October is almost over, but I believe you can read dark and creepy novels all year long. Hmm... unless that's just me?
And for those of you who enjoy a good historical-mystery-love story, look no further than the list below....
And for those of you who enjoy a good historical-mystery-love story, look no further than the list below....
*****
Books Read in October: 6
Total Books Read in 2013: 78
Standouts:
Just What Kind of Mother Are You? by Paula Daly - Fast-paced and twisty, this novel takes an already terrifying premise and proceeds to bump it up a few more notches. Add good writing and well-drawn characters to the mix and you've got a novel you won't want to - or be able to - put down.
Doctor Sleep by Stephen King - It's no secret around here that I'm a huge fan of Stephen King. More suspenseful and creepy than outright scary, this novel is full of King's usual complex characters, who really are the heart and soul of the story. It helps a bit for background's sake if you've read The Shining, but I don't think it's necessary in order to enjoy this one.
The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes - I'm going to start this mini-review with a complaint, if you can even call it that. I enjoyed the "historical" aspect of this book so much so that I practically groaned every time I was taken out of it to spend time in the "present day" part of the story. That's not to say the present day story isn't good because it is, absolutely. I just fell in love with Sophie's story and was positively desperate to find out what happened to her! This novel's got it all - history, mystery, love, sacrifice, power, pain, hope. Don't miss it!
Do any of these Standouts sound good to you? Have you read anything lately you'd recommend? If you're participating in a reading challenge, like through Goodreads, how on track are you? I'm a few books behind, but this is one goal I love striving for!
*****
Doctor Sleep by Stephen King - It's no secret around here that I'm a huge fan of Stephen King. More suspenseful and creepy than outright scary, this novel is full of King's usual complex characters, who really are the heart and soul of the story. It helps a bit for background's sake if you've read The Shining, but I don't think it's necessary in order to enjoy this one.
*****
The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes - I'm going to start this mini-review with a complaint, if you can even call it that. I enjoyed the "historical" aspect of this book so much so that I practically groaned every time I was taken out of it to spend time in the "present day" part of the story. That's not to say the present day story isn't good because it is, absolutely. I just fell in love with Sophie's story and was positively desperate to find out what happened to her! This novel's got it all - history, mystery, love, sacrifice, power, pain, hope. Don't miss it!
*****
Do any of these Standouts sound good to you? Have you read anything lately you'd recommend? If you're participating in a reading challenge, like through Goodreads, how on track are you? I'm a few books behind, but this is one goal I love striving for!
I am going to get Dr. Sleep for my dad for Christmas. He's a HUGE King fan.
ReplyDeleteI think he'll enjoy it! If he hasn't already read King's JOYLAND, which came out this past summer, that might be another one for him.
DeleteThe Girl You Left Behind sounds great!
ReplyDeleteOh, Dana, it really was!
DeleteI've read one other Moyes book, ME BEFORE YOU, and I loved that one, too, although they're both very different books.
I'm Calimero at the NaNo site. I'd love to be buddies. :)
DeleteSee you over there! :)
DeleteIt's been a long time since I picked up a new King. I ought to--I still credit him with my love of reading. I am also impressed with all your reading! I think I only managed 2 books in October, largely because so much of my limited reading time was spent beta reading or editing my own stuff.
ReplyDeleteI'm a fast reader, and I tend to read when I should be doing more, uh, "productive" things like laundry or cleaning. Thankfully, my husband doesn't care. :)
DeleteDOCTOR SLEEP was really good, and it wasn't an enormous book in terms of pages, so that might work better for you. Or try JOYLAND.
Haven't read any of them. Not even sure of the last King novel I read.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget King's short stories and novellas, too. And if scary is not your thing, he's got a number of other stories that wouldn't fall under that category, like THE BODY (the movie "Stand By Me") and THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION.
DeleteThe Shining scared me so much I'm almost afraid to read Dr. Sleep but I know I will eventually.
ReplyDeleteHappy Halloween!
The Shining was waaaaaaay scarier than Doctor Sleep. At least in my mind. Of course, I could just be old and jaded by now. :)
DeleteRecently I finished The Maid's Version by Daniel Woodrell. Great book, great voice.
ReplyDeleteThat's good to hear, Donna! I've had it on my TBR list for awhile now.
DeleteWow, Donna- you're another one who's reading habit puts me to absolute shame! I am SO behind on my reading list, it's pathetic! And now with NaNo I'm terribly concerned about the liklihood that will continue. Thanks for the push!
ReplyDeleteNaNo will probably slow me down a bit. :)
DeleteDr. Sleep will be on my Christmas wish list -- as well as Dust and Shift by Howey -- finished Wool yesterday. Good stuff!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed WOOL! I liked that better than SHIFT, but I'm excited to read DUST soon.
Deletethanks for the recs! these sound great for your october! and ive been wantung to hear about doctor sleep, thanks!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely check them out, Tara! I think you'll enjoy them.
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