Now that spooky season is over, my TBR is looking like what I would call a “catch-up” month. There’s a few books on my TBR for November that have just been on my physical TBR for way too long. Some of which I’ve even promised to get to earlier in the year. Although October meant getting lots of books for my birthday (and a few I bought for myself), one of my biggest goals is to get my TBR down as much as possible. While TBR 0 is likely to never be a possibility, I feel so much better about choosing books to read when I know there’s a minimal amount of books on my TBR.
In the same breath, I really want to do my first reread in what must be many years. I’ve been wanting to read The Secret History for the last year (even though I only read it for the first time last summer). I really want to experience this book again while the weather is getting colder and see if my opinions have changed at all over that time.
The rest of my TBR, other than my book club book, are two books that were kindly sent to me by authors. So I definitely want to make sure I read those in a timely manner as well.
So that’s that! Here are the books that I’ve chosen for this month:
The Threat Below by Jason Latshaw
It is rumored that after another planet makes contact with Earth that the world will end in seven days. For Jesse Hewitt, one bad blow after another leaves him indifferent if things were to end now. But for Cate Collins, she wants to use the time to learn about the father she’s never met. And for Adeem Khan, he can’t forgive his sister for leaving. And with only seven days left, these three people are brought together.
I was browsing on Depop when I came across this book. The nerd in me got a little excited when I noticed there were not only binary numbers under the cover of the book, but they actually translated to a message! So I’m definitely curious about how programming plays into this one and how this story will play out in general. It seems like it’s extremely character-focused, so I’m looking forward to that as well.
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
The Shadow of the Wind is a historical fiction novel that takes place in 1940’s Barcelona. It follows a book dealer’s son, who, while greiving the loss of his mother, finds comfort in a book called The Shadow of the Wind. But as he searches for the author’s other works, he finds that someone has been destroying them, and he may have the last copy. Set out to know why, the narrator delves into Barcelona’s history and secrets.
I never got to reading this book when I intended to earlier in the year. I absolutely need to read it soon! It sounds very similar to other books that I’ve loved and it seems like the perfect time of year to pick it up.
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
A Gallery of Mothers is the sequel to The Threat Below. Mountaintop, the last known village of humanity, is at risk of its end, and only Icelyn Brathius can save it. But in order to do so, she must travel to a legendary tower in the middle of an unforgiving desert – and face the truths that she’s given.
This book was given to me by the author. I just finished The Threat Below recently so I’m looking forward to reading the sequel. I really liked the worldbuilding in the first book, and I’m curious to see how the story is continued from here.
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte
This classic follows Helen Graham, who returns to Wildfell Hall after a failed marriage. There, she starts her life under a new name and makes a living as a painter.
I enjoy the works of the Brontes very much, but I’ve never read anything by Anne Bronte. This has been on my TBR for a very long time so I’m looking forward to finally picking this one up.
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Robin Wall Kimmerer is both a botanist and a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. In her book, Kimmerer brings both of her experiences together to demonstrate what nature can teach us about the world around us.
This is the Feminist Book Club pick for November. And as usual, while there were so many great choices for this month’s theme, I’m really excited to read this book in particular. When I first looked up the book on Goodreads as well I found myself looking at similar books. I haven’t been reading as many non-fiction books lately, and I’m looking forward to seeing what I will learn from this book as well as her experiences.
Devonna by Audrey Francis-Plante
Six years after the death of her cousin, Devonna Moreau still carries the guilt of it all. The truth is, that she may have been able to save her if she were able physically feel anything. Until one day, Devonna feels the touch of Bram Hanaghan – but Bram is a ghost. Devonna hopes to use the encounter to find her cousin, but vengeful ghosts have other plans for her.
I won this book in a giveaway hosted by the author. This book has such an interesting premise, and the inclusion of ghosts in this story has me very intrigued as well.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
The Secret History is a novel that follows a group of classics students at an elite New England college. Richard, a California transfer, joins this small group as a new student of the school. Richard recounts his time at school, the dynamics of the classics group, and their secrets – as well as what led to the murder of one of their own.
I’ve been wanting to reread this book for about a year now, and now seems like the perfect time of year to do so. I’m curious to see how my thoughts have changed over time. I’m also planning on annotiating my book as I have two copies now!
What are you planning on reading this month? Additionally, have you read any of the books I’m planning on reading, or plan to yourself? I’d love to hear your thoughts on them!
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The Shadow Of The Wind is one of my all time favorites, so I can highly recommend that one! And I’m hoping to read Transcendent Kingdom some time soon myself too… I hope you will enjoy all of these! xx
Thank you! I’ve heard amazing things about The Shadow of the Wind so I’m really looking forward to finally reading that one. I hope you enjoy Transcendent Kingdom!
I bought Shadow of the Wind recently, heard such great things about it. I hope you enjoy all these books! 😊
Ooh, I hope you love it too! I’ve heard amazing things about it.