Books I Read in September

including 2 best sellers

Oct 06, 2024

“Women are like cats. We have nine lives. It’s that most of us do not realize it.”

quote from The Sicilian Inheritance

I loved the quote above from July’s books - just forgot to share it until now. I’d like to find a way to keep quotes from books better organized. Right now there is no system outside of a rogue note in my phone. Let me know if any of you have suggestions!

Listed in the order I read them and linked here.

Trail of the Lost: The Relentless Search to Bring Home the Missing Hikers of the Pacific Crest Trail by Andrea Lankford. My 2nd favorite genre (nonfiction narrative). Think: exactly what the title says. Trail of the Lost chronicles Andrea’s first-hand experience searching for and connecting with family / friends of three hikers who went missing (and have never have been found) from the PCT. Perfect for adventure lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Ranger Confidential: Living, Working, and Dying in the National Parks by Andrea Lankford. Really loved this! Think: Again, what the title says (she’s very literal). Told in often humorous ways (in light of a lot of tragedy, death, and sketchy rescue situations), Andrea chronicles her and her colleague’s experiences working as park rangers. As someone who frequents national parks, this was an interesting (and sometimes sad) look behind the curtain at what goes down in the greatest outdoor treasures in the U.S.
The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline. This is a YA book (that you can tell is a YA book) while still being enjoyable. It did end up on the best seller list after all. Think: end of the world and Indigenous people of North America are being hunted for their bone marrow. This follows the story of a group on the run, searching for more of their own and what they need to stop the hunt for good.
Empire of Wild by Cherie Dimaline. Gripping, mystical, and haunting. Think: woman’s husband goes missing. In her search, she finds him at a revival tent - turned preacher; only, perhaps he’s been possessed by the Rogarou--a werewolf-like creature. Together with her country music loving nephew, they set out to bring him back. This book is inspired by the traditional Métis community and the Rogarou story. Fun fact: is being adapted into an opera.
You’re Safe Here by Leslie Stephens. Think: Amazon x Goop-like technology company that develops the Well Pod, a free floating relaxation pod that traverses the Pacific Ocean, providing solitude for it’s passengers. The tech company founder is mysterious and may or may not have good intentions at heart. Overall - this was fun - a little heavy handed at times, but a quick read and different concept/idea than the usual.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. Devoured this! Think: two long lost friends reconnect and start a video game company. But it’s not really about video games. The story explores love and friendship across all its iterations throughout life. The only downside for me is that one of the main characters went through zero personal growth or awareness - but perhaps that is just another reflection on the types of relationships one may encounter in this lifetime.
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel. Think: time travel, global pandemic and evolving humanity across centuries. It’s really fun to continue reading in the world of Mandel knowing there are overlapping characters and tidbits in her books. The connection in this one was brief, but that made finding it all the more sweet.
Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe by Laura Lynne Jackson. I started this a several months ago and just finished it, not that it wasn’t good, just that I wanted to break it up with more “fun” reads. Think: a renowned psychic medium facilitates connections between those who have passed over and their still living loved ones in order to help them find patterns and signs that serve as loving reminders that they’re still connected.
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. For book club and a reread for me. Think: 10 people are invited to deserted island, all of them die. So who did it? Dun, dun, dun. I love a good Agatha Christie - they’re quick, fun, and hold up relatively well (some of her word choices are very “of her time”).

Book I Loved the Most:

Empire of Wild by Cherie Dimaline. This was a very enchanting book that also sucked me in and kept me there until it was over. Cherie is an indigenous writer and reading her works give me insight into her community and people that I haven’t been exposed to. More on this here.

Book I Would Add to My Collection:

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. It’s a classic!

Honorable Mention:

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. The pages seemed to turn themselves on this one for me. I resisted reading it for a while because it was so popular (best seller alert) and somewhat sad (I tend to avoid sad/depressing books), but I’m glad I gave it a chance!

What to see what else I’ve read in 2024? Check out:

THOUGHTS FOR YOU:

What have you not been able to put down?

Vogue [ish]

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