Hello, reader!
We’ve made it to the last month of 2021, which means it’s time to wrap up my reading in November. It was a weird one, I’ll tell ya that! I found myself in a strange, slumpy mood which means I didn’t read nearly as much as I usually do. Still, I’m happy about the books I did read because I enjoyed all of them. Seriously, I didn’t read anything under four stars.
But I’m getting ahead of myself, aren’t I? Let’s get to the post!
Books Read
Click on the covers to be taken to the book’s Goodreads page
Book: Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Rating: ★★★★
Thoughts: This was such an interesting read. It was my first time reading a graphic memoir and I really enjoyed it. It was heartbreaking and incredibly moving at times. I also enjoyed the art style. I definitely want to continue the author’s story!
Book: Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen
Rating: ★★★★
Thoughts: I read this book for a blog tour run by TBR & Beyond Tours. I absolutely loved this Black mermaid tale! It had a bit of a slow start, but it certainly gripped me by the end. And the world-building was great! You can read my full review here.
Book: Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark
Rating: ★★★★
Thoughts: This was such an intense, short read that completely gripped me from beginning to end. I loved the writing style, the characters, and the concept. And it packed quite the emotional punch. It definitely made me want to read more from this author!
Book: You’ll Be the Death of Me by Karen M. McManus
Rating: ★★★★
Thoughts: Karen McManus does it again! I have enjoyed every single book I’ve read by her and this one certainly doesn’t disappoint. Though it leave me completely enthralled like her first book, it was still a wild ride. I can’t wait to read whatever she puts out next! You’ll get to read more of my full thoughts when my spot on The Write Reads tour comes around.
Book: Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe
Rating: ★★★★★
Thoughts: Lore Olympus is a webcomic I’ve been obsessed with for quite some time. When I found out it was getting a hard copy, you know I had to have it! It’s so interesting starting from the beginning and seeing how much Rachel Smythe’s art style and storytelling has developed. I adore this series and can’t wait to get the next installment!
Book: Lies Sleeping by Ben Aaronovitch
Rating: ★★★★
Thoughts: In this seventh installment of the Rivers of London series, a lot of threads get pulled together and I ain’t mad about it. What I am mad about is that ending. I mean… I loved it, but it also made me rage 😂 It’s always a good time seeing Peter in action and this go-around was no different. I am intrigued to see where things go after the events in this one, though.
I also finished my first BBNYA finalist in November, but I must wait until a winner has been crowned to discuss those books. Just know, I loved it!
Book of the Month
In a month where nothing I read was under four stars, this is a tough question to answer! I mean, the obvious answer would be Lore Olympus as that’s the only book that reached five star status. But I feel like that’s kind of cheating since it’s a re-read and I already knew I was going to adore it. Which means I’m going with a book that was super close to that fifth star (I’m honestly considering bumping it up). The Book of the Month for November is…
It was just so good! I don’t want to gush too much here as I don’t want to spoil my tour post, but it just ticked a lot of boxes for me. Karen M. McManus has certainly earned her title as the Queen of Teen Crime!
Reflections
Ya know, I don’t have a lot of reflections for my reading in November. As I mentioned, I ran into a strange reading mood/slump that had me not wanting to read at all for a good week or so. It’s my fault because I saved books I knew I needed to have done by a certain time until the last minute. Stress and I don’t mix well because when I get stressed, I tend to become the laziest person on the planet. I don’t know why my body/mind thinks that’s a good way to reduce stress as it just makes me more stressed… but here we are. I managed to muddle my way out because my stress-induced laziness will never win out over my need to not disappoint people who have put their trust in me.
This reflection is getting a little deep… suffice to say, I’m a mess, but I’m figuring out how to be less of a mess! I think? Moving on!
As we come into the end of the year, I have a few blog tours and BBNYA books to complete, but other than that, I’m leaving this last month of 2021 open so I can finish a lot of the books I’m halfway through right now. Which is… a lot. I want to go into 2022 with a clean slate! I’ve already finished quite a few of the books I need to get done, so I think this is definitely do-able. And maybe I’ll take January to just… chill on any reading responsibilities, lol. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a month of mood reading. I think that’s just what I need to fully recharge my reader batteries. We’ll see how I feel once December is over and we’re officially into a new year!
How was your reading in November? Did you find a new favorite? Make any progress on some challenges? Let me know in the comments!
And, as always, happy reading!
Kerri McBookNerd 
You had a great reading month! I am so happy you loved Lore Olympus. It’s on my wish list!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! It’s such a great graphic novel. I’m caught up with the webcomic and now I want the whole thing in physical form!
LikeLike