Monday, November 02, 2020

BOOKS READ IN OCTOBER



I was not a very prolific blogger in October but I was a versatile reader. Everything from family sagas to cyberpunk to short stories to gothic to historical to biography. Short quick reads to lengthy tomes. I read nine books and have not reviewed one of them yet here, though I have several reviews written and they may come at you fast enough to divert you while the votes get counted.

Stats: 9 books read. 8 fiction. 6 written by women. 1 thriller. 1 mystery. 1 short story collection. 1 historical novel. 1 biography.

Countries visited: United States, Austria, Vietnam, Japan.

Authors New To Me: Shirley Grau, Asha Lemmie, JD Zahniser, Jean Kyoung Frazier

Favorites: The Sympathizer, Bellefleur.











Have you read any of these? What were your favorite reads in October?


35 comments:

  1. i'm really curious about the Gibson; i read his first book and altho i can't say i was crazy about it, it has stuck with me more than a lot of other books. Mary Stewart wrote a great trilogy about King Arthur; i read that in my teener years... "Airs" is about Viennese horses?

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    1. I read the first book a few months ago and was impressed. I liked Count Zero even more. I am working my way to Mary Stewart's King Arthur trilogy. Yes, Airs is about Viennese horses. Review coming soon.

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  2. Another excellent reading month. I added Bellefleur to my list after reading your review. On to November...

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    1. Bellefleur was a monster of a book. Another triumph by JCO.

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  3. Mary Stewart is an author I need to try. I'm curious about The Keeper of the House - off to check it out. I love how I always come across new titles when I visit your blog.

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    1. Mary Stewart's books are an excellent combination of mystery and romance. They always give me a wonderful respite from heavier reading and I love her heroines. The Keeper of the House was an impressive surprise for me. Glad you like finding new titles!

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  4. Versatility is great! I forgot, which one was cyberpunk? Do you think I would enjoy that?
    I hope November brings you another great batch of unexpected books

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    1. Count Zero is the cyberpunk. I think you would enjoy it for sure, but start with Neuromancer.

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  5. There's also a diverse range of cover designs/styles!

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  6. Definitely diverse reads this month, love it!

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  7. Quite a mix ... I look forward to your reviews. I have read The Sympathizer and it appears it held up for you a second time. The section on the movie The Hamlet I recall being quite a satirical takedown. Enjoy your Nov. books.

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    1. Oh yes, that was a set piece for all time. I watched Apocalypse Now (for the first time if you can believe it) before rereading The Sympathizer. That gave the section even more relevance this time.

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  8. How did you find Gibson? He was a HUGE influence on me in my 20's when I started reading him. Oddly I picked up his first book because the blurb described him as a Sci-Fi Raymond Chandler (who I love) and immediately fell in love with Gibson's writing style - but them I'm a sucker for anything 'Noir'.

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    1. I think Gibson is all that. Right up there with Neal Stephenson! Have you read his latest?

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    2. I *think* I've read 7 of his and have at least 1 or 2 in 'The Pile'[TM] but haven't picked up his latest yet. I LOVED his Cyberpunk stuff but his present day/very near future stuff is equally as good. He has a very unique 'voice' which I really appreciate.

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  9. Such a great list again, so many different kind of reads.

    I've read xxx.

    The Keepers of the House sounds like a good read for me. Looking forward to your review.

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    1. The Keepers of the House won the Pulitzer Prize in 1965. I thought it was great! Review coming soon.

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    2. That's nice to hear. Have a good day.

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  10. Haven't read any of the books in your post, but have The Sympathizer in my 'tbr'.

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    1. Thanks, Lisa. I hope you get to read it soon!

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  11. You have a lot of good looking books here, I’m curious about Pizza Girl and Fifty Words for Rain, I’ll have a look!

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    1. It was a good month. Both of the ones you mention are debut novels.

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  12. This is an impressive list of books. All look interesting. I did read Count Zero a long time ago. As I reread Neuromancer recently, maybe I will reread this.

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    1. I would like to know how these books held up for you on rereading.

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  13. An interesting list of reads. I read The Sympathizer in 2015 and found it quite fascinating. I'm glad to see you liked it, too.

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    1. Yes, it held up and in fact was even better than the first time for me. Nice to have you back!

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  14. You read ore than I did! I fear I'll be reading even less in November with my new job!

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    1. I didn't know you had a new job! Did I miss something?

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  15. For once, I have read one of these, Judy! A couple of years ago, I read and thoroughly enjoyed Airs Above Ground by Mary Stewart, and she is now an author I am always looking out to read more by, so I hope you enjoyed it too. As for my reading in October, I only read two books, but they were two great reads. Take care and happy reading in November. 👋📚🙂

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    1. I always enjoy Mary Stewart and Airs Above the Ground was extra special. Happy reading to you and thanks for your visit and comment, as always.

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  16. What did you think of Fifty Words for Rain? I'm looking forward to reading it. I also want to read The Sympathizer - lots of high praise!

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    1. I initially had mixed feelings about Fifty Words but it lingered so in my mind and I think that says a lot. No reservations at all about The Sympathizer.

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