October Book List

(source)

And All The Stars by Andrea K. Host
I got this from Netgalley and already reviewed it here.

Singles At The Crossroads: A Fresh Perspective on Christian Singleness by Albert Y. Hsu
I came across this book at the thrift store in Jacksonville. It only cost a dollar and seemed more positive and practical than other books about singleness, so I gave it a try and am so glad I did. This isn't your usual "coping with the disease of singleness while waiting for a spouse" treatise. It really opened my eyes to the false perceptions of singleness that are deeply embedded in Southern Christian culture. Hsu proclaims singleness and marriage to be EQUALLY valid and valuable states for Christians, and provides Biblical support. He debunks the myth of being "called to singleness" and the attitude that marriage is a prerequisite to true adulthood. While he can be a little too pragmatic at times, I was really refreshed by his words. I'll be sharing more personal thoughts inspired by the book if I can ever get them together coherently.

Real Life and Liars by Kristina Riggle
This novel is told from three perspectives: Mirabelle, a middle-aged hippie mom who's just been diagnosed with breast cancer, and two of her adult children - Katya, struggling to live the perfect life with a successful husband and kids, and Van, an aimless musician. When the family (along with wayward youngest daughter Irina and her surprise new husband) comes together for the parents' 35th anniversary party, everyone's problems and long-kept secrets explode into the light. Riggle presents a pretty accurate picture of the good and bad of modern family life, but something about the characters just grated on me. Even Mirabelle, although I liked her best.

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
This story encompasses so much, I don't even know what to say. It wasn't what I expected and I absolutely loved it (but a warning to very sensitive readers: some of it is a little rough). If you're drawn to stories of Italy, long-lost loves, WWII, Hollywood past and present, and most of all redemption, you will love it too. Five stars.

Books for October: 4
2012 year to date: 56

My to-read stack, both physical and virtual, has reached overwhelming proportions. O_O

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As many of you know, November is National Novel Writing Month. Part of me really wanted to participate this year, to make myself attend to my quickly-abandoned novel - I'm still interested in it but feel too intimidated to try again. But I don't think it would be a positive experience for me. My one NaNo attempt in 2008 ended at around 14,000 words, amid extreme stress and tendonitis, when it became clear that I would never catch up in time. November is THE WORST month for something like this. Why can't they have it in March or April when nothing is going on? Someone should start a Spring NaNo. Anyway, best of luck to those participating!