September 2016 Monthly Round-Up

September 2016 Monthly Round-Up

September Reading / Life

  • I gotta tell ya, I’m thrilled September is over! While September weather is my favorite, all this back-to-school rigamarole is definitely not. I know I sound like a broken record, but it did impact my reading.
  • September was the month of nonfiction for me! And I’m shocked since I was so excited for all the Fall fiction coming out in September. I read two 5 star memoirs in a row (When Breath Becomes Air, Hillbilly Elegy) and thoroughly enjoyed Originals on audio. The only nonfiction that didn’t work for me was The Long Shadow of Small Ghosts.
  • Sadly, I didn’t have a single fiction success this month (The Trouble With Goats and Sheep, A Gentleman in Moscow, and Cruel Beautiful World). 
  • I joined Litsy and like it far more than I thought I would. Plus, I think it’s going to be a great place for me to review audiobooks, which I don’t currently review on my blog or on GoodreadsFollow me at sarahsbookshelves!

Best Book(s) of the Month

Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance (June 28, 2016)
Nonfiction – Memoir, 272 Pages
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi (January 19, 2016)
Nonfiction – Memoir, 208 Pages
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

October Releases I’m Excited About

The Mothers, Hungry Heart, Boat Rocker


The Mothers
 by Brit Bennett (October 11)

Hungry Heart by Jennifer Weiner (October 11)
The Boat Rocker by Ha Jin (October 25)

Top Backlist Books on my “To Be Read” List

Nobody’s Fool by Richard Russo
The Devil All the Time by Donald Ray Pollock
The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen

Most Popular September Posts

Koch’s Distinct Style Makes Dear Mr. M A Winner, Despite Plot Inconsistencies
Ten Authors Who Should Host A Podcast
The Best of the Brain Candy: Books That Are Light AND Smart

Favorite Posts by Fellow Bloggers

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13 Comments

  1. I love memoirs so will make note of the two you mentioned. I didn’t realize Ha Jin has a new book coming out.

    Posted 9.30.16 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      Have you read anything by Jin before? He’s new to me, but the premise sounded interesting!

      And definitely check out the two memoirs – two of my best reads this year!

      Posted 9.30.16 Reply
      • Yes, I read and loved A Free Life.

        Posted 9.30.16 Reply
        • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

          Great – I’ll add it to my list!

          Posted 9.30.16 Reply
  2. I want to read more memoirs, so I’ll check out the ones you read. Some of my favorite books are nonfiction, but I don’t read enough of it.

    Posted 9.30.16 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      These memoirs are two of my best reads of the year, so I def think you should check them out!

      Posted 9.30.16 Reply
  3. Naomi wrote:

    I’m really looking forward to the Mothers! (When I find the time for it is a completely different story.)
    Here’s hoping October will be a better reading month for you!

    Posted 9.30.16 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      Me too – it’s the October book I’m most looking forward to! I just wish I had an ARC!

      Posted 9.30.16 Reply
  4. Originals looks really interesting. I have just finished Homo Dues – I have got October & Novembers books already lined up

    Posted 9.30.16 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      It was fascinating! Hope your October and November go well!

      Posted 9.30.16 Reply
  5. Commonwealth is definitely a great starting place for fiction in October! I’ve got to figure out a way to make time for nonfiction. I so rarely get to it.

    Posted 9.30.16 Reply
  6. Lindsay wrote:

    “When Breath Becomes Air” was a 5-star read for me too, and I’ve got “Hillbilly Elegy” on request at the library. I remember reading the blurb for “The Boat Rocker” and not being sure about it, so I’ll be intrigued to hear your thoughts. Same goes for “The Mothers” — it’s gotten so much hype that I’m a little wary of it!

    Posted 10.1.16 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      I hope you get to Hillbilly!! And I’ll keep you posted on Boat Rocker…if I manage to get to it!

      Posted 10.3.16 Reply

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