
Fall 2019 TBR | Wrap-Up
Back in September, I made a list of ten books I wanted to read during the Fall season and before the arrival of the Winter Solstice. You can read that post here, and/or continue reading this post to see how I did (spoiler alert: not well😜).
The Italian by Ann Radcliffe
I have wanted to reread this novel for the past few years, and unfortunately 2019 is another year in which I do not get to the end. I’ve barely started it, actually, making it only to page 37. Maybe by the time 2020 ends I will reach the last page…
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
The first time I opened this book to read it was earlier this week, and so far I am loving it! Its quick pace and mysterious tone are keeping me interested, so I might actually finish reading it by the end of the month (currently on page 34).
The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
Another unfinished book. Unlike the previous two, I didn’t even open this book. Hopefully I’ll finally read it next year!
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Another book I have started but haven’t finished. I’m currently on page 129, and although I thought about DNFing this book for a little bit, the story has reached another exciting and mysterious point. The beginning of it is still so far the best part, but I am enjoying the book despite the slow pace and the fact that I have to be in the right mood for it. Luckily, cold winter nights put me in the best mood for it so hopefully I’ll get to the end by Spring. 😆
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Hey, a book I actually finished! This is one of the books I read during Dewey’s 24-Hour Readathon, and it was the perfect book to read in one sitting. It’s the first Sherlock Holmes novel I have ever read, and it definitely won’t be the last – I was hooked from the first page all the way to the end.
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
I finished this book – my first reading of it – last week. Like many other people, I have watched the movie, so I was vaguely familiar with the story going in. Or I thought I was – it turns out I don’t remember the movie as well as I thought I did, because most of the events of the book felt brand new to me and Wikipedia tells me that the movie does a relatively good job of following the book. I have even read The Rules of Magic already; the order in which I experienced this saga and world is really atypical of my habits. Anyway…
The reason I say all of that is because I did not expect this book to be so gut-wrenching and heartbreaking. It’s a sad, melancholy story; I had to take a couple of breaks from it because it all felt so real. While The Rules of Magic is melancholy too, it had more of a lighter air to it – it feels more like fantasy than Practical Magic does. Regardless of its sadness, and some of the crude language and violence, I did enjoy it.
Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James
Another book I barely opened, but I did start it. I’m finding the writing to be a bit of a chore, but I haven’t read enough of the story to form a full opinion of the book.
The Darkangel by Meredith Ann Pierce
I also read this book during Dewey’s 24-Hour Readathon, and I enjoyed it. The Darkangel has some familiar themes – vampires, a heroic female character, mythical creatures – but at the same time, I know I haven’t read anything quite like it. I talked more about my thoughts in my October Wrap-Up here.
The Silver Witch by Paula Brackston
I am currently on page 262 of 308 of this book, and I have no plans to finish it. I suppose it is a DNF, but someday in the near future I may take some time to get to the end. I want to save most of my thoughts for my December Wrap-Up, but essentially I feel like the characters and plot were messily thrown together, so while the premise is exciting, the story itself falls flat.
The Moon-Spinners by Mary Stewart
The final Dewey’s 24-Hour Readathon book, and another one I absolutely loved! I need to read more Mary Stewart ASAP.
Plus…
A Spell of Murder by Kennedy Kerr
Finished and reviewed – you can read that review here. For the sake of this post, I will say that this was a fun story to read, and I do recommend it if you are looking for something straightforward yet thoughtful and exciting.
So out of the eleven books I set out to read during the best season of the year, I read five and started five more. Considering I also read a few more books that were not on this TBR, I’m feeling pretty good about my reading during the Fall season. For those who aren’t aware – I don’t put a ton of pressure on myself when it comes to TBR lists. Of course I want to finish all of the books I put on them, but it’s not a big deal to me if I don’t because those I don’t read or don’t finish can be added to future lists! 😉 Anyway, I had relatively excellent experiences with the books I did finish, and that’s the real win: finding more books to love (also if you are not aware – I’m corny as hell 😎).
If you have read any of the books listed above, or have recommendations based on the authors or subjects, I would love to hear all your thoughts and suggestions below. See you next year, Autumn, I miss you already!


5 Comments
Darlene
I love Mary Stewart and have been reading her for years. The Moon-Spinners may have been the first one I read too. or NIne Coaches Waiting. The Merlin/King Arthur books are good too. You did so well. Have a great Christmas!!
Kelsey @ There's Something About KM
Thank you so much! I’ll be sure to add those titles to my TBR. 😊 Merry Christmas to you too!
FictionFan
So glad you enjoyed your first Holmes and Watson book, and you have so much more pleasure still to come from all the other long and short stories! 😀
Kelsey @ There's Something About KM
I know! I’m excited for all the mystery and fun! 😀
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