Space Station Mir

Spinning Silver isn't so much a retelling of Rumplestiltskin, but as if Novik unspun the fairytale and rewove its themes and tropes into three new story threads. Since I haven't been paying attention, the most unexpected part of the book for me was that it involved Jewish characters--which I don't think I've ever seen in a fantasy novel before (I am aware there are some; I just haven't read them). Ironically, after I read this, I've been on a streak of Jewish/fairytale/winter reads, including The Sisters of the Winter Wood , released in September. Spinning Silver has a strong message about paying debts, and comments on what it would really mean to sell your unborn child. I love fairytale retellings in general, but this one had extra gravitas in light of the commentary for Jewish characters, and furthermore, it's a strong and funny story. I will definitely be reading Novik's other books. The last line made me laugh aloud, but I won't tell you what ...

I had six books out of the library when these holds came in. But when I went to pick them up, they were so beautiful. I have no regrets. I finished Fierce Fairytales in under two hours. I devoured every story, poem, fable, escaping to the world of the moon dragon princess, where Sleeping Beauty and Snow White wake each other up. As a collection, it is brimming with hope. Must-read for fairytale lovers, for feminists, for lovers of fun, accessible poetry.

Just Finished: Checked it out of the library and read in just a few days. I'm not sure why she picked this particular title, since it's a collection of nonfiction essays from her writings, and most of them have don't have to do with marriage. I do love the colors on the cover though, very apropos for fall. This was my first Ann Patchett book, and I'm officially a fan. I'll have to try her fiction next. Although, I do sometimes find that I like authors in one genre and not another (incidentally, this would be a great Top Ten Tuesday topic...Top 10 Authors I like in One Genre But Not Another). My favorite pieces were her introduction about her growth as a writer working for magazines and her piece about writing and how she doesn't believe in writer's block, but I also enjoyed her essays about her dog, the opera, and more. I'll have to make a pilgrimage to her bookstore Parnassus someday. Enjoy! DNF: I really wanted to like this, but I couldn't...

Books I Want to Read This Month 1. This Is The Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett I've been meaning to read Ann Patchett forever, and this collection of essays seems like a good intro. Also, I found it and just checked it out of the library. 2. The Labyrinth of Spirits by Carlos Ruiz Zafon The latest in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books series! Checked it out brand-new from the library (holds for the win!). Probably the only Halloween-y atmospheric-type book I will read, because I am in general not a fan of horror, scary stories etc. BUT gloomy Barcelona and labyrinthine libraries I will take. 3. The City in the Middle of the Night sampler by Charlie Jane Anders Started this when I got it at the Baltimore Book Fest and looking forward to finishing (not looking forward to waiting to get the rest till February). Other Goals This Month 1. Bake more things. I'm not going to limit this, but baking makes me feel better and I want to keep doing it. 2. NaNoWriM...

This my second official wrap-up post! This month, I've added things I baked :-) Books I've Read This Month The Soul of America by Jon Meacham I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han Wade in the Water by Tracy K. Smith The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo American Cake by Anne Byrn Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger Art of the Pie by Kate McDermott The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt How I doubted myself! I beat August's 8, no problem (including a book of poetry, two cookbooks, and a YA novel-in-poetry but ALSO INCLUDING THE GOLDFINCH at 784 pages).  Favorite  Top 4 Books I've Read This Month Okay, I can't choose just one (or three), but I definitely did have a favorite: 1. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt Even in a month of excellent reads, The Goldfinch stands out.  The 2014 Pulitzer Prize was well deserved for this exquisitely written, perfectly plotted meditation ...