September Round-Up – The Books I Read In September 2019

This month I have continued with my blog break, with the exception of a review as part of a blog tour. September was a good month for me where I managed to read eight books…

Perfect Sound Whatever by James Acaster – I started the month with some non-fiction in the form of the eagerly awaited second book from one of my favourite comedians. In Perfect Sound Whatever, Acaster explores the music of 2016, the year he claims was the best for music, and how discovering and enjoying a vast amount of music helped him through a difficult period in his life. This was an enjoyable read, and certainly something a bit different in which I learnt a little more about James and discovered some new music along the way.

A Single Thread by Tracy Chevalier – This month I took part in the blog tour for A Single Thread, in which I shared my thoughts on the latest book from Tracy Chevalier. This was an enjoyable, character driven historical fiction story in which we meet a woman who sets out to find her place in the world during a complex period in history.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood – In preparation for the publication of The Testaments, I wanted to refresh my memory on the events that took place in The Handmaid’s Tale, an old favourite of mine. To do this, I picked up a copy of the graphic novel. I don’t often read graphic novels, but really enjoyed this one which featured bold, stunning artwork which captures the story and the setting well and left me excited to revisit Gilead.

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood – And of course, next up on my reading list was The Testaments which was one of my most eagerly anticipated books of this year. And this was a book that had me hooked from the start, with three different voices each providing a different perspective of life in Gilead. It was a book that captured my interest, and was immensely readable, as Atwood delves deeper into this disturbing world whilst offering hope for its characters future.

Sex Power Money by Sara Pascoe – My second non-fiction read of this month was another book by a comedian in the form of Sara Pascoe’s second book. In Sex Power Money, Pascoe explores a number of complex topics, particularly concerning matters of attraction, sex and the porn industry. But whilst this is an informative book which deals with some important subjects, it is told with plenty of humour, which made it an enjoyable and insightful read.

Once Upon A River by Diane Setterfield – My book club’s read for September was Once Upon A River by Diane Setterfield. Events take place in an inn on the Thames, a place where many stories are told. And it is the place another story begins to unfold when an injured stranger arrives carrying the body of a drowned girl. But when the girl comes back to life, questions are raised as to how this has happened, and where she has come from. So begins a multi layered tale in which numerous threads of the story are woven together, as life on the river unfolds, and the lives of those who live there are changed. This was a wonderfully written and compelling story which I really enjoyed.

Leonard And Hungry Paul by Ronan Hession – I loved this sweet little story which is now amongst my favourite books I have read this year. It tells the story of Leonard and Hungry Paul, two friends who are quietly navigating life and the challenges that come their way. I warmed to these characters straight away, and the interactions that they have as we explore the complexities of life and relationships. This was a wonderfully written tale with plenty of moments to savour.

Dark Pines by Will Dean – My final read of September was the first book in Will Dean’s Tuva Moodyson mystery series. Tuva is an interesting protagonist, a reporter for a local newspaper who happens to be deaf, which presents a challenge for her as she finds herself in dangerous territory as she investigates a sinister death in the forest by a small Swedish town. I had been looking forward to reading this for a long time since hearing Will talk about this at an event in Nottingham and I was gripped by this story which I read in a day. I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Red Snow.

I am going to continue my blog break for a little while but I will be back next month to share what I have read in October!