My Month Is Booked: October Reads

I totally forgot to post September's read, so you get two months worth this time, though I definitely didn't read as much as I did in summer! And I'm having a hard time picking my next read (though I did read 2 books already this month). I'm hoping to get some inspiration from reading all your recent reviews in Lauren's linkup! Anyway, Here's what I read since the last time I joined:

Opium and Absinthe - Lydia Kang: 4 Stars
library paperback

Trigger warnings: drug abuse/addiction, rape

I was a little wary about reading this one as it's not something I normally would have picked up because it's set in 1899 (I'm not a big fan of historical fiction) and vampires (also not a fan of paranormal). It was a book club pick, but perfect for "spooky" season! I was reeled in hard though! Basically our MC, Tillie, gets into a horse-riding accident, breaking her collarbone and hurting her shoulder, and is given opium for the pain. The same day, her sister goes missing and then is found dead in Central Park with what appear to be vampire bites on her neck and a bottle of absinthe next to her. When she finds this out, she makes it her mission to find out more about vampires and who or what killed her sister, but she's heavily drugged the entire story. (It should be noted that "Dracula" was also just released around this time.) 

I felt bad for Tillie. First of all, she got hooked on opiates (as many young people do) due to an injury. It was actually a bit baffling since this is still such a raging issue today. Second, her family was awful (they had been keeping secrets of their own, which they continued not to discuss because it also kept them wealthy and "in good name"). Third, I was reminded how women were rated as second class citizens even when they were rich. She wants to WORK? Why, when she could be a "kept" woman?! Oh, Tillie is angry, reacting, and speaking up about it? She must be hysterical! Let's take her to the doctor for a dose of morphine immediately! Also, (almost) everyone was so willing to keep her drugged up so she would keep subdued, quiet, and just "let it go"! 

There was a lot going on in this story, and characters kept popping in, it seemed ad-hoc, to throw the reader (and Tillie) for a loop with a possible new killer candidate, which worked but was also a bit confusing. Our narrator is very unreliable so it's hard to figure out "whodunit" as she researches other vampiric-appearing deaths and more about the creatures themselves. Did Tillie truly know her older sister at all? As the pieces come together through the drug-induced haze, we begin to see a bigger picture of who her sister, and the people in her life, all played a part in her ultimate death... one that Tillie nearly meets herself.

The Golden Couple - Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen: 4 Stars

Own

Overall I really enjoyed this book. However the ending left me wanting to know one more thing - ___was acting really weird, and I want to know her full story. 

People We Meet On Vacation - Emily Henry: 3 Stars

Own

I liked this, but didn't love it. First of all, it was overly predictable. Second, I didn't really like either of the main characters. Third, I don't like it in general when a story goes back and forth in time, and this was no exception. It got so confusing! Fourth, I was irked that the title had absolutely nothing to do with the book. Or maybe I didn't love it  because I adored Beach Read so much?! 

I Choose Darkness - Jenny Lawson: 5 Stars

Kindle Unlimited

It's had to rate this because it wasn't a book... it wasn't even a novella. It was like a longer essay? But I love her reasoning for why she loves Halloween so much, the stories from growing up, her "conversations" with her editor sprinkled throughout, and of course the pictures. I was literally laughing out loud for most of it! 

Book Stats (recounted this month)
Total number read: 34
Owned: 22

Library: 12

E-book: 18

Physical book: 16
Non-Fiction: 5
BIPOC Author: 5

Given Away/Paperback Swap: 14

What are you reading?

Linking up with Lauren!

Currently: October

I was so happy when I learned that Jennifer was picking up the Currently link-up! I know I haven't participated in a long time, but I'm excited to catch up with all of you! Let's jump right in, shall we?

Reading: My Friend Anna: The True Story of a Fake Heiress by Rachel DeLoache Williams. Now that Erin's Book Challenge is over (I wound up reading 14 books between July 1st and Oct 31st!), I'm doing some "free-for-all" reading, and this finally became available at my library. I also started watching the Netflix series - have you seen it? This chick is crazy!

Listening To: Lizzo - 2 Be Loved (Am I Ready)      

Watching: I just watched Father Stu on Netflix last weekend; it was a bit of a tearjerker!

I am LOVING that Thursday Night Football has been moved to Amazon Prime. I don't have cable and even though I have an antennae to get some basic channels, the reception is spotty. This has been a real game changer (get it?! ha!)!

One of my high school friends shared this short documentary on FB called "One All The Way," which I didn't realize was a New Jersey regional term for Texas wieners! But it also shares a little history about the town Paterson, which is very close to me, and includes many hot dog joints that I've also visited on a hot dog crawl! 

 

Borrowing: my friend's Starz account. I pay for a bunch and she shares some of mine too, but I only watch one show on this channel (The L Word) and it's coming back soon.

Buying: some new clothes. I shared my Prime Purchases on Tuesday, but I've also purchased a leather encased flask with my initials on it and a new candle from some local vendors at a craft fair.

Planning: Vacation! Hoping for a quick fall getaway/long weekend in either Vermont or Lake George, and then a TRUE vacation to Aruba in December, which will be the first *real* vacation, on a plane,  in two years (pre-pandemic)! We already booked our flights, and are in the process of researching excursions. If you've ever been to Aruba and have any recommendations, please send them my way! 

Prepping: my apartment for colder weather. I've been putting this off since it's been so warm recently (and expecting 76 degrees this weekend? In NJ, that's really warm for this time of year!), but I just put my area rug out, and I've pulled out my thermal backed curtains, air conditioner cover, and down comforter so they are ready to be put to use when it's a little cooler! 

What's currently going on with you?

Linking up with Jennifer! 

October Prime Purchases

Hi friends! I know I've been mostly MIA here but am hoping to get better about posting now that my "busy season" at work is done! Ya ever notice how after work you no longer want to look at a computer screen?! I either want to read a physical book, talk to or go out with friends, or zone out watching TV. Ok that last one isn't the greatest habit, but it's true! Anyway, I hope to get better about being present here, starting now!

Before I get to my recent purchases though, I have a slight rant - can we stop calling these "belt bags"? They are FANNY PACKS! OMG, you guys. I can't. Yes, I understand why they're a "#1 Best Seller!" because they are convenient AF, but they are still the same fanny packs that your grandma wore, just more aesthetically pleasing. #endrant

In other news, they say "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" and I hope that's still true because I bought so many of the items Tanya shared in September and I love them! (Another reason why I love this linkup!) So without further ado, here's what I bought from Amazon last month:

Raincoat

I have a long black raincoat but have been searching for a shorter khaki one that hits right below my hips. I love this one because it has a drawstring in the middle so I can tighten it if needed, and one on the hood so I can tighten if it's windy. And the zipper plus button closure makes me feel extra secure that I'll stay dry!

Roll-sleeve top

I'm always looking for reasonably priced long sleeve tops, usually to go under sweaters or cardigans in the colder month. I like the versatility of this one because I can wear it in multiple seasons and the cut is a little fancier than some of the regular cotton ones I own so I can wear it alone or with something over it. 

Cardigan

I love a good chunky cardigan to throw on over just about anything on colder days! I got this in navy and really like the shape, texture, and deep pockets of this one.

Black flats

These Amazon Essentials flats were a replacement item since my last pair bit the dust recently. I was surprised by how well they fit and how comfortable they are! I sized down 1/2 a size and they fit perfectly. I'll probably buy them in multiple colors when spring comes back around!

Keychain card holder

Another replacement item - since losing my awesome slim wallet during MDW, I've been walking around with my driver's license and debit card just loosey goosey in my bag- no bueno! I was inspired by Tanya's daughter to get this slim RFID blocking card holder keychain, which is the perfect size to hold my ID, debit card, and some cash (does anyone carry around cash anymore?!). I also like the keychain because I can attach it to an inner pocket of my work bag so no one can steal it! Score! 

Drive-in + Dine

Essie nail polish in Drive-in + Dine. I'm a big fan of the Essie colors and needed a new polish for an upcoming vacation. Bonus, this one was only $6.

What are you purchasing lately?

Linking up with Tanya!