Every September, my reading life feels like a bridge from summertime books to the cozy, suspenseful, and atmospheric novels of fall. We are still experiencing summertime heat in Central Texas, so this September, in particular, feels like a very long bridge that I’m eager to cross.

Just for fun, I decided to pair the books I read this month with a few others on my shelves that I’ve read previously (and one I found at my public library). We had a full month of activities, and I needed books that were page-turners or would allow me to set a book down and come back to it without losing the plot. Although many of the books dealt with difficult subjects, all of these books kept a more optimistic tone.

THIS MONTH I READ:

What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama (audiobook)

This little novel (in both size and length) is a great one for your nightstand to read one character’s story a night. As the characters work through the transition periods in their lives, the local librarian recommends books that become a part of their journey. The stories intertwine in unexpected ways.

“Everybody is connected. And any one of their connections could be the start of a network that branches in many directions.”

-What You Are Looking For Is in the Library

I do, however, want to bring up something that caused me to cringe while reading this book. The librarian’s physical appearance is described in unkind ways by all of the characters. I had the thought that maybe the characters are supposed to see her as someone different so that they can be surprised that she offers wisdom for their situation, but this just seems like a cruel way to set up the interaction between the characters. This uncaring physical description didn’t seem to add anything to the story or development of the librarian character and mostly just made me wonder at the author’s intent, especially since she talks about belonging in the book.

One character in the book states that “belonging is an ambiguous state.” He explains that just like peering through a window when you “remove the partition. . .instantly you become part of the same world even though it is all one to begin with.”

-What You Are Looking for Is in the Library

Overall, the book was a quick and easy read and had me thinking about life’s seasons and the transitions we make throughout life. While I appreciated the book’s simplicity, the description of the librarian was off-putting enough that I will probably be passing this book along to someone who might enjoy it more.

BOOK PAIRING:

The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams (audiobook - on sale through 10/2/2023)

THIS MONTH I READ:

The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry (audiobook)

Based on the historical events of Operation Pied Piper in 1939, this fiction book follows the unexpectedly magical and harrowing journey of two sisters as they leave their home when World War II arrives at their doorstep. The characters and settings of this book keep the story grounded when so much about what is happening in the characters’ lives is unsettled and heart-wrenching. As the reader is transported between wartime and the 1960s, the story unfolds and comes together again.

“Don’t let others take away good stories so that they can feel better about themselves.”

-Bridie from The Secret Book of Flora Lea

The author wrote descriptive little gems like “. . .as the moon rolled up and the stars pierced a dark sky one by one,” which I adored. This book is going on my permanent shelf next to one of the author’s other books, which happens to be the pick for my book pairing.

BOOK PAIRING:

Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan Henry (this book would make an excellent transition into winter reading) (audiobook)

THIS WEEKEND I’M FINISHING UP:

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (audiobook)

I’m not a gamer (although I did appreciate the references to old Nintendo games I played in middle school!), so I wasn’t sure if this book would appeal to me. To be honest, it took me at least a quarter of the way into the book before it pulled me into the story, but the themes in this book are very relatable.

“(Sadie’s) kind of laugh was an invitation: I cordially invite you to join in this matter than I find amusing.”

-Sam in Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

This book explores the world-building involved in video game design and how it mimics life while exploring the evolution of friendships, finding belonging in a complicated world, and feeling understood. Life-long friendship is often complex, and I think this book shows us how we can support each other in our friendships by just showing up.

“It isn’t about you. Just show up every day to check in with her. Let her know you’re there. And if you can manage it, bring her a cookie, a book, a movie to watch.”

-Marx to Sam when he asks for advice about Sadie in Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

BOOK PAIRING:

I paired this book with one I found at my public library this month: How to Walk Away by Katherine Center (audiobook)

Although this book isn’t what I would have picked up normally, it had the perfect light rom-com type of mood and fit what I needed at the time. I did appreciate the author bringing to light the very real challenges for those faced with disabilities, lifelong injuries, and grappling with mourning their old life. Maggie’s rooftop “escape” was a highlight of the book for me.

Cooler days and rainy afternoons will be here soon if we are lucky, and I’ll be ready to cozy up in my reading chair with some tea, a soft blanket, and a good book. My fall TBR shelf is lined with books to get me into a fall reading mood. I’m sure I’ll find my way to a bookstore or two this fall and shop my Bookshop TBR list as well.

Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher

This Wicked Fate by Kalynn Bayron

Greenwild: The World Behind the Door by Pari Thomson

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo

Forty Autumns by Nina Willner

The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone by Jaclyn Moriarty

Kenny and the Dragon and Kenny and The Book of Beasts by Tony DiTerlizzi - (grab the boxed set)

I’d love to hear what books you’d pair with the books you read in September. What are you looking forward to reading in October as the cozy reading season approaches? Share in the comments below.

Enjoy your weekend!