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First of all, APOLOGIES about how late this post is, it's been a hectic month and I just have not got around to putting my thoughts together. Anyway, here we are, and here's what I read in September and October. General consensus: thoroughly enjoyed for the most part.

1. Stoner - John Williams

TW: toxic relationship

This was such a lovely, moving and quiet book, the perfect read for this time of year when you just feel like hibernating.

The story follows William Stoner, born at the end of the nineteenth century into a poor farming family in Missouri. He is sent to the state university to study agronomy at the request of his father, but instead finds there a love for English literature, embracing his life as a scholar, one far removed from the upbringing he has known, leaving him less and less connected to his parents at home.

Over the years, Stoner is met with disappointment after disappointment; his marriage into a "proper" family further estranges him from his parents, his career is hindered due to an authority figure's disdain for him, his wife and daughter turn coldly away from him an a new, blossoming love is forced to end due to the threat of a scandal, leaving him in a stoic solitude.

I really enjoyed this book, it was a quiet, easy read and I would recommend if that's your kind of thing

2. I want to die but i want to eat tteokbokki - Baek Sehee

TW: depression, suicidal thoughts, sexual assault

This is described as an intimate therapy memoir, which pretty much sums it up, as it records a number of conversations/sessions between the author and her psychiatrist. Sprinkled with humour, relatable and comforting, I really enjoyed this book.

The author is a successful young social media director at a publishing house, when she begins to see a psychiatrist about what she describes as her "low level" depression - which I think many of us have/go through phases of from time to time. 

She feels persistently low, anxious, endlessly self-doubting, but also highly judgmental of others. She hides her feelings well in public, but the effort is overwhelming and draining, preventing her from forming meaningful relationships. But if she's so hopeless, why can she always summon a craving for her favorite street food: the hot, spicy rice cake, tteokbokki? Is this just what life is like?

Recording her dialogues with her psychiatrist over a twelve-week period, and reflecting on each session afterwards, she begins to work out the reasons for her behaviours. One review said: "It will appeal to anyone who has ever felt alone or unjustified in their everyday despair," which I think hits the nail on the head.

Relatable, comforting, and an easy, quick read.

3. How to Build A Boat - Elaine Feeney

TW: abusive relationships, domestic violence, addiction, IVF, baby loss, childbirth, parent death

This book tells the story of Jamie, a neurodivergent pre-teen who lost his mother when he was born. Jamie loves the colour red, tall trees, rivers and Edgar Allan Poe. He believes that he can build a Perpetual Motion Machine that will allow him to connect with his mother, the energy of which will cross time and space to his mom. 

This mission ends up transforming the lives of his teachers, Tess and Tadhg, and bringing together a community. This is such a gorgeous story about love, community, connection, and the power of imagination.

A beautiful, hopeful read despite the heavy topics.

4. All the lovers in the night - Mieko Kawakami

TW: sexual assault, depression, alcoholism

Fuyuko is a shy, lonely, introverted freelance proofreader in her mid-thirties. She lives alone in a city, is often haunted by her past, and cannot imagine ever having a successful relationship in her life as her only regular contact is with her editor-come-friend, Hiriji.

However, Fuyoko loves the light, and every year she goes for a walk at night on her birthday (Christmas Eve) to count the lights. A chance encounter with Mr Mitsutsuka, a physics teacher, offers her his own experiences with light. As their relationship evolves, painful episodes from Fuyuko's past surface and her behaviour begins to slip into the bizarre.

The was a weird little book, I'm not sure I fully understood the message/what it was trying to do but it was enjoyable nonetheless.

Those were my reads for September & October, again apologies for the delay. Click on any of the titles to purchase (aff links). I would also love to know what you have been reading this season! Drop me a DM on Instagram or TikTok, or leave a comment below.

Thank you for reading as always,

S ✗