Books I Read in September 2015

Originally posted on 10/8/15 here.

I only got through three books in September.  Boo.  Maybe due to the fact that there is less beach time, and lots of crazy back to school shenanigans in September?  The fact that I took my time reading Once A Runner, because it was a) hard for me to get into and b) I had to dissect it for the #LDRclub were also contributing factors, methinks.


Remember Me This Way by Sabine Durant

So, I know I get a little annoyed with all the "It's the next Gone Girl!" proclamations, but this had VERY similar nuances and pacing.  It reminded me of Gillian Flynn in a good way.  The story was creepy as hell and I was definitely still guessing how the plot would unfold until the bitter end.  My one complaint was that I felt mired down in so many extraneous characters - still a good yarn.


The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

I was reluctant to give this novel a go, since I couldn't even finish the first book in Stiefvater's Wolves of Mercy Falls series.  However, so many book buddies just adore the Raven Cycle stories, and my curiosity got the better of me.  I'm SO glad I read it!  It took me a little bit to warm up to the story, as it's not quite linear; even after finishing it, there are still mysteries to be solved.  But once you get to know these FANTASTIC characters, the story just takes off.  I adored the friendship dynamic the Raven boys have with each other and with Blue.  It's a totally odd, very cool and magical (in every sense of the word) novel and I've already acquired the second book to read this month.  



Once a Runner by John L. Parker, Jr.

Oh, where do I begin with this book?  Clearly I didn't like it, if you followed along (or go back and read) our Twitter chat.  It's a self-published novel that really seems like one: heavy use of a thesaurus, a lot of indulgent scenes and characters that just disappear.  There were a few great moments and descriptions, but not worth the slog and misogynistic tone.  Some of this can be blamed on the times in which it was written (in the mid-70s) and the fact that it's directed toward a very narrow audience.  Either way, I don't usually read books about running, as I sort of compartmentalize the running as escapism part of my life from my reading books as escapism.  But, I did love The Running Dream and HIGHLY RECOMMEND that book for inspiration.  I'm also looking forward to some of the titles that were already been discussed for next month.  As for Once a Runner, if you're a runner (especially a competitive male one) and like to read a story to nod your head along to while proclaiming "TOTALLY!" - then this is the book for you.