Where Did September Go? A Reading Recap and a Glimpse of Spooky Season

Is it just me, or did September vanish in a puff of smoke? I can't believe we're already at September 30th. It feels like just yesterday I was writing my "end of August" post, full of plans for a month of productive reading and enjoying the first hints of autumn. And yet, here we are, on the cusp of October, with Halloween decorations already popping up in stores and on my neighbors' lawns.

The end of the month always feels like a time for reflection, not just on the days that flew by, but on the books I managed (or didn't manage) to read. This month was a bit of a mixed bag. The first half was a whirlwind of social events, work deadlines, and general life chaos that left little time for getting lost in a good book. But the last couple of weeks? Pure reading bliss.

I finally finished a book that had been on my "in-progress" list for what felt like an eternity: a sweeping historical fiction that was beautifully written but required a significant time commitment. Finishing it felt like a triumph! And as soon as I turned that last page, I dove headfirst into something completely different.

I'm currently midway through a delightful cozy mystery series. Think small town, quirky characters, and a charming protagonist who always seems to stumble upon a crime. It's the perfect palate cleanser after a heavy, emotional read. The chapters are short, the plot is engaging, and I find myself reaching for it every spare moment I have.

But as much as I'm enjoying my current read, my mind is already starting to drift towards the spooky season. October is my favorite month for reading. The air gets a little crisper, the days get shorter, and there's nothing I love more than curling up on the couch with a good thriller, a classic Gothic novel, or even a ghost story.

My "To Be Read" (TBR) pile for October is already getting a little out of control. I've got a new Stephen King release, a highly-recommended haunted house novel, and a collection of short horror stories that I've been saving for this very moment. I'm also hoping to revisit a few of my favorites, like Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House.

There's something about the atmosphere of Halloween that makes me crave these kinds of books. It’s not about being terrified, but about a sense of unease, a shiver down the spine, and a world where the strange and supernatural feel just a little bit closer.

So, as we say goodbye to September and welcome October with open arms, I'm making a new reading goal. Less historical fiction, more... well, more of what goes bump in the night.

What about you? What are you reading to get into the Halloween spirit? And what book helped you get through the blur that was September? Let me know in the comments below! Here's to a month of spooky reads and pumpkin spice everything.

The Silo Series: My Library Quest and the Apple TV Binge-Wait

Oh, the joy of discovering a new obsession! And the unique agony of being so close, yet so far from it. If you're a bookworm who also happens to love a good streaming series, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. My latest obsession? The world of Hugh Howey's Silo series.

It all started, as so many things do these days, with a recommendation. Friends, social media, and a deep-dive into the Apple TV+ catalog all pointed me toward one show: Silo. The premise immediately hooked me: a world where humanity lives in a giant underground silo, with complex rules, unspoken histories, and a mysterious outside world. I watched the first episode... and then the second, and the third, and suddenly, I was fully invested.

But here's the thing. While I love a good TV adaptation, I'm a firm believer that the book is always better (or at least offers a richer, more detailed experience). The show's first season is based on the first book, Wool, but the story continues far beyond what's been adapted so far. And I NEED to know what happens next.

So, like any self-respecting book lover, I went to my local library, full of hope and anticipation. The library is my sanctuary, a place where I can get lost for hours, emerging with a stack of new worlds to explore. I strode confidently to the sci-fi section, a mental list of the Silo books ready to be checked off: Wool, Shift, Dust.

I found the spot where the books should be. My fingers grazed the empty space on the shelf. Wool... not there. Shift... gone. Dust... also missing. My heart sank a little. I should have known. When a book series gets a popular TV adaptation, it's a guaranteed library rush.

A quick search on the library's catalog confirmed my fears. All three books in the main series were checked out. Not just that, but there were multiple holds on each of them. I'm not the only one who had this bright idea! It's a testament to the power of the show and the quality of Howey's writing, but it's also a cruel fate for an impatient reader like myself.

So now, I'm in a state of suspended animation. I've placed a hold on all three books, and I'm playing the waiting game. My library app is now my most-frequently-checked app, second only to the Apple TV app, of course. I've got my notifications on, eagerly awaiting the email that says, "Your hold on Wool is now available." It's like a literary lottery ticket.

In the meantime, I'm re-watching the Silo series on Apple TV+ with a new appreciation. I'm looking for clues, subtle details, and character motivations that might have a deeper meaning in the context of the larger story. It's a great way to pass the time while I'm waiting to dive into the books.

I can't wait to finally get my hands on them. I want to discover the full scope of the silo's history, the secrets of the outside world, and the fates of the characters I've come to care so much about. The TV show has given me a tantalizing taste, and now I'm ready for the full feast.

Has this ever happened to you? A TV show or movie leads you to a book series, only to find the books are in high demand? Share your story in the comments below! And if you're one of the lucky people who currently has the Silo books, please, read quickly! Some of us are waiting!

My Great Library Hunt: On the Search for the Perfect Parenting Book

As a new mom, my life is a beautiful whirlwind of joy, exhaustion, and a million questions. Most of these questions start with "Is this normal?" and end with "Am I doing this right?"

In my quest for answers, I’ve scrolled through countless forums, listened to a hundred podcasts, and received a lot of well-meaning but often contradictory advice. And while all of that has been helpful in its own way, I’m still on the hunt for a great parenting book—the kind that feels like a wise, calm friend who knows exactly what to say.

My bookshelf is a little bare when it comes to the "how-to" of motherhood. My friends have their favorites, from gentle sleep training guides to books on child development, but I want to discover a book on my own terms. So this weekend, I'm going to do something a little old-fashioned: I'm going to the library.

There's something about a library that feels different. It's not the curated, algorithm-fed list you get online. It’s a place filled with possibilities, where I can browse the spines of a hundred different books and let one call out to me. Maybe it’s a classic everyone talks about, or perhaps it's a hidden gem with a title that just clicks. I’m hoping to find a book that doesn't just give me rules but helps me trust my own instincts.

I’m walking into the children's section this weekend with an open mind and a big, empty tote bag. Wish me luck on my hunt for the perfect read that will help me navigate this incredible journey.

To Read or Not to Read: My Confession as a TV-First Fan

There's a debate as old as the small screen itself: do you read the book before you watch the adaptation?

For years, I proudly stood on the side of "read the book first." It felt like the right thing to do, a badge of honor for a true fan. I'd smugly tell friends, "The book is always better," as I critiqued every scene that didn't match the movie in my head.

But then, something changed.

I started watching shows that were so good, so compelling, that the books were an afterthought. The world-building was so rich, the characters so alive, that the TV show became my entry point into the story. A TV show like Silo didn't just tell me a story; it transported me to the depths of a futuristic society and left me hanging on every secret. The show was so good that it left me with a hunger for more—a craving for the full, uncut story that only the books could provide.

This new approach has completely changed my perspective. Watching the show first allows me to enjoy a story without the baggage of expectations. I'm not mentally comparing every detail or getting annoyed by a character's appearance. I'm just enjoying the story as it unfolds. And when the credits roll, I get to embark on a new adventure: reading the books to uncover all the hidden layers, backstories, and lore that the screen couldn't capture.

So, where do I stand now? I'm a little of both. There are still some classics I'll read first, but I'm no longer afraid to let a great show be my introduction to a new world. The journey from screen to page is just as rewarding, if not more so, than the other way around. It's a second chance to fall in love with a story all over again.

My Journey to the Silo: Why the TV Show Made Me a Book Superfan

I'm a TV first, book second kind of person. I'll admit it. I love the visual storytelling, the binge-ability, and the shared experience of watching a new show with friends. So when Silo dropped on Apple TV+, I was all in. I had seen the trailers and was immediately hooked by the mystery: a thousand stories underground, a rigid society, and a beautiful but deadly world outside.

But here’s the thing: I finished the season, and my brain went into overdrive. The finale left me with a million questions and a burning need for more. The show was incredible—the acting, the world-building, the tension—but I wasn't just satisfied. I was unsettled. I needed to know the whole story, not just the part the show had given me so far.

This is a rare feeling for me. Usually, when a show ends, I move on to the next one. But Silo was different. It felt like I had only gotten a glimpse of a vast, complex universe. The show did such a masterful job of building out the world that I felt like I was living in it. I could feel the dust on my skin, the claustrophobia of the stairwell, and the gnawing paranoia of a society built on secrets.

And that's why I'm now officially a book fan. I immediately went out and bought Hugh Howey’s entire Wool trilogy. I need to know the origin story of the Silo, what happens to the characters I've come to love, and all the dark secrets I know the show hasn't revealed yet. The TV show wasn't just a great adaptation; it was the perfect gateway drug to the books.

So, if you’re like me and were mesmerized by the show, I'm here to tell you that the books are calling. I'm ready to dive in and get lost in the pages, to uncover every secret and piece of lore the show hinted at. Wish me luck on my journey down the rabbit hole!

The Joy of Reading Without Goals

As a self-proclaimed bookworm, I've always had a list. A list of books I "should" read, a goal of how many books I wanted to finish in a year, or a challenge to tackle a certain genre. For a long time, reading felt a little bit like a race. I was always checking my progress, updating my Goodreads, and looking for the next book to tick off my list.

But over the past few months, something has shifted. With my new routine of reading for 30 minutes before bed (a habit that has survived even with all the new excitement in my life!), I've dropped all the goals. The reading list is gone. The annual book count? Forget about it.

Now, I'm simply reading for the sheer joy of it.

This small change has made a huge difference. I'm no longer picking up a book because it's a bestseller or because I feel like I'm "supposed to" read it. Instead, I'm choosing books based on what I genuinely feel like reading in that moment.

If I'm in the mood for a light, funny romance, that's what I read. If I want to get lost in a detailed historical fiction, that's what I grab. There's no guilt if I abandon a book halfway through because it just isn't grabbing me. The only rule is that it has to be a book that I'm enjoying.

This approach has reminded me why I fell in love with reading in the first place: the escape, the connection to a story, the quiet peace of turning a page. It's a reminder that reading isn't a chore or a competition. It's a gift we give ourselves.

It feels a bit like coming home. I’m back to being a kid who would read by flashlight under the covers, completely lost in a world that felt entirely mine.

Have you ever given up on reading goals? I'd love to hear how it changed your relationship with books.

A Call for Recommendations: Books for a New Mother-to-Be

I've been talking a lot about my 30-minute nightly reading habit, and it's brought me so much peace. But soon, my life will be a beautiful whirlwind, as I'm excited to announce that I'm expecting my first baby!

The news is thrilling, but it's also a little overwhelming. In the midst of all the planning and preparations, I'm trying to hold onto my reading routine. So, I’m looking for books that will fit into this new chapter of my life—something beyond the typical guides, which are important but can sometimes feel a bit clinical.

I'm hoping to find books that offer a different kind of support, something that will make me feel seen and less alone in all the wild emotions and physical changes. I'm looking for recommendations that are:

1. Honest and Funny: I want to read about the raw, messy, and hilarious parts of becoming a parent. I'm not looking for a sugar-coated version.

2. A True Escape: Whether it's fiction or non-fiction, I want a book that lets me get lost in a different world for those precious 30 minutes at night.

3. About Community: I'd love to read stories that make me feel connected to others who have gone through this journey.

I've already started a list in my head. I've heard great things about Emily Oster's Expecting Better for its data-driven approach and The First Forty Days by Heng Ou for its nourishing, holistic advice. But I'm also really craving some good fiction that touches on the journey of motherhood in a heartfelt way.

So, I'm turning to all of you, my fellow bookworms. What books would you recommend for me? What books made you feel understood, or just gave you a much-needed break? I can't wait to hear your suggestions!

The Unwritten Rule of Reading: The "Finish the Chapter" Dilemma

I've been sharing how much I love my nightly routine of reading for 30 minutes before bed. It’s been a game-changer for my sleep and my mental well-being. But there's a confession I need to make. My "30 minutes" often stretches to 40, 50, or even an hour. And it's all because of one unwritten rule I've created for myself: I can't stop in the middle of a chapter.

I'll be looking at the clock, seeing that I've hit the 30-minute mark, and then my brain says, "Oh, but you're only halfway through this chapter. You can't just leave the characters there! What if something major happens on the next page?"

And so, I keep reading.

It’s a strange habit, isn’t it? The logic part of my brain knows that I can just use a bookmark and pick up right where I left off tomorrow night. The book isn't going anywhere. But there's a little voice that insists on closure, on seeing the chapter to its end. It feels like a disservice to the author, to the story, and to my own sense of completion.

This "finish the chapter" habit means my 30-minute session is really just a minimum. It’s an anchor, a starting point. The real end is always determined by the last sentence of the current chapter.

I know I’m not the only one who does this. I've heard other book lovers talk about similar reading quirks. It's not about being a slow or fast reader; it's about a deep-seated need to complete a small, self-contained part of the story before putting it down.

Does anyone else do this? Tell me I'm not the only one who has to finish a chapter, no matter what!

My New Favorite Nighttime Routine: 30 Minutes of Reading

For the longest time, I struggled to find a wind-down routine that actually worked. I tried everything—journaling, stretching, even just staring at the ceiling—but nothing stuck. My mind would race, and I'd end up scrolling on my phone until I was way past my bedtime. Sound familiar?

Then, a few months ago, I decided to try something different: reading for just 30 minutes before bed. It seemed simple enough, and honestly, I didn't have high hopes. I thought I'd get bored or fall asleep after five minutes. But to my surprise, it's become the best part of my day.

Why 30 Minutes Is the Magic Number

The key for me has been the time limit. Thirty minutes feels manageable, not like a chore. It's long enough to get lost in a story but not so long that it feels overwhelming. If I only get through a chapter or two, that's okay. There’s no pressure to hit a certain page count. This low-stakes approach has made reading feel like a treat, not a task.

It’s also an incredible way to disconnect from the digital world. The blue light from our screens messes with our sleep, and getting lost in a physical book is a welcome escape. I've found that when I close the book, my mind is already calmer. The stories and characters I've been with just a moment ago are so much more peaceful than the never-ending news cycle or the latest social media drama.

The Unexpected Benefits

Beyond just helping me fall asleep faster, this routine has had some other wonderful side effects:

• Improved Focus: During the day, my attention is constantly divided. Spending 30 uninterrupted minutes on one thing—a single book—has helped train my focus.

• A Deeper Connection to Books: I'm no longer rushing through books just to say I finished them. I'm taking my time, letting the words sink in, and truly enjoying the experience.

• Better Sleep Quality: This one is a big win. My sleep has become so much more restful. Waking up without that groggy feeling is a game-changer.

If you've been looking for a way to slow down and create a more peaceful evening routine, I can’t recommend this enough. You don’t need to read for hours. Just set a timer, pick up a book you're excited about, and give it a try. You might be surprised at how much a little bit of reading can do for your mind and soul.

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Do you have a pre-sleep routine? Let me know in the comments!

Why Audiobooks Are Real Reading

I’ve heard it whispered in book clubs and typed in online forums: “Audiobooks don’t count.” The argument usually goes something like this: If you’re not physically holding a book and reading the words with your eyes, you’re not getting the full experience. It's a passive activity, not real reading.

I am here to declare that this is a ridiculous and outdated notion.

Audiobooks are not a lesser form of reading; they are simply a different way of experiencing a story, and a powerful one at that.

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The Original Storytellers

Before the written word, stories were told and heard. They were passed down from generation to generation by bards and elders, their voices rising and falling with the drama of the tale. Listening to a book read aloud connects us to this ancient, fundamental way of storytelling. A great narrator doesn't just read the words; they perform them. They give characters distinct voices, infuse the dialogue with emotion, and can make a simple sentence resonate with feeling. You get to hear the story the way the author might have heard it in their own head.

Reading on the Go

Let's face it: our lives are busy. As much as we’d all love to spend a lazy afternoon curled up with a physical book, that's not always an option. Audiobooks allow us to "read" while we're commuting, cooking dinner, working out, or doing chores. They turn dead time into a literary adventure. It's a way to double-task in the best possible way, allowing you to consume a story without having to sacrifice productivity.

Accessibility and Inclusion

For many people, audiobooks aren't just a preference; they're a necessity. For those with visual impairments, dyslexia, or other learning disabilities, audiobooks open up the world of literature in a way that traditional books cannot. Saying that audiobooks "don't count" is not just elitist; it's exclusionary. It denies a valid and enriching experience to people who might not be able to read in any other format.

At the end of the day, the goal of reading is to engage with a story, to connect with characters, and to explore new ideas and worlds. Whether that story comes to you through your eyes or your ears, the experience is equally valid and valuable. So next time you're listening to a book, don't let anyone tell you it's not real reading. You're simply a part of a much older and richer tradition.

From Bookworm to Mom-to-Be: My New Library Adventure

My bookshelf has always been a reflection of my life's phases. There's the “teen angst and fantasy” section, the “early twenties self-discovery” stack, and of course, the “I’m a grown-up now but still love YA” corner. But now, a new chapter is beginning, both in my life and on my bookshelf. I’m going to be a mom!

And with this new, exciting, and slightly terrifying news, my reading habits have shifted dramatically. Gone are the days of leisurely losing myself in a complex thriller or a sweeping historical saga. My brain, it seems, has entered a new mode: information-gathering. I've become a seeker of knowledge, a hunter of wisdom, and a very, very tired future mom.

So, I’ve set my sights on a new challenge: conquering the parenting section of my local library. I’ve heard about the classics, the must-reads, the "baby bibles." But I'm also looking for the hidden gems—the books that make you laugh, the ones that make you feel seen, and the ones that don't just tell you what to do, but help you understand the beautiful, messy, and sometimes bewildering journey of motherhood.

I'm starting with a few titles that have been recommended to me:

• "Expecting Better" by Emily Oster: As an economist, Oster uses data to debunk common pregnancy myths. I love the idea of approaching this whole thing with a clear, rational mind, even if I know I'll probably still end up having a few irrational moments!

• "The First Forty Days" by Heng Ou: I’m a big believer in the "fourth trimester" and the importance of nourishing the mother. This book, with its focus on recipes and self-care, sounds like the perfect guide to a restorative postpartum period.

• "Bringing Up Bébé" by Pamela Druckerman: The idea of a French-inspired approach to parenting—one that supposedly leads to kids who sleep through the night and eat what's served to them—is either a brilliant fantasy or a life-changing reality. I'm excited to find out.

But this is just the beginning. I know there are countless other books out there, from the heavily researched to the lighthearted and anecdotal. I'll be sharing my thoughts and discoveries here on the blog as I navigate this new literary landscape.

Wish me luck (and send me your recommendations)! Because if I can't get the baby to sleep, at least I'll have a good book to read while I'm up all night.

Why Rereading a Book is an Act of Rebellion

In a world full of endless book recommendations, new releases hitting the shelves every Tuesday, and a "to-be-read" (TBR) pile that threatens to topple over, rereading a book feels like an act of rebellion. It's a refusal to chase the new and shiny, a defiant stand against the pressure to constantly consume more.

But why would anyone choose to revisit a story they already know? The answer is simple: because a book is never the same twice.

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You Are a Different Person

The first time you read The Great Gatsby, you might have been a high school student focused on the tragic romance. The fifth time, as an adult, you'll see the crushing hollowness of the American Dream, the subtle class commentary, and the profound sadness that you might have missed before. The book hasn't changed, but you have. Your life experiences, your heartbreaks, your triumphs—they all color the story in new shades. A beloved character you once admired might now feel flawed and relatable. A villain might suddenly seem more complex. Rereading a book is like holding up a mirror to your own growth.

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The Little Details Emerge

When you read a book for the first time, you're on a mission. You're following the plot, trying to figure out what happens next. You devour the pages in a desperate rush to the end. But on the second read, with the pressure of the plot gone, you can relax and truly appreciate the scenery. You notice the clever foreshadowing, the beautiful turns of phrase you raced past, or the intricate world-building details that seemed insignificant before. It’s like watching a movie again and seeing all the little visual clues you missed while you were focused on the dialogue.

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It's a Form of Literary Comfort Food

There's a special kind of warmth that comes from diving back into a familiar story. It's the comfort of knowing that your favorite characters will get their happy ending, or that the suspense will resolve just the way you remember. When life gets chaotic or stressful, retreating into a world you know and love is incredibly soothing. It's the literary equivalent of a warm blanket and a cup of tea.

So the next time you feel the need to pick up a new book from that towering TBR pile, consider a different path. Pick up an old friend from your shelf instead. You might just find a brand-new story waiting inside.

A Love Letter to the Books You Never Finished

 Let's be honest. We all have them. The books we started with the best intentions, only to abandon them for reasons both good and bad. Maybe it was the clunky prose, a plot that just wouldn't get moving, or the simple fact that life got in the way. But I’m here to argue that these books are not a mark of failure; they are a testament to your reading life.

Think of them as literary ex-lovers.

You met, you got to know each other for a while, and for whatever reason, it just didn't work out. But that doesn't mean the time you spent together wasn't valuable.

The Book That Was "Right Book, Wrong Time"

This is a classic. You picked up a dense historical fiction novel or a mind-bending piece of philosophy, and you were genuinely interested. But maybe you were going through a stressful period at work, or you had a million other things on your mind. You read a chapter or two, put it down, and never got back to it. This book is still waiting for you. It's not a rejection; it's a rain check. When you're in a different headspace, you might just find that it's the perfect story for you.

The One That Was "Just Not My Type"

Sometimes, you just don't click with a book. You hear a great review, a friend recommends it, or it wins a prestigious award, so you give it a shot. But after 50 pages, you realize the writing style isn't for you, the characters are annoying, or the genre is just not what you're in the mood for. And that's okay! DNF (Did Not Finish) is not a judgment on the book; it's a better understanding of yourself as a reader. Knowing what you don't like is just as important as knowing what you do.

The Book That Made You Fall in Love with a New Book

This is my favorite type of abandoned book. You’re reading something that's only okay, and it makes you crave something completely different. Maybe a boring plot inspires you to pick up a fast-paced thriller, or a heavy topic makes you long for a lighthearted fantasy. The book you didn't finish served a purpose: it led you to the one you actually needed. It's the literary equivalent of a stepping stone.

So, the next time you look at that half-read book on your nightstand, don't feel guilty. Instead, celebrate it. It’s part of the journey. It's a reminder of what you've learned about yourself as a reader and the many stories still waiting for you. The books we finish are a testament to our tastes, but the books we don't are a story all their own.

The Secret Life of Your Bookshelf: A Deep Dive into the Chaos

Ever looked at your bookshelf and thought, "Wow, that's… a lot of books"? Yeah, me too. But what if I told you your bookshelf is more than just a place to store dusty paperbacks and the occasional literary masterpiece you still haven't read? It's a living, breathing ecosystem, a reflection of your personality, and, let's be honest, a monument to your unfulfilled reading resolutions.

Let's break down the cast of characters living on your shelves.

1. The "I Swear I'll Get to It" Pile

This is the largest and most guilt-inducing group. It’s the stack of books you bought with the best intentions. The critically acclaimed novel that everyone raved about? Check. The self-help book that promised to revolutionize your life? Triple-check. The hefty non-fiction tome about a topic you find fascinating, but also, you know, really long? Absolutely.

These books are perpetual optimists. They sit there, spine-out, whispering promises of enlightenment and intellectual superiority. You pick one up, dust it off, and then a new, shinier book catches your eye. The "I Swear I'll Get to It" pile just sighs and settles in for another year.

2. The Comfort Reads

These are the old friends. The books you've read so many times the pages are soft and the spine is cracked. Maybe it's a worn-out copy of The Lord of the Rings, a tattered fantasy novel from your childhood, or a romance that you know by heart. You can open them to any page and feel that immediate sense of comfort and familiarity.

These books aren’t just stories; they’re time machines. They take you back to a simpler time, a cozy armchair, or a long-ago summer afternoon. They are the true heroes of your collection.

3. The "Wait, Did I Actually Read This?" Enigma

This one is for the true book hoarders. You're organizing your shelves (a rare event) and you pull out a book with a title that sounds vaguely familiar. You open it. The pages look pristine. There are no dog-eared corners or underlines. You flip through it, searching for any sign of your passage. Nothing. Was it a gift? Did you read it on an e-reader and buy the physical copy later? The mystery remains. This book is a ghost in your literary machine.

4. The Mismatched Spines (The Bookish equivalent of a wild party)

Who says your books have to be organized by color or genre? Not you! This is the section of your shelf where a serious historical biography is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a whimsical children's book. A sci-fi epic is nestled between a collection of poetry and a cookbook. It's a glorious, beautiful mess.

This is the most honest part of your bookshelf. It shows the true, eclectic range of your interests—the side of you that wants to learn about the Roman Empire in the morning and escape into a magical land of dragons by night.

So next time you look at your books, don't just see a collection. See the stories they tell about you. The aspirations, the comforts, the mysteries, and the glorious, chaotic fun of being a person who loves to read. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go find a space on my shelf for the new book I just bought... right on top of the "I Swear I'll Get to It" pile.

Trading Darkness for Domestic Thrills: Why I Chose The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth

After my last reading experience left me in a slump, I knew my next pick had to be a complete change of pace. I needed a book that was fast-paced, full of secrets, and would keep me guessing from beginning to end. That's why I'm so excited to dive into The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth.

I’ve heard so many amazing things about Hepworth's books. Readers consistently praise her ability to craft compelling domestic thrillers that feel both familiar and deeply unsettling. Instead of sprawling, complex mysteries, her stories focus on the dark secrets hiding behind seemingly perfect family doors. It's the kind of suspense that gets under your skin in the best way.

What really drew me to The Younger Wife in particular is the premise. It's a story about two sisters who believe their father's new wife is a threat, and they suspect something sinister is going on. I'm a sucker for a good family drama, especially one where everyone has something to hide. It promises all the elements I'm craving right now: a twisty plot, character-driven suspense, and a pace that will keep me turning pages long past my bedtime.

This book feels like the perfect escape. It’s a chance to immerse myself in a story that's quick, easy, and full of the kind of secrets that make you want to call in sick to work just to find out what happens next. I’m ready to trade a dense, sprawling mystery for a sharp, satisfying thriller, and I have a feeling Sally Hepworth is the perfect author to deliver it.

What are you currently reading? Let me know in the comments!