November Reads

Nine books, new authors, a beautiful picture book and learning the definition of "reading for fun."

In January, I set a goal to read 75 books. However, because I spent several unplanned trips on airplanes this year -- without my youngest -- I'm currently on book number 120. Yes, that's a lot of books, and no, I don’t think I can repeat that next year, but that’s ok.

Reading is often my relaxation, my escape and my reward for a rough day. I read on my kindle, I listen to audiobooks, I borrow books from the library and I buy them. Every time I think I’ll stop buying books, a new one comes out that I simply must read.

I also like reading challenges such as Bingo, reading a book for each letter of the alphabet or finishing a series. Last year and this year I’ve worked through the 52 Book Challenge, which means reading a book for 52 specific prompts.

Books I Read in November

In November, I set out to finish a bingo challenge and make some serious progress on my other reading challenges. But life happened. And while I read nine books, I gave up on the bingo challenge. Reading needed to be fun this month and stressing myself out over books was not a good idea.

In November I read one absolutely terrible romance novel, a choose-your-own-adventure book and one fantastic children’s book. My 6-year-old was my reading buddy, reading books with me and always up for cuddling up next to me with his own book.

Over one very stressful long weekend, which included a plane trip and a delay, I read three books and finished an audiobook soon after. Thanksgiving weekend I discovered a new four-part series about World War II — my favorite period of history to read about — and I finished the first two books.

Here are the books I loved this month.

• Pumpkin Everything by Beth Labonte

• Cradles of the Reich by Jennifer Coburn

• The Caiman by Maria Eugenia Manrique

• Savage Son by Jack Carr (I’m working through his series on audible)

• You’re Invited by Amanda Jayatissa

• A Light in the Window by Marion Kummerow

• From the Dark We Rise by Marion Kummerow

What’s up for December?

Most years, I read or listen to holiday novels. But this year I am planning to finish up some series and challenges.

I have 4 outstanding categories in the 52 Book Club Challenge.

I need 6 more books for the alphabet challenge (E, L, N, Q, V and X).

And 3 bonus challenge books.

But once again, reading is supposed to be fun, and while this year has not gone according to plan, I can still enjoy my books. Stay tuned for my year-in-books post, coming in early January.