Hey there, y’all! As promised, I have returned after a brief hiatus. Thank you to my loyal followers for your patience and for sticking with me.

What can I say about my October reading? It was slow-going compared to what I’m used to, that’s for sure. In fact, most months in recent times have seen a reduction in my reading; life events have dictated this so much so that I’ve had to adjust my Goodreads Reading Challenge goal down from its original 200 to a more attainable 160. This is somewhat disappointing for the personal goals I set for myself each year, but I do realize it’s still a much loftier number than many people reach so… I’ll calm myself down a bit and go with the flow.

Books I read in October:

• • The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee
  • Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse
  • Grace and Fury by Tracy Banghart
  • The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain
  • The Evidence of the Affair by Taylor Jenkins Reid
  • A Sorrow Fierce and Falling by Jessica Cluess
  • Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
  • Night of Miracles by Elizabeth Berg
  • Winger by Andrew Smith

As you can see, I read a total of nine books in October. Most were real winners, and a couple totally blew me away. Three of the novels were sequels I’d been waiting and waiting for, and they did not disappoint. Two of these especially stick out in my mind: A Sorrow Fierce And Falling was the final book in the Kingdom on Fire Trilogy by Jessica Cluess and it was everything I’d hoped for. Night of Miracles, the sequel to The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg, wasn’t quite as magical as it’s predecessor but still hit the mark.

As a special treat, I reread the enduring YA classic, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Let me tell you, it was every bit as special as it was the first time around (which would have been about 35 years ago – does that age me, or what?!). I went into reading Winger, another YA title, expecting a typical boys-will-be-boys, friendships-are-special type of book. Boy, was I wrong. This book blew me away. My friend Sarah, who recommended the book, sure knows how to pick ‘em!!

Are you following Pathologically Literate on Facebook? We’re also on Twitter, and don’t forget to follow me on Goodreads, too!! Hope you had a great Autumn, and that the coming Winter is good to you as well. Until next month, Happy Reading to you all!