Holy cow! What happened?
It got a little bit colder and my reading went through the roof.
I read 15 books in October. Of those, I gave eight books perfect grades—a record five non-fiction books and three fiction books.
Know My Name
Chanel Miller is tired of people not knowing her name. She has been known as “Emily Doe” since her victim impact statement went viral on BuzzFeed.
Miller was attacked in 2015 while unconscious from drinking at a fraternity party at Stanford University. Two students stopped the attack, chased her attacker and held him down until the police arrived. Her attacker, Brock Turner, was a Stanford student. He was tried and convicted of three counts of sexual assault, for which he served only three months in jail.
Miller decided to reclaim her identity in September by publicly releasing her identity and powerfully telling the story of her trauma in her book.
Everything is Figureoutable
I’ve listened to Marie Forleo’s podcast for awhile, so it’s not really surprising that I loved her book. What was surprising was how I just couldn’t put the book down.
The concept of Forleo’s book is based on something her mother said to her. She told Forleo: “Nothing in life is that complicated. You can do whatever you set your mind to if you roll up your sleeves. Everything is figureoutable.”
It seems that I must have picked up the phrase “everything is figureoutable” from Forleo’s podcast because I really believe it.
Forleo’s book works through how to apply the mantra to achieving your goals, overcoming problems with money, better using your time, dealing with criticism, and crushing thoughts that you aren’t worthy.
Unnecessary Sorrow
It seems important to first tell you that I consider Joe Hight, the author of Unnecessary Sorrow, a friend. I don’t think my relationship with Joe impacted my views on this book, especially since there were evenings while I was reading when I was so angry I could scream and others when I found tears in my eyes.
The book is about Joe’s brother, Paul Hight. Hight is living his childhood dream of being a Catholic priest when he begins showing signs of mental illness. The Church removes Hight from the priesthood as he becomes increasingly sick. Hight and his family struggle with his mental illness, trying to discover and keep him in the appropriate treatments. Hight was shot and killed in 2000 during an encounter with police that most likely would not have happened if it weren’t for his mental illness.
Joe’s book is an important statement on how we treat mentally ill people in our country. It also made me think more than once about those mentally ill people who do not have the family support that Paul Hight had and what happens to them.
The Murderer Next Door
Did you know that 91% of men and 84% of women have fantasized about murdering someone?
I didn’t know this statistic until I read Jon Ronson’s book, So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed, where it is mentioned. Frankly, after reading it, I had to know more.
The Murdered Next Door is based on David Buss’s study on the psychology behind murder. The findings are interesting, including those on who is most likely to murder whom and why.
Clearly we should all be more mindful of who we wrong.
Who Killed These Girls?
You’ve probably heard of the case this book is about. On Dec. 6, 1991, in Austin, Texas, the naked, bound, burned bodies of four girls–each shot in the head—were found in a frozen yogurt shop.
Two suspects were tried, but their conventions were later overturned. The case has grown cold, making this one of those whodunnits that just sticks with people.
Beverly Lowry also caught my attention as the author of this book. She became a true crime writer after her 18-year-old son was killed in a hit and run. It seems gives her a unique perspective for writing these types of stories.
The Retreat
Julia lost her family in an accident two years ago. Her husband drowned trying to save their daughter, Lily, in the river near their home. But the girl’s body was never found, and Julia believes she is still alive.
After her loss, Julia decided to open her house as a writer’s retreat. Enter a cast of unusual characters, including Lucas, a horror novelist.
When Lucas learns about Lily’s story, he sets out to determine what actually happened to her. He learns that the small town has a lot of secrets and urban legends just might be true.
What Remains True
The Davenports are falling apart after 5-year-old Jonah is killed in an accident. The family members are grieving and full of guilt for what they see as their individual roles in the boy’s death.
Rachel Davenport, Jonah’s mother, can hardly get out of bed and seems on the verge of a breakdown. Sam Davenport, Jonah’s dad, is filled with regret for his choices. Eden Davenport, Jonah’s sister, is trying hard to find her new normal without her pesky little brother. And Aunt Ruth, Rachel’s sister, is trying to take care of everyone while dealing with her own personal issues.
I loved this book because its chapters are written from multiple viewpoints, including the dog’s. The story is sad, but it seems to be a realistic picture of how a family struggles to deal with loss.
Tips for Living
There were times when Nora wanted her artist ex-husband and the woman he impregnated and left her for dead, but she didn’t kill them.
As if what they already had done to her wasn’t enough, the ex and his new woman move their family to the small town where Nora has rebuilt her life. The ex’s new wife even starts coming to Nora’s yoga class.
When the couple is found dead, Nora is the prime suspect. But, for her, everyone else seems guilty. Nora must figure out who killed the couple and framed her before she ends up in jail.
There they are, my favorite books of October. I hope you find something on the list to read and love.
As always, happy reading!
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