What I Read in September

I think it's been similar around the country, but it has been a HOT (relatively) September here in Chicago! It has not felt like the beginning of fall. Which makes it hard to believe October is about to start, and it's the crazy-but-fun train into the holidays!

September has felt like a lot of waiting over here, as I have a new job on the horizon (!!) and waiting for that to fall into place in order to establish a new routine, etc. But that has also meant lots of time to relax and recoup, and also finish some books I had started but hadn't finished!

Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See: I had started this book a few months ago, and I had to return it to the library before I was able to finish. So I picked back up where I left off. Historical fiction set in 1400s China (I think?), this book is different from the genres I generally read. The gruesome medical details got my weak stomach a few times, but overall a very interesting story highlighting what life was like for women 500+ years ago in China. Would recommend!

Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner: This story follows two sisters born in Detroit in the 1950s through their lives. Jennifer Weiner writes a wide range of books (and I often read books without knowing exactly what they're about) so this ended up being another intense book following Lady See. Extremely strong character development! Would recommend!

One in a Millenial by Kate Kennedy: I have followed Kate on Instagram for years now, and sporadically listen to her podcast. I was so excited when her book came out earlier this year. This book is a collection of essays on reflections of things that shaped Kate's person life, many of which are universal millennial experiences. I loved this book, and resonated with many of the essays. It ended up taking me longer than expected to read, as I took it one essay at a time. Would definitely recommend! I also got to meet Kate in person this month at the launch party for A Bit Much! She is a gem :)

Erotic Stories for Punjabi Wives by Balli Kaur Jaswal: This follows the story of an Indian woman living in London who starts what she believes to be an English class for some of the widows at the temple, but it turns out the women want to use the opportunity to write explicit fictional stories. I started this on audiobook a loooong time ago when I was still running a lot and listening to audiobooks while I run. Since I stopped, I don't have an audiobook habit (and don't commute), so this fell off. I rediscovered it, and was able to finish. I really enjoyed it! Would definitely recommend!

A Bit Much by Lyndsey Rush: A book of modern poems - I LOVED this book! I started following Lyndsey aka @maryoliversdrunk and was so excited when her book came out this month. Definitely recommend!

Here's my friend Georgia and me at her launch event in Chicago!

Lots of fun this upcoming month, including Poppy's Paints book club! Don't forget to sign up!

10/15 Virtual: https://www.poppyspaints.com/sign-up-for-events/p/virtual-spooky-book-club

10/18 In person at The Book Cellar in Lincoln Square: https://www.poppyspaints.com/sign-up-for-events/p/spooky-book-club-at-the-book-cellar

xoxo,

Emma