May to September Reads
Autumn is upon us in less than 24 hours, how wonderful. I had created a summer reading list but it didn’t quite go the way I had planned – things not going as planned seems to be what 2020 has been all about after all. So here is what I did end up reading over the summer.
May Reads -books finished in May
The Last Book on the Left by Ben Kissel, Marcus Parks, Henry Zebrowski, Tom Neely (Illustrations) – From the boys of The Last Podcast on the Left, comes a companion book to their hilarious, sometimes gritty, gross and always interesting podcast. Good book for those who love the podcast and true crime.
The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman – Classic story of slowly going insane and what is hidden behind the yellow wallpaper. Good read to twist your mind.
Dracula’s Guest by Bram Stoker – Kind of prequel to Dracula. It was ok.
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix – This is the second book I have read by Grady Hendrix and I have to say, I enjoyed this one way more than We Sold Our Souls (which was good). Likely because this one centres on vampires and felt reminiscent of the ’80’s vamp flick, Fright Night. Very enjoyable read.
July Reads – books finished in July
Uzumaki: Deluxe Edition by Junji Ito – My first experience with horroresque graphic novelist Junji Ito. It was weird and there were some stories that were simply uncomfortable. Beautiful art but not really my kind of stories.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo – I have to say, Leigh Bardugo has quickly became an author I really enjoy. This was the second book I have read from her and is YA whereas Ninth House was not. But the YA tag didn’t really detract from the wonderful story and lovable characters (the six main ones that is). A third book is coming….when????
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia – The only book on my summer reading list that I actually read. Quite enjoyed this one. The setting in the mountains of Mexico, the creepy old house and even creepier residents made up for the main character who was kind of annoying but seems to be a product of her era and social standing.
August Reads – books finished in August
Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo – Book 2 of the Six of Crows trilogy. Again, the characters and their relationships and trials and tribulations really made this book wonderful. The ending didn’t disappointment. Not until I heard there is a third book on the way. Can’t wait to see how the crew is doing.
Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón – It has taken me 4 years to finish this book. I started it for a third time in March and put it down again around the 300 page mark. I picked it up in August and finally got through it. The writing is beautiful and the story is compelling. I think what made it difficult for me to keep interest was the main character, Daniel. There were parts of his story that just didn’t hold my attention. But I’m glad I finished and I will continue with the remaining Cemetery of Forgotten Books.
Dread Nation by Justina Ireland – Another book considered YA but doesn’t really feel like it except for the characters occasionally mentioning their ages. Zombies rise during (after?) the American Civil War and in order to keep them at bay and keep the nation safe, schools have been created to train African American and Native American children how to fight and kill the zombies. This book reminded me, vaguely, of Motherland: Fort Salem (TV series) which is why I decided to read it. Enjoyable book and good take on the zombie apocalypse.
#VERYFAT #VERYBRAVE: The Fat Girl’s Guide to Being #Brave and Not a Dejected, Melancholy, Down-in-the-Dumps Weeping Fat Girl in a Bikini by Nicole Byer – Yes, that is one hell of a title. Nicole Byer is hilarious. Listen to one of her podcasts, watch Nailed It! on Netflix then read this book because I guarantee you will read it and hear her voice the entire time. Funny, blunt and yes, very brave, the book features many images of Nicole in different locations around Los Angles in various bikinis from her personal collection. Loved this one.
September Reads – books finished in September
Home Before Dark by Riley Sager – Oh why do I keep reading books by Riley Sager. I liked Final Girls but this one and The Last Time I Lied, not really. I think what I don’t like are the main characters. They are annoying, not likeable and not interesting. Home Before Dark was not a scary, thrilling or a mysterious story. So, do I gamble and try once more and read Lock Every Door….
Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny – While considering reading A Night in the Lonesome October, I recalled my husband saying he loved the Amber Chronicles, so I thought I would give the first one a try. It was ok….I like parallel universes but I’m not too sure about some of the writing as it was awkward at times and the characters are a bit hollow. It was a short read and perhaps the condensed story is what pulled away from the story developing more in the first book.
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite – This was a quick, enjoyable read. I like how the author is able to tell a full story and develop the characters in a relatively brief and compact book. Highly recommend.
Overall, I enjoyed most of what I read but did struggle to get through some of them. With the end of summer comes the best time of the year and the best time to read my favourite genre: Horror!
Dawning Creates 
Don’t bother with Lock Every Door,it was even worse to me than Home Before Dark.
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Good to know. It sounds like a lot of other books out there. Thanks!
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