Hi everyone! Here is our September Reading Wrap-Up!
September was a good reading month with lots of 4 star reviews, and some 5 stars as well. As many of you know, I had a back injury in September, so reading some good books was a must for me this past month!
Reading Statistics
Olivia and I decided to read lots of fast/medium-paced books with emotion, adventure, and mystery! Generally speaking, that is our vibe during the fall months, so not too surprised! Some books were dark and tense, again, what I would expect to see during Autumn since I love thrillers. We also had some cozy reads, too (not shown on graph, but you’ll definitely find some in our ratings slides).
During Autumn, we love to read fiction – I think it’s the upcoming whimsical vibes in the air that does it for us! And most books were above 300 pages. I’m very happy about that.
This month, we hosted the Hello Autumn/Hello Spring Readathon which was a blast! And we managed to read 5 arcs. Unfortunately, we were not able to do our TBR game (filming was just not in the cards for me this month due to the injury). But we managed to get some 5 star reads this month!
Below, you’ll find our reading wrap-up and mini reviews. Ratings are rounded either up or down (E.g., a 4.5 star rating = 5 stars on sites that use whole numbers or for infographics.) There are still a few upcoming full reviews to come, so look out for those!
Reading Wrap-Up and Mini Reviews
Books 1-6.
Book Cover images link to Goodreads. Highlighted Book Titles link to book reviews. Content Warnings link to The Storygraph, if available. Books with an “NG” were from NetGalley & “B” were from Booksirens in exchange for an honest review – all opinions are my own.
Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi, Mattias Ripa (Translator)
Published: June 1st, 2004
(5 stars) I’m so thankful this book exists. I learned so much about the Iranian revolution and the social impacts it had on daily life and as a whole. It has humour, joy, love, and heartbreak. Definitely recommend this one, I really loved learning about Marjane and her family as well and enjoyed the illustrations so much. Graphic Novel, Nonfiction.
Content Warnings.
The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson.
Published: September 6th, 2022.
(4.5 stars) I don’t think there’s a book by Tiffany D. Jackson I haven’t enjoyed. This one is no exception – The Weight of Blood is such an amazing Carrie retelling, one I enjoy even more than the original story. It highlights important social issues and racism while giving us a fantastic, layered story. There are numerous perspectives and timelines. Definitely check out the content warnings, but I highly recommend this book. YA, Horror, Thriller, Retelling.
Content Warnings.
Dark Room Etiquette by Robin Roe.
Release Date: October 11th, 2022.
(4.5 stars) This book is highly unsettling as it shows teenager named Sayers and his struggle to stay alive after being kidnapped as well as the trauma that takes hold on his life. It’s such an emotional, memorable, and intense read that I highly recommend it; please take note of the content warnings due to the subject matter. YA, Thriller, Horror. (NG)
Content Warnings.
Full review to come.
Séance Tea Party by Reimena Yee.
Published: September 15th, 2020.
(4.25 stars). Oh, was this ever cute! I honestly loved the illustrations in this book so much. They were warm, cozy, and had all the Autumn vibes you could ever hope for. The story was very cute, and I definitely recommend it. Middle Grade, Graphic Novel, Fantasy.
Content Warnings.
Seven Years: Poems on Heartbreak and Healing by Alyssa Harmon
Release Date: October 11th, 2022.
(4 stars). This was a lovely collection of poems by Alyssa Harmon that span over 7 years, during which the synopsis notes that the body regenerates. I feel that this collection will definitely resonate with many readers and recommend it. Poetry. (B)
Bait and Witch (Witch Way Librarian Mysteries #1) by Angela M. Sanders
Published: September 15th, 2020.
(4 stars). I love a cozy mystery – and this one has cats and witchcraft – purrfect combination! I listened to the audiobook and read the physical copy, both of which are great. I am definitely looking forward to reading more of this series. Cozy Mystery.
Content Warnings.
Book 7-12
Witches of Brooklyn (Witches of Brooklyn #1) by Sophie Escabasse.
Release Date: September 1st, 2020.
(4 stars). I thought this was a fun graphic novel about our main character, Effie, who must live with her aunts and discovers she’s a witch! The book gave me Sabrina The Teenage Witch vibes, especially the episode where Sabrina meets Britney Spears! But it’s completely distinct and has its own cute story. Enjoyed it! Middle Grade, Fantasy.
Content Warnings.
Ghostcloud by Michael Mann.
Release Date: September 6th, 2020.
(3.75 stars) Full Review. Middle Grade, Fantasy, Ghosts. (NG)
Content Warnings.
The Family Remains (The Family Upstairs #2) by Lisa Jewell.
Release Date: August 9th, 2022.
(3 stars). This was a bit of a disappointment for me! I was hoping to absolutely be thrilled by this book, however the story really didn’t do it for me. I think that the crafting of the book was excellent, though. Classic Lisa Jewell. Mystery, Thriller.
Content Warnings.
A Cat Cafe Christmas by Codi Gary.
Release Date: October 4th, 2022.
(3 stars). Full Review. Romance, Holiday. (NG)
Content Warnings.
The Lost Witch by H.L. MacFarlane.
Release Date: December 27th, 2022.
(3 stars). Overall, I think this is a good story. The prologue and earlier chapters hooked me. I was fascinated to learn more about Brigid, Knightly, Dove, and others. As the book progressed, especially in the middle third, it became challenging to understand what was happening. Fortunately, in later chapters, the narration improved for me. I would recommend this to readers interested in a mixture between fantasy and romance; however, be wary if any of the points mentioned are an issue. Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal. (NG)
Content Warnings.
Full review to come.
Lore by Alexandra Bracken.
Published: January 5th, 2021.
(3 stars). Full Review. Fantasy, Mythology, YA.
Content Warnings.
QOTD: What was your favourite read this September?
Let us know!
Looks like September was a good reading month for you. I hope your back feels better.
I loved A Cat Cafe Christmas.
Yvonne @ Socrates Book Reviews recently posted…Review: A Christmas Candy Killing by Christina Romeril
Thank you, Yvonne!
sarasreadingnook recently posted…Review | seven years: poems on heartbreak and healing
What a great month! I love medium and fast paced books. The faster the pace the better for my reading experience. Hope October is a good month!
Yes, it was fantastic! Thank you, Tessa!
sarasreadingnook recently posted…Review | seven years: poems on heartbreak and healing
I love all your pretty graphics! You did have a good month of reading. And I always enjoy pictures of Oliva!
Wendy recently posted…Book Review: Once Upon a December by Amy E. Reichert
Thank you so much, Wendy! Love to make the graphics! And Olivia always loves to pop up and make appearances!
sarasreadingnook recently posted…Review | seven years: poems on heartbreak and healing
It sounds like September was a good reading month for you. 😀 I hope October treats you just as well!
Jenni Elyse recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday #37
Thank you, Jenni! It was a great reading month! All the best re:your October reading!
sarasreadingnook recently posted…Review | seven years: poems on heartbreak and healing
Looks like a great reading month! I’ve got A Cat Cafe Christmas on my list for the next few months.
Oh that’s great! I’m excited to hear your thoughts on A Cat Café Christmas!
And yes, Amanda, it definitely was a great month. All the best re: your October reading!
sarasreadingnook recently posted…Review | seven years: poems on heartbreak and healing
That looks like a great month for reading. Fractured by Dani Atkins was my top read for September.
Thanks, it was great! Hope you have a fantastic reading month this October!
sarasreadingnook recently posted…Review | seven years: poems on heartbreak and healing
the weight of blood sounds amazing!
chelsea @ your bookish friend recently posted…with fire in their blood, by kat delacorte
It really was awesome! Listened to the audiobook and highly recommend it. It’s a full on experience.
Have a great reading month this October!
sarasreadingnook recently posted…Review | seven years: poems on heartbreak and healing
I am glad you had such a good reading month in September! I hope your back is feeling better. I love the mood graph. According to Storygraph, my reading mood so far this year leans heavily into the lighthearted and adventurous. Which fits given what types of stories I have been gravitating towards lately. I really enjoyed Persepolis and Bait and Witch and am glad you did too! I am looking forward to reading The Tea Séance Society. My daughter enjoyed Witches of Brooklyn too and I hope to read it as well. I hope you have a great October!
Literary Feline recently posted…Weekly Mews: Welcoming in October with More Books (Please vote in my TBR Poll!)
Thank you, my back has gotten significantly better!
Lighthearted and adventurous reads are wonderful.
Cool, glad you loved Persepolis and Bait and Witch! Weren’t they just awesome?
I hope you love Séance Tea Party and Witches of Brooklyn. Cheers to reading this October!
sarasreadingnook recently posted…Review | seven years: poems on heartbreak and healing