October: What I’ve Been Reading

Hey! It’s the end of the month, so I’m sharing the three books I read in October. The Flatshare and The Guest List have been on my reading list for a long time which meant I was on the library wait list for a few months. I’d say both were worth the wait. I love Colleen Hoover’s books, but hadn’t heard of November 9 until I read about it on another blogger’s list.

So here are the three books I read this month:

The Flatshare:

The Flatshare was a sweet read with short chapters. The main characters are Tiffy and Leon. Tiffy’s boyfriend has broken up with her, so she needs a cheap place to rent. Leon works nights and knows sharing the flat will be a way for him to help his finances. So, Leon sleeps in the flat during the day while Tiffy occupies the flat the rest of the time.

Tiffy and Leon haven’t even met as his girlfriend interviewed Tiffy for the placement. So, Leon and Tiffy get to know each other with notes left as their form of communication. They do get to know the ins and outs of each other’s lives as well as other aspects of life such as crazy ex-boyfriends and the drama going on with Leon’s brother.

This was definitely a cute, at times predictable, read, but definitely one that I enjoyed.

November 9:

November 9 was a great read full of emotional moments and a twist or two as well. I really enjoy Hoover’s books, and I can say the same about this one.

Ben and Fallon meet right before Fallon plans on moving from LA to New York. They have such a great few hours together that they decide to meet each year on the same day for the next five years. While they don’t communicate the other 364 days in the year, Fallon becomes the inspiration for the novel Ben has always wanted to write.

Fallon deals with personal insecurity while Ben has family issues that complicate his life. Of course, with each passing year, there is the suspense of if each one will arrive at their agreed upon location. Then, there’s a major twist in the plot that definitely kept me turning the page.

November 9 is an important date for a few reasons in this book.

I enjoyed this book, and it was one that had me wanting to see how it ends. That being said, I’m not sure the ending was realistic for me…but I see why Hoover wrapped up the story how she did.

Some of my favorite quotes from the book are:

• “Why didn’t you tell me that the foundation you taught me to stand on is made from quicksand?”
• “A body is simply a package for the true gifts inside. And you are full of gifts. Selflessness, kindness, compassion. All the things that matter.”
• Youth and beauty fade. Human decency doesn’t.”

The Guest List:

The Guest List is a Reese Witherspoon Book Club choice, and I can see why! This thriller was told through various points of view as guests gather on a coastal island in Ireland to celebrate Jules and Will’s wedding.

The first person perspective of the chapters alternate between the bride, groom, best man, bridesmaid, wedding planner, the plus one and others. Some of the wedding guests have been a part of the bride and groom’s lives for many years while others are just meeting and making connections the weekend of the wedding. The ominous setting of the rocky coastal island where it’s dangerous to be outside at night pairs well with the underlying suspense of doom. Then, during the reception, someone is found dead.

I really did enjoy this book, and I like books written with various perspectives with pretty short chapters. It was slow for me in the beginning, but the last quarter of the book was really good once pieces of the puzzled plot started falling into place.

Reese knew what she was doing by adding this book to her book club 😉

So, there’s a little recap of what I’ve been reading. Are there any books you’ve read lately that I should add to my list? Let me know!

Happy reading!