Welp, it's November...somehow. Is it just me or does this time of year fly by at warp speed? Some people have even finished decorating for Christmas already! I'm a staunch no-Christmas-until-after-Thanksgiving person, so that nonsense won't be happening around here yet.
Anyway, I managed to read a few bookish books in October:
Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan—I'm not sure when this book about India is supposed to be set, but it mentions computers, so not too long ago. It's about a young girl whose arranged marriage goes awry, leaving her trapped in an unhappy situation. When her father-in-law teaches her how to read—against the wishes of her mother-in-law—it opens up to new worlds for her.
Unsinkable Cayenne by Jessica Vitalis—To be honest, I can't remember why this MG novel-in-verse is bookish. Curse my aging memory...
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare—This YA classic was my book club's choice for October. It's about an outspoken teenage girl in 1687 who moves from Barbados to Connecticut after her guardian dies. Her looser island ways shock the Puritans in her new town, who accuse her of being a witch. There are several bookish characters in this novel and a subplot about the main character teaching a young girl how to read.
All three of these were quick, enjoyable reads for me.
What's on my docket for November? Right now, I'm reading this middle-grade novel:
Sleeping Spells and Dragon Scales by Wendy S. Swore—As you can tell from its charming cover, the story stars a girl who loves to read. She's especially enamored with fairy tales and fantasy novels. I'll talk more about this one next month.
I'm also planning to read these two this month:
The Legend of the Last Library by Frank L. Cole—After the Blight destroyed all of the trees, paper has become a valuable commodity. To earn money, Juni scavenges for any scraps she can find, desperate to earn enough to pay for the medical treatment her grandfather desperately needs. When she discovers an actual book, she can't wait to sell it for profit. To her amazement, though, the book reveals clues to find what might be the last library in existence, sending Juni on a race against time and dangerous enemies to unearth the greatest treasure of all.
The Bard and the Book: How the First Folio Saved the Plays of William Shakespeare from Oblivion by Ann Bausum—This children's book is a contender for the Cybils Awards in one of the categories I'm judging. Sounds interesting!
What bookish books are you planning to read in November?
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Some lovely titles there, absolutely beautiful covers.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't really noticed, but you're right, these are lovely covers, aren't they?
DeleteWell, if we look for certain books, we often don't see what else they might have in common.
DeleteI don't have any bookish books planned for november but i loved the witch of blackbird pond when i was a kid.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good one! I read it in high school, again in college, and again last week for book club and loved it every time. It's a quick read that teaches some great life lessons.
DeleteYou must be judging the nonfiction children's books category of the Cybils. That's one of my favorite categories.
ReplyDeleteI am! In the past, I've always done MG fiction, but the organizers didn't have enough judges for the NF category, so they asked if I'd switch over. It's a change-up of genre for me, but I'm enjoying it.
DeleteI remember reading The Witch of Blackbird Pond when I was quite young and liking it. I hope to read one bookish book in November, but am not sure what it will be yet.
ReplyDeleteI hope our election goes well and smoothly on Tuesday.
As far as "classics" go, I think it's a very approachable one. Everyone in book club enjoyed it.
DeleteYeah, I'm a little worried about how the election is going to go. I'm just hoping the American people can choose the sane choice and that the aftermath, no matter who wins, won't be too terrible!
The Legend of the Last Library looks like a fun read. Hope you'll have a great November!
ReplyDeleteI finally got another Bookish Book read and it was a fun one!
ReplyDelete