We’ve reached the end of January – how are you doing, friends? I hope the year kicked off without a hitch for you, but if the opposite is true, I hope you’re ready to take on February with optimism and fresh plans.

With NaNoWriMo reaching its end and three unimpressive books to finish out November, I was in sort of a reading slump when December began. Thankfully, with the time off here at the end of this final month of 2018, I was able to get back on a more satisfactory reading track, and finish out the year on an uphill slope (not June and August levels, but a feel-good level nonetheless). Let’s get into the specifics. 

This wrap-up is going to be quick, because every word I write here is one that doesn’t contribute to my NaNoWriMo word count. Plus, the books I did have time to read this month were in a word: disappointing. I did however, find the time to write a couple of posts outside of book reviews and NaNoWriMo 2018 Updates, so click here to check those out. Now, let’s get into this wrap-up. 

My mild reading and mood slumps continued through October, but like in September, my time spent not reading was enjoyably spent. I’m actually pretty ready to take a break from spooky reads in November, because with darker days and colder weather ahead, I need a better balance between unsettling and uplifting. Basically, I’m taking a break from Shirley Jackson. Anyway, I will be taking a bit of a blogging and reading “vacation” during November, because I am participating in NaNoWriMo (read my introductory post here)! I’m quite enthusiastic about it, so I’m hoping that writing over 1,000 words every day will also help get me out of the slumps I’ve…

So my favorite month has again come to an end. Based on my previous months, this has not been a great 30 days of reading. However, I filled my time with so many great people, excursions, and events, that I cannot say I’m disappointed not to have finished more books. So thank you September. I am sad that you are behind me, but I’ll be looking forward to 2019 you. Now, more about my reading…

Before I get into how excited I am for my favorite month and season of the year, I suppose I should talk about the books I read, started, and hauled in August. After a sort of slumpy July, it feels so good to look back on the seven books I finished this month, especially since it’s on par with June. In other words, what a great summer of reading!