September 2026 Reads
Here we are. Well in October and I’m just popping in here to say yes, yes, I have been reading. And no, I’m shite (yes I meant to type it that way because we just finished an episode of Ted Lasso) at writing my reviews right after I finish a book.
It’s more like, whoop. Finished the book. Better move on to the next one before it’s DUE AT THE LIBRARY.
Does anyone else out there worry that they’re gonna die before they get to read all the books they wanna read?
Cause same.
Okay, anyway, that went dark real fast.
I’m just gonna copy/paste my reviews from GoodReads (which apparently now does half star ratings?! So all ya’ll StoryGraph people, MOVE ON BACK PLEASE!).
Ann Patchett has a way of making you fall in love with the characters. She makes everyone so likable. And if not likable, she at least makes you see the humanity in everyone. You start to understand why the person you REALLY don’t like is acting unlikable.
Eddie Triplett is a gem of a human. And I loved Daphne at 9 just as I loved her at 53.
Good people. Good storytelling.
A reminder that people come into our lives and – even if only for a short time – can have such a lasting impact.
(Also, if you’re picking this book up ’cause you saw the cover and you’re expecting a book about horses, you’ll be sorely disappointed. Or you’ll be pleasantly surprised at this beautiful story!).
Big Little Truths by Liane Moriarty:
Leave it to Liane Moriarity to have me hooked.
The parent Whatsapp chats had me dying a little bit.
The teens’ interview with Brenda — hilarious.
But there were so many darn characters it was hard to keep track of it all. I had to keep going back to see which kid belonged to which parent (and then eventually made myself a little family tree).
She also says it is a standalone book, but I kinda wish I did a re-read of Big Little Lies before starting this one!
Sunlight Finds You by Laura Moriarty
This is a classic example of a “don’t judge a book by its cover” read. I went in expecting a light beach read, but spoiler alert: it’s not!
It’s a captivating historical fiction love story set in Florida in 1949 that spans over two decades.
Nora and Leonard fall in love in high school. She’s bold, bright, and unlike anyone else. Leonard is smart, introverted, and incredibly handsome. She makes the first move and they quickly become inseparable. However, Leonard’s parents worry about their dependency on one another and find a way to keep them apart.
You’ll find yourself rooting for Nora and feeling all the emotions right along with her.
This was such a layered story, and I found myself reaching for it constantly. Mad at the real world for getting in the way of my reading!
This author might officially be a new “must-read” author for me.
The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson:
This one surprised me. I was expecting something light, and while it was an easy read, there were so many layers to it: friendship, relationships, the choices we make, and how our lives evolve after parenthood.
It made me think about the people we keep choosing. Even if we wouldn’t choose them if we met today. They’re part of our history, our wiring, and who we are.
The parenting parts were so relatable. I’m usually a plot-driven reader, but throw in some parenting moments that make me feel seen and I’m a happy camper.
That’s it!
Life’s been busy and I don’t always have the most time for reading, but still making time for it nonetheless. I love it the most.
Tell me in the comments 1) if you’ve read any of these along with your thoughts and 2) what’s your most recent 5-star read!
