cuckoo's Calling" is a masterpiece that deserves a place on every bookshelf.
The last book that fitted my reading challenge this month was ' The Rabbit Hutch' by Tess Gunty as it was a Book that is the winner of a National Book award. A book I hadn't heard of but came to me as part of a monthly subscription of books purchased for me as a present. See hat I thought of the book in my review below.
Author: Tess Gunty
Genre: Psychological
Publisher: One World Publications
Date Published: 2022
Book Length: 353
Format: Paperback I purchased myself
Star Rating: 2** Its not really for me
About Book: Vacca Vale, Indiana: recently voted number 1 on Newsweek's list of dying American cities. According to the developers, however, it's a city with a whole history of reinvention, one that 'buzzes with the American spirit.' Not everyone agrees though - certainly not the residents of the Rabbit Hutch, a low-cost housing complex in the once bustling industrial centre, populated by a cast of unforgettable, disenfranchised characters. There's an online obituary writer, a woman waging a solo campaign against rodents and, most notably, eighteen-year-old Blandine, recently released from foster care and determined to stop the developers whatever the cost.
My Thoughts: The Rabbit Hutch" by Tess Gunty was chosen as part of my reading challenge to read a book that was the winner of a National Book Award. The book is a curious blend of mystery and domestic drama, offering you a story that meanders through its plot with a mixture of suspense and family intrigue. Gunty's writing is solid, and the story is filled with intriguing moments that keep the reader guessing. The characters are a diverse and complex bunch, each with their own quirks and hidden agendas, which adds depth to the narrative. The novel explores themes of family dynamics, trust, and the consequences of buried secrets, making for an engaging psychological drama. However, "The Rabbit Hutch" suffers from a pacing issue that might test the patience of some readers. The story moves at a slow and deliberate pace, which, while allowing for character development, occasionally feels overly drawn out. Additionally, the narrative tends to jump between perspectives and timelines, making it a bit challenging to keep track of the various plot threads. The mystery element of the story, while intriguing, may not offer the same level of suspense and excitement as some readers might expect from a thriller. The resolution, when it finally arrives, feels somewhat rushed and leaves a few loose ends untied. In conclusion, "The Rabbit Hutch" by Tess Gunty is a book that showcases promise but falls short of reaching its full potential. It's a story with moments of brilliance, especially in its character development and exploration of family dynamics. However, its pacing and plot structure may not resonate with every reader. If you enjoy character-driven mysteries with a leisurely pace and don't mind a bit of ambiguity in the resolution, "The Rabbit Hutch" might still be worth a read but it was not for me.
If any of the books from my Reading Challenge have inspired you to purchase them please click on the links provided, I do earn a small commission from you purchasing and thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you would like to contact me, you can via email at apagebookclub@gmail.com or via instagram at https://instagram.com/alisbookstagram-
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