Books and Cocktails for Fall

I am so excited to share these fabulous fall reads with you! I take my TBR very serious lol! I laugh but, it’s super true. I am in 3 reading challenges and I gave myself a goal of reading 112 books this year. I wanted to try for 120 which would be 10 books a month but I got sick last summer and didn’t read for a full month and that scared me so I tried to be realistic with, 112. As of right now, I am 94% done my goal as I have read 105 books so far this year! That’s crazy! I plan ahead and make monthly lists of all the new books coming into the library, all the new books being released, and all the books that fit into each of my specified reading challenge categories oh and I try to read books that fit the season and the holidays.

It’s not easy! 😂

These are my book recommendations for September and October keeping in mind Halloween and Truth and Reconciliation Day as well as obvious fall vibes. This year, I didn’t read any obvious Halloween books, but stuck to books that revolved around true crime, Gothic vibes, and dark magic. For Truth and Reconciliation Day, I tried to read a few books written by Indigenous authors. To be honest, I read Canadian Indigenous authors all the time and I’m not a huge fan of scary books, but I still managed to find some amazing autumn reads that I know you are going to love! As always, I put the category of my reading challenge in italics beside the title of the book as well as linking each book to the Canadian bookstore Chapters/Indigo. You can probably find all these titles at your local bookstore, secondhand book shop, or your public library!

Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings Based on or about a podcast. So basically 2 so-so social media celebrities dated in college and it ended badly. 6 years later, she calls him out in a drunken social media post that goes viral. Their teams get them to collaborate which turns into a challenge to redeem himself in 6 dates. Ninja came out to the balcony to see if I was ok because I was laughing so hard. Their first date killed me! However, I don’t know why he likes her, she is not even nice to him. I loved the therapy scene. I loved the vulnerability of both the main characters and how they give each other grace for their past behaviour and work on becoming better people. I was really happy with the ending. Sometimes books like this like to wrap up the ending in a happy bow, but I appreciate that there were healthy endings for all the storylines.

The Break by Katherena Vermette From a reading list. The first sentence left me shocked. McPhillips Street, and in the next sentence Selkirk to Leila at the edge of the North End. I knew then, this book takes place in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I know because my Dad grew up on those streets and I grew up going to my Grandparent’s who lived on Mountain Ave. Hearing the history of that small area in the first chapter and all the street names throughout the book, made it all very familiar. This book is devastatingly real and raw and shocking and gut wrenching. It is a book about patterns of abuse and what makes Indigenous girls “stronger”. It is about labels, appearances, gangs and what tough and strong really mean. This was a heartbreaking book on so many levels, but this is a story that needed to be told and will stay with me for a long time.

The Once and Future Witches by Alice Harrow Featuring magical realism. So part 1 was a struggle for me. I get this book. I believe that the word witch is a made up word to be used against women that fight against societal norms throughout history. This book believes the same thing, kinda. It’s just the sisters I couldn’t connect with, at first. This is a historical fiction book, but the history is blurred with magical realism and fantasy. Despite that, I see a lot of frightening parallels in our society today. The idea is that witchcraft has been buried in history and only kept alive through nursery rhymes, fairytales, and old wive’s tales. I liked the idea and the resistance of women and allies in this book but I didn’t connect with the characters as much as I would have liked to.

The Evening and the Morning by Ken Follett At least 600 pages long. Wow a Viking attack in the first 20 pages was certainly an explosive way to start the epic tale of Edgar, a ship builder from Dreng’s Ferry. Like all of the Kingsbury books, the life of a builder is told in such a way that even the day-to-day happenings that are written about, aren’t boring but fascinating. Other stories are weaved in, and all the different characters in each of the storylines all meet, and are directly or indirectly involved in each other‘s lives. There are the three brothers Wynstan, Wigelm and Wilfwulf, as well as the monk Aldred and the noble Normandy beauty, Ragna. The thing that really gets me about this series is that no matter how clever the “ordinary” man is, he always seems to lose to the wealthy, powerful and corrupt men in leadership positions. Maybe not the war but so many of the battles. It’s hard and it takes time for good to beat evil. I was wondering, why the prequel? But I soon realized, it all begins with the bones of Saint Adolphus and the bridge. King’s Bridge.

Flowers in the Attic by VC Andrews Published the year you were born & Reread a Favourite. I always say this was the first chapter book I ever read in elementary school lol. It probably was! I remember reading it like it was yesterday. I had to read a book for my challenge that was published in the same year I was born and a book I’ve read before, in another challenge so 2 birds with 1 stone! I don’t usually reread books but I’m glad I did in this case. I read it in a different way than when I was a kid. It was a scary book back then, now it’s just a twisted book but not nearly as scary. I watched the original movie so many times as a kid, I could picture the actors getting paler as they cut out flowers and snowflakes. When the doughnuts came, I remembered. I’m not sure I will read the rest of the series. I didn’t back then even though they were all on my Mom’s shelf. Although I do hope Cathy gets her revenge in the later books.

Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley If This Was A Movie – A book being turned into a movie. If you like music, this is the book for you! I loved how Percy broke down songs, my husband and I do that too. I also loved little things that really stood out to me because I grew up during the 90’s and I was the same age as Joey, Zoe and Percy at the beginning of the book. I just really related to how Percy saw things, like feminism and Letterman! Whoa! That hit hard! I listened to a LOT of the songs talked about in this book, in a new light. There are so many pop culture references, books, and political events that resonated with me, I couldn’t help but enjoy this book. I also love that although she went to school and lives in the US, the author is Canadian and her early years were bookmarked by the same stories, songs and events that mine were and I could tell.

The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel Author You Love. I love the story of Robin Hood. In fact, I’ve always had an idea for a story in my mind and it is about Robin Hood’s descendants, and so is this book! This was a fantastic book with many twists and turns. Colette is a cool old lady and I loved how 2 stories, 1 set in Paris during WWII and the other in 2018 in Boston, came together. The history of how Jewish people were treated in Paris was heartbreaking and almost unbelievable if it wasn’t so true. Tied together with a story of jewellery thieves funding the resistance was a new take that I loved. I really enjoyed all the characters and the ending was very satisfactory for me.

The Idaho 4 by James Patterson & Vicky Ward Fiction & Nonfiction by Same Author. When this happened, it was all over the news, it was an absolute tragedy and it happened in a town, 5 hours south of me. But the news cycle moves fast these days and I didn’t hear all the details. The trial was last month and Bryan Kohberger took a plea deal. This book, is written before this happens. The first part is almost written like a novel and goes into each of the victim’s lives. It is a true story told through the eyes of the people that knew them, their social media posts, and their families. The 2nd part is about Kohberger’s life and all his red flags as we read how the people that knew him saw him and what they thought about him. The 3rd part is how the victim’s families and how the authorities dealt with the first 6 weeks after the murders leading up to the arrest. It also shows how the media didn’t want to do their due diligence but instead reported rumours. The 4th part is about what Kohberger was doing during the time between the murders and his arrest. Part 5 deals with the immediate aftermath of Kohberger’s arrest. How each of the families handle things and how everyone questions, how they missed all the signs and who is to blame? Part 6 is the time before the trial. It was an interesting read especially if you like true crime or followed this case. It really showed me that we live in a world where we expect answers ridiculously fast. It’s crazy that so many people think they know better than the experts. It’s easy to see, reading this, how the rise of conspiracy theories have taken over.

The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Multigenerational Story. There are 3 storylines happening here. Each timeline has sections, 1 in 1998 is where Minerva is at Stoneridge College working on her thesis about a 1934 disappearance of a student, written about in a book by a fellow alumni. There is also a strange disappearance of a fellow student at the same time. The next is in 1908 and is about Minerva’s grandmother, Alba, her brother (who mysteriously vanishes) and her uncle, in Mexico. And the last takes place in 1934 when Virginia disappears from college, the same story her roommate wrote about and that Minerva is studying. In all three timelines, there is the undercurrent of witchcraft, dark magic, bewitchments, and ghosts. This is not a book about witches with pointy hats, but of blood magic and the occult. I enjoyed all three timelines written by this Canadian author. This is a dark Gothic horror perfect for the season.

Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice From a library display. I was into this book right away. My kids say I prepare for the apocalypse all the time lol but really, I feel like learning the basics is important if for some reason power/communication was disrupted. Just like in this book. I love that this book tells the story of a northern reserve in Ontario and what they do to survive when the world goes dark. I loved learning how the First Nations people live and their traditions and culture allowing them to adapt far better than the southern cities, where they are used to luxuries and conveniences. The way they honour their kills for food and give thanks to the land and the way they all look after each other while acknowledging the community members that are taking advantage, is special. The arrival of outsiders changes dynamics though. As an elder explains, they have gone through apocalypses before and yet they survive. I’m glad to find out there is a second book after that abrupt ending. A really good book that gave me chills thinking about all the what ifs.

Trust by Hernan Diaz Twist Ending. This is not a typical book for me. There are 4 parts to this book. The 1st is Bonds, a fictional story about Benjamin and his wife, Helen. At first I was like, what am I reading here? Thank goodness for Helen! I liked her point of view, even as a child. Her Dad falling down the conspiracy hole at the same time they are in Europe and WWI breaks out was fascinating and relatable to present day. This story is about the stock market crash in 1929. Facades, manipulation, mental illness and blind focus on control are themes. This fictional story is believed to be loosely based on Finance Tycoon, Andrew Bevel. The 2nd is written like the outline/draft of a memoir. Andrew Bevel tells the story of the four generation of men in his family that achieved financial success starting in 1807 to Andrew the fourth generation seizing his opportunity in 1907 and what he did to prosper, personally and for “the good of the whole”, up until the crash of 1929. The third is written from the perspective of Ida, an Italian immigrant. I had no idea how Italian immigrants were treated in the US in the late 1800’s and into the 20th century. Ida receives a copy of Bonds (part 1) from her employer, Andrew Bevel (part 2) and then begins to help him write his autobiography to counter what people think they know about him and his wife from Bonds. The 2 main things that stood out to me and that I could relate to at present time were, “Money is at the core of it all an illusion. We’ve all agreed to support. Unanimously.” And “bending and aligning reality.” I loved Ida and I’m so glad she liked Helen as much as I did and fought to get out Mildred’s voice. The fourth part is the diary of Andrew’s wife Mildred and it is a clarifying moment between all the parts.

Silver Elite by Dani Francis Long story short – a book with more than 500 pages. First of all, Wren is my favourite female fantasy name because they always seem to be taken for granted and people always underestimate a “little bird” and this Wren absolutely lives up to the name! She is feisty, funny and fiercely loyal but also totally unassuming. Nobody knows what she’s capable of, except Cross of course. I like the slow burn, the competition aspect of the program, and the friendships Wren makes while they all work towards hopefully becoming part of the Silver Block. I like how smart Wren is and I like that she has 2 romantic interests and I like them both. I love the Daisy/Wolf storyline, the ace pilot twist and the cliffhanger at the end of the book. Can’t wait for the next one!

Five Survive by Holly Jackson Featuring a locked-room mystery. My 12 year old daughter read this book this year and begged me to read it. I don’t like scary books but she loved it and it is YA so I gave it a try. It was a good mystery with lots of twists and turns considering it takes place in one night, in one location and has a small cast of characters. It really bothered me that we never find out about the curtains or who voted yes or no. The different secrets were a lot, especially for YA but the writing kept if simple to follow the clues and go a-ha at the end (or 1/4 the way like me). There were a lot of storylines and I can see how my teen enjoyed the journey of how they all connected. A good mystery, perfect for YA.

Look Closer by David Ellis Set in the Suburbs. I don’t know what to say about this book. It’s a murder mystery but I felt like it was, obvious. It was too long and there was too much information not to be led directly to the conclusion. I think the characters were good, the crimes were good and the way it’s written makes you think that there be a big twist, but there really isn’t. The last 150 pages were by far the best part and I really liked inspector chain. There seemed to be a lot of different loose ends that all got tucked in and I like that. I’m all over the place with this book lol. It was good but not great. I was definitely interested enough to finish, but although I was satisfied with the ending, I definitely wasn’t blown away.

The Names by Florence Knapp Bottom of Your To-Read List. I kept renewing this and letting it sit on my nightstand for weeks. I don’t know what took me so long because this was not the book I thought it was going to be! Domestic violence is something that I haven’t read about that much. This is a story about Cora and her family. Cora and her successful Dr husband have a newborn baby boy that needs a name. Told in 3 different timelines, Cora names the baby in the first part, the name their older daughter chooses for him. In the second she names him what she wants and in the third she names him after her husband like she has been told to. Every 7 years we get a glimpse into the lives of Cora and her family told in the 3 different timelines and each shows how their lives turned out because of a name. It gave me the same feeling as watching Sleeping with the Enemy when I was younger. This was a good book and the 3 timelines twisted together through the years in interesting ways.

Dark Roads by Chevy Stevens Set in British Columbia. I actually read a few books set in British Columbia this year, but I’ve had this one on my list for a while now. I don’t like scary books, but I have heard about the Highway of Tears for years, which is what Cold Creek Highway is based off of and that prologue, wow, it had me pulled right into the story from the beginning. This book was not what I expected. It wasn’t scary but it still made me shiver with fear. Hailey and Beth were strong characters and while some of the plot points were a little iffy, I was totally satisfied with the ending. It seemed to wrap up a little too quickly, but it all made sense, it was a great twist, and I felt satisfied that Amber‘s story was told.

Circe by Madeline Miller Mythological Retelling. If you like mythology, this is the book for you! This book spans hundreds of years and every Greek myth you’ve ever heard of is written about in this book. The, behind the scenes, of the stories like the Minotaur and the labyrinth and Jason and the Golden fleece. I had no idea who Circe was before this book and I had a fun time googling myths and seeing how each character connected to each other. The story itself was beautiful and detailed and spanning so much time and mythology. From inner demons and guilt to love and loyalty to ambition and will, so many different lessons to learn on the journey to Circe’s happiness. This was a very good book.

Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer Villain as a Protagonist. When my kids were little they loved Phineas and Ferb. Honestly, it was one of the only kid shows that I enjoyed as well lol. That’s what this book reminded me of, Dr. Doofenshmirtz and Perry the Platypus lol. This book was hard for me because although I like morally grey characters, this MC is an actual villain. A bad guy that does bad things. He has employees that help him do bad things and yet all the murder, beheadings, and evil doing all seem to be every day occurrences, which allows for quick witted banter between the villain and his assistant, to be laugh out loud funny. This book definitely does not take itself serious. Once you figure that out, you can just sit back and enjoy this hilarious and preposterous tale.