Happy October! 🍂 Fall is officially here in North America and I love this time of colorful leaves! September was a blur. Here is what we were upto. Tell us your update in the comments!
Buddy Read of the Month
Snake Eater by T. Kingfisher | Goodreads
This one was a blast to read. We loved the setting, the mystery, and the overall story. We had fun discussing this– to be featured on the blog soon! – Ariel, Kriti.
Ariel’s Highlights for September
Favorite read
How to Survive a Fairy Bargain by Laura J. Mayo | Goodreads
The sequel to How to Summon a Fairy Godmother, this book was great from start to finish. The wit, the snark, and the lovable characters all made this an entertaining and quick read. I definitely recommend both books!
Noteworthy
All that We See or Seem by Ken Liu | Goodreads
Another thought-provoking AI thriller, All that We See or Seem was a good book overall with twists and turns that balanced the “what ifs” and the “near future” elements perfectly!
Game
Strange Antiquities – One of my favorite puzzle games a couple years ago was Strange Horticulture, and the developers have just released a companion game that is set in the same universe! I love uncovering the occult mysteries one artifact at a time, plus there’s a cat named Jupiter!
Kriti’s Highlights for September
Favorite read
Dear Committee Members by Julie Schumacher | Goodreads
This book is a collection of letters by English professor Jason Fitger as he writes recommendations of his students and colleagues at the fictional Payne University. I love the humour, the academic setting, the honesty and struggles so much that
(1) I gifted this to Papa who is also a professor
(2) read the follow up book (the format changes 🙁 but still good! 🙂 ) and
(3) have the third book awaiting me for pickup at the library.
Noteworthy
Favorite Daughter by Morgan Dick | Goodreads
Father-daughter relationships are at the heart of Favorite Daughter. Mickey and Arlo share a dad but have never met each other. When he dies, leaving Mickey with over a million dollars on the condition she go to therapy (and see Arlo), their worlds collide against a backdrop of grief, estrangement, addiction, recovery, ethical dilemmas, and second chances.
Anime
The Apothecary Diaries
Ariel told me about this series and I binged the first season to the point there were days in September when I was truly between books and didn’t want to start anything because I was glued to this. From CrunchyRoll:
“Maomao lived a peaceful life with her apothecary father. Until one day, she’s sold as a lowly servant to the emperor’s palace. But she wasn’t meant for a compliant life among royalty. So when imperial heirs fall ill, she decides to step in and find a cure! This catches the eye of Jinshi, a handsome palace official who promotes her. Now, she’s making a name for herself solving medical mysteries!”
Maomao is blunt and professional, sometimes actively clueless. I love the court politics and the mysteries presented to her. I am halfway through season 2 right now.
Anticipated Reads
Other Updates from September
- Booklist: 2025 Finalists – The Giller Prize are announced! I already had a few on my radar. Stay tuned for the winner and final 5 list in mid-October.
- Article from Editor’s Alchemy: Who is telling your story and how are they telling it? Here’s an overview of third-person point of view.
Allison Alexander is a freelance book editor, writer, and artist. Her monthly newsletter, Editor’s Alchemy, explores writing, querying, publishing, and how to mix a little magic into your story. She also shares book recommendations from Ariel and I there! Click here to subscribe to the newsletter.
- Indie Ink Awards 2024 winners were accounced.
- The Booker Prize 2025 shortlist was also revealed.
Thanks for joining up for this wrap up!
Tell us your favourite and noteworthy read from September in the comments.
What are you excited to read in October?
What are you currently reading?
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