TSS - Monthly wrap-up

"The sweet calm sunshine of October, now
Warms the low spot; upon its grassy mold
The purple oak-leaf falls; the birchen bough
drops its bright spoil like arrow-heads of gold."
- William Cullen Bryant


September just flew by! I think my involvement in BBAW made the month pass even more quickly than usual - but wasn't it fun??!!? Here's what I was reading last month -

Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons - probably the most acclaimed graphic novel of all time, this was a dense, intellectual read, but also quite a bit of fun. I definitely enjoyed it. Rated 8/10. (My review of Watchmen)

Sandman: The Dream Hunters by Neil Gaiman and P. Craig Russell - a four-book comic series set in the world of The Sandman, this was a beautiful story, marvelously illustrated, that was a pleasure to read. A must for Sandman fans! Rated 10/10. (My review of The Dream Hunters)

The Sister by Poppy Adams - dark, psychological novel about two sisters who reunite after 50 years, and the family secrets that they uncover. Interesting, but didn't sweep me away the way I would have liked. Rated 7/10. (My review of The Sister)

Labor Day by Joyce Maynard - coming-of-age story about 13-year-old Henry and his reclusive mother, Adele, and how their lives are changed when they allow a stranger into their home one Labor Day weekend. Again, I think it was a good book, but I just didn't get immersed in the story they way I wished. Maybe it was just me. Rated 7/10. (My review of Labor Day)

The Gossip of the Starlings by Nina de Gramont - juicy boarding school tale about two friends who just can't seem to keep themselves out of trouble. This was definitely a guilty pleasure read, and I enjoyed it immensly. Rated 8/10. (My review of The Gossip of the Starlings)

Humpty Dumpty Was Pushed by Marc Blatte - hip-hop noir mystery? Almost defies description. I've never read anything exactly like it, but it was a lot of fun! Rated 7/10. (My review of Humpty Dumpty Was Pushed.)

Going Bovine by Libba Bray - new novel from YA author of the Gemma Doyle trilogy, which I really enjoyed. This is COMPLETELY different from her previous work, but I still really liked it. Once again like nothing I've ever read before, but fun, and a refreshing change from much of the current YA offerings. Recommend. (Review forthcoming)



All in all, definitely a good month. I especially like that I read some genres that I don't often try (Watchmen and Sandman: The Dream Hunters), or have never read before (Humpty Dumpty was Pushed). I think it's important to expand my horizons, and I'm glad I did this month.