T.S. Eliot may say that April is the cruelest month, but for me, it’s September. Don’t get me wrong — I love those back to school vibes and the crisp promise of fall. But September is my busiest month at work, so I don’t really get to slow down and enjoy this time of year like I want to. 

This year, I’ve done a better job of carving out intentional ways to enjoy the weekends and weeknights than in previous years, but work has still given me quite the pummeling. 

Books are here to help me relax in my non-work hours, particularly audiobooks now that my commute is longer due to colleges being back in session. This has been a pretty good reading month for me overall, with some standout books and some okay ones, as well. Let’s get in to the best of the best. 

(Full disclosure(s): This post uses Bookshop.org affiliate links. Titles marked with an asterisk were received as complimentary review copies.)

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The Family Compound* by Liz Parker

Format Read: Paperback

Why I Read It: For the virtual book tour 

Liz Parker excels at telling a compelling story from multiple perspectives. Even if I don’t like every character or their choices, I feel like I understand where they’re coming from. The Family Compound* had me rooting for them to find a way to keep the property, even if I couldn’t see any answers. My full review of this one went up earlier this month, and you can check it out here: Secrets and Lies Abound in “The Family Compound”

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I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jeanette McCurdy

Format Read: Audio

Why I Read It: The buzz & the iCarly of it all 

This may be one of the buzziest books I’ve read in recent memory (and I do read a decent number of hyped books). I’m Glad My Mom Died 100% lived up to the hype for me. This is a tough hang, a really raw and graphic depiction of McCurdy’s difficult childhood, controlling mother, and her eating disorder. Approach with caution, but if you’re in for the difficulty, you’re in for a powerful read. My mini-review went up earlier this month: Mini Review: I’m Glad My Mom Died

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Wow, No Thank You by Samantha Irby

Format Read: Audio

Why I Read It: A Recommendation From… Someone? 

I love when an essay collection makes me think and makes me laugh all at once. Irby’s writing is hilarious and relatable and also sneakily insightful, too. She writes frankly and honestly about growing up poor, having a chronic illness, and being a person just trying to make ends meet in this thing we call life. My review will be out later this month, so stay tuned!

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Honorable Mentions

• Thank You For Listening by Julia Wheelan. For whatever reason, this one just didn’t really connect with me as a reader. Maybe just went in with too high of expectations?
• Just Another Love Song by Kerry Winfrey. I enjoyed this one. I did. But it just doesn’t compare with how much I’ve loved Winfrey’s other books. Mini review on Your Book Friend.

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Considering how busy I’ve been, I’m really pleased with the amount of reading I accomplished this month! I read some phenomenal books and got back into audio, which always makes reading feel a little more exciting. 

Next up — Witchtober 2022! I can’t wait to dive in deep and read all witchy books for the month of October. Do you have any special reading plans for the month of October, or is it business as usual for you? 

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