September started out started out gangbusters with my reading. I got through several books that had been on my TBR. Toward the end of the month, I started a re read of Harry Potter in advance of a trip to Universal Studios. I will revisit the Harry Potter reads in my new series Off The Page, coming soon. But for now, here are the favorites from my other September reads.
The Daughter of Doctor Moreau
By: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
This is a great choice for a fall read, even though it takes place in a tropical location. Carlota Moreau has spent her whole life in her father’s compound on the Yucatan Peninsula where he creates hybrids, human and animal combinations. She lives peacefully alongside the hybrids until her father’s benefactor demands that his work start showing some monetary benefit. With their life’s work in the balance and Carlota on the brink of womanhood, things get dicey.
With such a strange premise, I wasn’t sure that I would enjoy this book, but I really did. It really examines what it means to be human and the constraints of loyalty to those you love. It’s got an edge that makes it a super read no matter what kind of mood you are in.
A Short Walk Through a Wide World
By: Douglas Westerbeke
In 1885 Paris, Aubry finds a puzzle ball that intrigues her by she doesn’t know how it will change her life. Soon after the find, she develops a strange illness that requires her to travel somewhere she has never been every few days or she bleeds to death. I will admit the premise was a little gross for me and the story a little confusing.
Aubry proceeds to walk all over the world for her whole life. She meets all kinds of people and sees every culture and even goes to some places that don’t seem to really exist. I had to convince myself to go with the flow to really enjoy this one. It bounces around in time and place and I could never really decide whether Aubry was blessed or cursed, but it was a beautiful journey.
Weyward
By: Emilia Hart
Weyward was my first ever Buddy Read! @lia_isreading was a fantastic Buddy Read partner and really encouraged me to start this one that had been on my list for a while. Another great one for the fall as it is about witches!
Weyward follows a family of witches set in 1619, 1942, and 2019. All three women are escaping something and find sanctuary in the house of their ancestors. I found most of the book quite fascinating, I love reading stories of the witch trials and women finding their own strength. However, the ending was a bit rushed, like the author was running out of pages and needed to tie everything up. It’s a bit of a dark read, but if you like to include witches in your October reading, pick this one up.
