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message 1: by Emily, Conterminous Mod (new)

Emily Bourque (emilyardoin) | 10991 comments Mod
Time for our best books of October! Did you go spooky? Or was the the time for cozy fall books? Let us know your favorite!

Answer the following questions:

- Title
- Author
- Rating
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio)
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable)
- Brief reason why it was the best


2023 Best Books Listopia


message 2: by Misty (new)

Misty | 1421 comments - Title Children of Blood and Bone
- Author Tomi Adeyemi
- Rating 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) 10. A book related to one of the Spice Girls' "personalities"
- Brief reason why it was the best Interesting, fleshed out characters, exciting plot, lots of action, magic - this book is fascinating, and I was hooked. My daughter and I read it together (which was fun). This west African inspired fantasy is a great read - although, now I have to read the sequel! :)

- Title Firekeeper's Daughter
- Author Angeline Boulley
- Rating 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) 49. A book posted in one of the ATY Best Book of the Month threads in 2022 or 2023
- Brief reason why it was the best A young Native American woman becomes embroiled in a mystery happening within her community that threatens her family and friends. I read a criticism that said there was just too much going on in this book, and while I feel it is valid criticism, I was still very much wrapped up in this book. I thought it was fantastic.


message 3: by Tracy (new)

Tracy | 2682 comments


Title: Greenwood Greenwood by Michael Christie
Author: Michael Christie
Rating: 5 stars
Format: Kindle
ATY Prompt you used it for: 44. A book where the cover design includes text that is not completely horizontal
Brief reason why it was the best: I think the structure of the book, following a timeline as if you were passing through the rings of a tree (most recent, traveling back to earliest year in the story, then traveling back out to most recent year) was a very effective way to learn about the characters and their motivations. The descriptions were very vivid — from the beauty of a wooded island, to the desperation of character who is a pawn. And there was at least one character who had integrity that made them my favorite. I always love having a character with integrity. I don't have to love all the characters, but it is important to me to have at least one .


message 4: by Emily, Conterminous Mod (new)

Emily Bourque (emilyardoin) | 10991 comments Mod
Tress of the Emerald Sea (The Cosmere) by Brandon Sanderson

Title: Tress of the Emerald Sea
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Rating: 5 Stars
Format: Print
Brief reason why it was the best:
This book was the perfect mix of fantasy and adventure and contemporary life commentary. I loved Tress, and I really loved the narrator, who would sprinkle little insights inbetween his jokes and storytelling.


message 5: by Emily, Conterminous Mod (new)

Emily Bourque (emilyardoin) | 10991 comments Mod
Listopia updated through here!


message 6: by Ashley Marie (new)

Ashley Marie  | 72 comments Title Starling House
Author Alix E. Harrow
Rating 5 stars
Format Print
Brief reason why it was the best This was everything I wanted it to be. There were some wonderful character dynamics, and I can't resist a sentient house. The writing spun from laugh-out-loud snark to stunning metaphor and back again. I loved every moment.


message 7: by Joanna G (new)

Joanna G (joanna_g) | 332 comments Not sure if this is appropriate, as it was a re-read. If so, please disregard.

Title Pride and Prejudice
Author Jane Austen
Rating 5 stars
Format Print, although I couldn't find my usual copy. Fortunately, I have three (lone book, The Annotated Pride and Prejudice, and Jane Austen box set).
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) Book related to pride (and felt okay using a reread because I also used it for Popsugar's book you wish you could read again for the first time, which had to be.)
Brief reason why it was the best I mean, what do I say? A classic for a reason. Lovely, light, and just so delicious.


message 8: by Trish, Annular Mod (new)

Trish (trishhartuk) | 1104 comments Mod
I've actually had four 5* books this month, although one of them was a reread. The new ones were all very different, and I thought they were great for different reasons.

Lessons in Chemistry, Bonnie Garmus (used for 35. School subject in the title)

This is not normally my kind of book, but I liked the characters and was fascinated by the culinary science.

The Word for World is Forest, Ursula K. Le Guin (not used for ATY)

A tale of exploitation, ecological destruction and rebellion - just as apt and appropriate now as it was when it was written 50 years ago.

The Complete Maus, Art Spiegelman (not used for ATY, but the October monthly read for PopSugar)

This has been on the TBR for a long while, and I was finally prompted to read it. I can understand why this won the Pulitzer. I wasn't sure what to make of using the graphic novel format for a story like this, but it was incredible.


message 9: by Jennifer W (new)

Jennifer W | 669 comments - Title The Complete Maus
- Author Art Spiegelman
- Rating 5*
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) a book that didn't make the list (animals on the cover)
- Brief reason why it was the best:
It's so powerful. I find it to be the best book I've ever read about the Holocaust. It doesn't seem like it should have such an impact, being a graphic novel (nonfiction?), but it's completely moving. I think everyone should read this book!


message 10: by GailW (new)

GailW (abbygg) | 627 comments - Title: Norwegian by Night
- Author: Derek B. Miller
- Rating: 5
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): n/a - I was already done. Used for another challenge
- Brief reason why it was the best: this is a beautifully written story about an aged American Korean War Marine Vet who moves to Norway to live with his granddaughter and her husband. The author walks us through this man's mental thoughts about his dead wife and son, his time in Korea, and at first you get the impression that he is just waiting to die. Then he steps in and saves the life of a stranger, a young boy with whom he does not share the same language. It is a lovely story.


message 11: by Robin P, Orbicular Mod (last edited Oct 30, 2023 03:34PM) (new)

Robin P | 3831 comments Mod
Title: The Running Grave
Author: Robert Galbraith aka J.K.Rowling
Rating:5
Format: audio (I started this series in audio and really like the reader)
ATY Prompt you used it for - I don't think I used it for any
Brief reason why it was the best: This book took over my life. I stayed up at night listening, and when I was spending the day with friends, I kept sneaking away to hear more. It had more of a thriller aspect than I usually tolerate but I cared so much about the characters that it was worth it. It could have been shorter and tighter (I think it's about 30 hours audio) as could the last few books in the serie, but I didn't want to speed it up or skip even one minute. I kept thinking about it and even dreamed about it. The very last paragraph is surprising, so I hope it isn't a whole year till the next installment. I know some people are unhappy with certain opinions of the author, but I will never give up this series.


message 12: by Emily, Conterminous Mod (new)

Emily Bourque (emilyardoin) | 10991 comments Mod
Rereads count! We want to know your favorite reads of the month, whether it's the first or seventy-first time you've read it.

Listopia updated through here


message 13: by Dubhease (new)

Dubhease | 1029 comments - Title: Daisy Darker
- Author: Alice Feeney
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): eBook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): A book with a full name in the title
- Brief reason why it was the best: It reminded me of And Then There Were None, but with a dysfunctional family instead of a group of strangers.


message 14: by Erica (new)

Erica | 323 comments Over 30 books read this month and a bunch of five star reads. Some are the same genre or are already in the listopia so I'll go with these two.

- Title: Lore Olympus: Volume Five
- Author: Rachel Smythe
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): n/a
- Brief reason why it was the best: I love Greek mythology, and the artwork. This was also my favourite of the series so far.

- Title: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
- Author: John Boyne
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): n/a
- Brief reason why it was the best: The horror and senselessness of the holocaust/genocide is clear for any age to understand. Children really do have to be taught to hate. The audio book had an interesting interview with the author at the end.


message 15: by Siobhan (new)

Siobhan J | 5 comments - Title: We Could Be So Good
- Author: Cat Sebastian
- Rating: 5/5
- Format: ebook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): n/a
- Brief reason why it was the best: It was just so charming and lovely, managing the rare trick of seeming both epic and intimate all at once. Just a lovely book all around.


message 16: by Joanna G (new)

Joanna G (joanna_g) | 332 comments I have a second, just finished last night. Planned on making it last into November, but nope, just had to finish.

Title: Moon of the Turning Leaves
Author: Waubgeshig Rice
Rating: 4.5 stars / 5
Format: print
ATY Prompt: No ATY, since I only have two left, but used for Popsugar's book out in the second half of 2023. Wait, one of my two ATY's remaining is book from the best book of the month threads. Is it a cheat if I've put the book there myself?
Brief reason why it was the best: Moody, atmospheric travels through a post-apocalyptic world. A worthy sequel to another book I adored, Moon of the Crusted Snow. Not quite as good, mainly for some pacing issues - it started off a little slow, then felt rushed at the end. But also close the end, I definitely felt like I wasn't ready for it to be over yet and had that tension between wanting to know what happened and not wanting to be done yet.


message 17: by Amanda (new)

Amanda (ahhhhmanda) | 167 comments Title: Bright Young Women
Author: Jessica Knoll
Rating: 5 stars
Format: print
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): No ATY for me
Brief reason why it was the best: This is SUCH a well written book. You know the outcome going in (considering its about the sorority where 2 women were killed by Ted Bundy) but it kept my attention all the way through. I loved the focus on the women and the survivors. There's good discussion about serial killers having "fans" and how the media was glorifying these men. Its about how the victims are often overlooked and as someone who consumes true crime media, I think its important to step back once in a while and realize not only that these are real people, but that they would probably still be alive today if their lives weren't cut short.


message 18: by Robin P, Orbicular Mod (new)

Robin P | 3831 comments Mod
Jennifer W wrote: "- Title The Complete Maus
- Author Art Spiegelman
- Rating 5*
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) a book that didn't make th..."


This was totally original when it was released. There was no such mainstream genre as graphic novels. It's perfect for teens, which is why it's unfortunate that it is one of the books banned in many schools. (However libraries and bookstores got in extra copies because of the new demand this caused.)


message 19: by Barbara (last edited Nov 01, 2023 08:21AM) (new)

Barbara (soulflame1) | 124 comments I had three five-star reviews for October (I read 17 books because I am home on medical leave), but I think my favorite was this one: Title: Demon Copperhead
Author: Barbara Kingsolver
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Format: print
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): 40. A book with a full name in the title
Brief reason why it was the best: This modern retelling of Charles Dickens’s David Copperfield set in modern Appalachia is a riveting page-turner. It is no less an indictment of a heartless society than its inspiration. Beautifully written as well.

Must also mention this one because it is a debut novel scheduled to be published in Spring 2024:
Title: Daughters of Shandong
Author: Eve J. Chung
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Format: ebook (NetGalley ARC)
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): I didn't, but I could have used it for prompt 43, A book that involves a murder, if I hadn't already planned a different book (which I read immediately after).
Brief reason why it was the best: Riveting, haunting historical fiction based on the true experiences of Eve J. Chung’s grandmother during the Chinese civil war following World War II. The story is spellbinding, the prose well-crafted, and the characters beautifully rendered—especially the resilient, resourceful Ang females.


message 20: by Kendra (last edited Oct 31, 2023 07:50PM) (new)

Kendra | 2044 comments Title Thornhedge
Author T. Kingfisher
Rating 5 stars
Format Print
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) I couldn't find a prompt (that I hadn't already used) for it.
Brief reason why it was the best It was a sweet little twisted retelling of Sleeping Beauty.


message 21: by Joy D (last edited Oct 31, 2023 09:47PM) (new)

Joy D | 680 comments Out of 35 books read, I have 2 this month - 1 fiction and 1 non-fiction:

Fiction:
- Title: Wellness
- Author: Nathan Hill
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format: ebook
- ATY Prompt you used it for: n/a - I'm finished with the ATY52
- Brief reason why it was the best: The writing is top rate. The narrative is a mixture of social commentary and an easily relatable story about the ups and downs of married life. It touches on a variety of topics with humor and insight, including “new age” concepts, wellness, the placebo effect, parenting, and social media algorithms. I love Nathan Hill’s writing style and will read anything he writes.

Non-Fiction:
- Title: Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory and the Conquest of Everest
- Author: Wade Davis
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format: eBook and Audio:
- ATY Prompt you used it for: n/a (I'm finished with ATY52)
- Brief reason why it was the best: This book provides a comprehensive account of the three earliest expeditions to Mount Everest in the 1920s. I have read other books about this expedition, and this one is the best by far in analyzing what happened and assembling the pieces of information into the most likely sequence of events that led to the deaths of Mallory and Irvine. I found it an immersive reading experience. It will easily make my top 10 list for the year.


message 22: by MJ (new)

MJ | 900 comments I read eight books this month. As for spooky, I’m reading Stephen King’s Duma Key but that one doesn’t count for October reading. And it’s not that spooky… yet.

- Title: First: Sandra Day O'Connor
- Author: Evan Thomas
- Rating: five stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): eBook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable):
40. A book with a full name in the title
- Brief reason why it was the best
I read books about Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor last year and really enjoyed both, but maybe because O’Connor is from an earlier generation… I thought she’d be stodgy or less interesting! My expectations were low and I was really surprised by how fascinating her life has been. The author did a great job of mixing her work life and personal life together.


message 23: by Barbara (new)

Barbara (soulflame1) | 124 comments Kendra wrote: "Title Thornhedge
Author T. Kingfisher
Rating 5 stars
Format Print
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) I couldn't find a prompt (that I hadn't already used) f..."

I read this book last week! I liked it, but I did not give it 5 stars. Quick read and engaging story, though. Also did not use it for this challenge.


message 24: by Emily, Conterminous Mod (new)

Emily Bourque (emilyardoin) | 10991 comments Mod
Listopia updated through here!


message 25: by Megan (new)

Megan | 103 comments Title: A Study in Drowning
Author: Ava Reid
Rating: 5 Stars
Format: Ebook
ATY Prompt you used it for: Rural setting (Fall Challenge)
Brief reason why it was the best: I picked this book up on a whim because 1) it was fantasy which is my jam and 2) someone rated it as their best BOTM in September (sorry I forgot who you were but THANK YOU). It was so engaging. I didn't want to put it down. I think I read it in an afternoon. I just loved everything about this book.

Title: Alone With You in the Ether
Author: Olivie Blake
Rating: 5 Stars
Format: Ebook
ATY Prompt you used it for: None
Brief reason why it was the best: I'll be honest, I was very hesitant to pick this book up because my first experience with Olivie Blake was Atlas Six and I thought that book was pretentious and terrible. So when my friend (hey Emily!) rated this book so high I decided to put it on my holds list. And I delayed it. And delayed it. And delayed it again. And finally decided to read it. And I must have read it at just the right time because there was something about this hot mess express of a novel that just latched onto me. The characters are definitely flawed. The story feels like a ramble bender of an anxiety mind. But something about the combination of it was kind of like watching a train wreck. You just couldn't look away.

Title: The Icepick Surgeon: Murder, Fraud, Sabotage, Piracy, and Other Dastardly Deeds Perpetrated in the Name of 카지노싸이트
Author: Sam Kean
Rating: 5 Stars
Format: Audio
ATY Prompt you used it for: None
Brief reason why it was the best: I love a good revealing nonfiction, especially on audio. I find the subject matter super fascinating. My only gripe was that they didn't mention Henrietta Lacks but that's probably because she has her own book.

Title: Starling House
Author: Alix E. Harrow
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Format: Print
ATY Prompt you used it for: None
Brief reason why it was the best: Love Alix Harrow. Love a good fantasy. Quick read.

Title: The Glass Castle
Author: Jeannette Walls
Rating: 4 Stars
Format: Audio
ATY Prompt you used it for: English 101 (Fall Challenge)
Brief reason why it was the best: What a train wreck of a childhood. We love to read a good misery story.

Title: Thornhedge
Author: T. Kingfisher
Rating: 4 Stars
Format: Ebook
ATY Prompt you used it for: "Is witchy" (fall challenge)
Brief reason why it was the best: I'm a sucker for a retelling of any kind. Super quick read with a twist on an old favorite.


message 26: by Denise (new)

Denise | 507 comments Title: Killers of The Flowers Moon
Author: David Grann
Rating: 5 stars
Format: Book
Prompt: Dark
Reason: The narrative style was very breezy and the notes were exhaustive

Title: The Cat Who Saved Books
Author: Sosuke Nakagawa
Rating: 4 stars
Format: book
Prompt: W word
Reason: Thought provoking about the nature of reading and readers


message 27: by EILEEN (new)

EILEEN | 28 comments Emily wrote: "Time for our best books of October! Did you go spooky? Or was the the time for cozy fall books? Let us know your favorite!

Answer the following questions:

- Title
- Author
- Rating
- Format (Prin..."


Emily wrote: "Time for our best books of October! Did you go spooky? Or was the the time for cozy fall books? Let us know your favorite!

My favorite October listen...

- Title: A Prayer for Owen Meany
- Author: John Irving
- Rating: 5+
- Format (Prin..."
audio -- This is important. It's important to hear Owen's voice. It's a HUGE part of the story.
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): 31. A book found by inputting a favorite author on -- I'm into classic authors lately.
- Brief reason why it was the best: There are so many reasons why this is the BEST story! It has so many relatable themes-- friendship, hope, family, acceptance ++++. You won't be sorry with this audio version.


message 28: by Emily, Conterminous Mod (new)

Emily Bourque (emilyardoin) | 10991 comments Mod
Listopia updated through here!


message 29: by Kathy (new)

Kathy E | 3261 comments I have two, one contemporary novel, one classic German novel

- Title: The Immortalists
- Author: Chloe Benjamin
- Rating: 5*
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): Fall Challenge - From the fantasy genre
- Brief reason why it was the best: I loved these characters. We learn about the life of each of the Gold children as they become adults. They each have been told the date of their own death by a traveling psychic. The author created a unique story.

- Title: The Quest for Christa T.
- Author: Christa Wolf
- Rating: 5*
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): none, but it would fit "Author from Continental Europe" and "A book translated from another language
- Brief reason why it was the best: We get to know Christa T. from an unnamed narrator, a friend of Christa T. from university, and through papers and writings of Christa T. that the narrator finds after her death. This book was written by Christa Wolf who lived in East Germany before the break-up of the Soviet Union and the reunification of Germany.


message 30: by Bana AZ (last edited Nov 03, 2023 11:36PM) (new)

Bana AZ (anabana_a) | 836 comments Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs
- Title: Ink Blood Sister Scribe
- Author: Emma Törzs
- Rating: 4.5
- Format: ebook
- ATY Prompt you used it for: none
- Brief reason why it was the best: The book had a very interesting magic system involving spell books, and the characters grew on me. I wish this will get a sequel because I really want to read more about these characters.


message 31: by Nina (new)

Nina (ninakins) | 334 comments Title: Life Is So Good: One Man's Extraordinary Journey through the 20th Century and How he Learned to Read at Age 98
Author:George Dawson
Rating: 4 stars
Format (Print, eBook, Audio): eBook
ATY Prompt you used it for: None (I finished the challenge in September)
Brief reason why it was the best: It’s a fascinating autobiography of a man who lived through the entire 20th century and his experiences as a black man in the Deep South.


message 32: by Book Concierge (last edited Nov 05, 2023 06:28AM) (new)

Book Concierge (tessabookconcierge) | 565 comments I had only one 5-star read in October
Push by Sapphire
Push – Sapphire – 5

I listened to the audio, read by the author, which was excellent.

I didn't use it for ATY prompt, as I had already finished this year's challenge. BUT, it would fit Prompt 44. A cover that shows text that is not horizontal.

WHY it was the best:
Precious Jones is a young pregnant black teenager, who is functionally illiterate and the product of an abusive home. But Precious has a fierce determination to care for the baby growing inside her and to better her life. The issues raised are horrific and difficult to read about and process. Brava to Sapphire for highlighting the plight of young people such as her protagonist. The writing is raw and brutal; the story is gripping and inspiring. My heart broke for Precious, even as I cheered her on.
LINK to my full review


message 33: by Jackie, Solstitial Mod (new)

Jackie | 2363 comments Mod
Listopia is up to date through here


message 34: by chysodema (new)

chysodema | 125 comments - Title: Elatsoe
- Author: Darcie Little Badger
- Rating: 4 stars (this is high for me, 5 means life-changing)
- Format: eBook
- ATY Prompt you used it for: None, but would fit many.
- Brief reason why it was the best: I had been putting this off because for some reason I thought it would be slow, but decided to read it for October because ghosts. Elatsoe is set in an alternate modern day US where some of the supernatural beings of myth exist, and it's the story of a Lipan Apache teenager who inherited a legacy of ghost raising. It's the kind of story where our world and the mythological world lay right up against each other. The main character felt appropriately young but still interesting and relatable as an adult reader. It was not slow or boring at all, after a bit of a slow start it was pretty much nonstop action (at least if you're a nerd like me and also consider intense research montages to be "action"). It had a few scenes that even had me cheering and sharing enthusiastic updates to my book group.


message 35: by Emily, Conterminous Mod (new)

Emily Bourque (emilyardoin) | 10991 comments Mod
Listopia updated through here!


message 36: by Roxana (new)

Roxana (luminate) | 758 comments - Title: The Brides of High Hill
- Author: Nghi Vo
- Rating: 5 stars. More than 5 stars. All the stars.
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Ebook (ARC)
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): didn't use it for any
- Brief reason why it was the best: I'm completely obsessed with this series of novellas that have just been getting better and better with each one. I've been lucky enough to get ARCs of the last few, including this one that comes out in 2024, and somehow it's *even better, again*?? This series is so much about stories and folklore and memory and history, so the fact that each novella is pretty different makes sense, as the MC goes around their world meeting new people and hearing their stories, but this one is particularly different - a gothic horror tale a la Bluebeard, genuinely creepy and funny and smart and dramatic and beautiful. It packs *so much* into such a short book, it's almost hard to believe I only read 128 pages. Absolutely adore this series and I hope it goes on for a long, long time.

-

- Title: The Nice House on the Lake, Vol. 1 & The Nice House on the Lake, Vol. 2
- Author: James Tynion IV
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format: Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): I didn't use it for ATY
- Brief reason why it was the best: A fantastically unsettling sci fi/horror comic series (the second volume wraps up well enough to feel satisfying if it never continues, but leaves plenty of room for future issues) from one of my favorite writers in the comics field right now. The art is gorgeous as well, and well suits a story that's complex and haunting, rewarding rereads and discussion. Really loved this one!


message 37: by Robin H-R (new)

Robin H-R Holmes Richardson (acetax) | 858 comments Since I only joined the group mid-year, I have a couple books I read before that I'd like to add to the "Best Books" list:

Title - The Sherlockian
Author - Graham Moore
Rating - 5 stars
Format - Kindle
~~This is a dual time novel featuring Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It was amazing!

Title - And All the Saints
Author - Michael Walsh
Rating - 5 stars
Format - Kindle
~~From africa-eu.com: A “compelling” novel based on the life of Irish American gangster Owen Madden, from a New York Times–bestselling author. I love gangster novels and this was exceptional.

Title - Shadow of the Serpent: An Inspector McLevy Mystery 1
Author - David Ashton
Rating - 5 stars
Format - Kindle
~~The first in what has become my favorite historical mystery series. Inspector McLevy is a riot! Set in my favorite city - Edinburgh. Wish there were more.


message 38: by Isabel (new)

Isabel (xisabelx) | 103 comments Sorry I'm a bit late posting, but my best of October were:
The Lights of Prague by Nicole Jarvis Half a Soul (Regency Faerie Tales, #1) by Olivia Atwater Paladin's Grace (The Saint of Steel, #1) by T. Kingfisher

- Title: The Lights of Prague
- Author: Nicole Jarvis
- Rating: 4/5
- Format: audiobook
- ATY Prompt you used it for: 32. A book set in a UNESCO City of Literature (would also work for: 8. Debut, 28. Dark, 29. Light)
- Brief reason why it was the best: This one is set in 19th century Prague, where the men who light the gas lamps at night also hunt vampires. I loved the spooky atmosphere of the city at night. The vampires reminded me of Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire. The narration on audible was excellent.

- Title: Half a Soul
- Author: Olivia Atwater
- Rating: 4/5
- Format: kindle
- ATY Prompt you used it for: 15. Three books, each of which is set in a different century (would also work for: 13. Object repeated on cover, 29. Light, 38. Moon on cover, 45. Author of >7 books)
- Brief reason why it was the best: A fae mystery romance set in 19th century high society. Balls, debutantes, London, magical mirrors, dangerous fae, and a handsome sorcerer suitor.

- Title: Paladin's Grace
- Author: T. Kingfisher
- Rating: 4/5
- Format: Kindle
- ATY Prompt you used it for: 13. A book that has an object that is repeated on the cover (would also work for 43. Murder and 45. Author of >7 books)
- Brief reason why it was the best: This was a cozy-ish historical fantasy murder mystery with a bit of romance thrown in. I liked the original setting, world building, and mature characters.


message 39: by Emily, Conterminous Mod (new)

Emily Bourque (emilyardoin) | 10991 comments Mod
Listopia updated through here!


message 40: by Meg (new)

Meg (megscl) | 131 comments - Title - Magpie Murders
- Author - Anthony Horowitz
- Rating - 5 stars
- Format - audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for - involves a murder
- Brief reason why it was the best
I never give mystery novels 5 stars, but this might be my favourite ever, so I had to make an exception. It's a story in a story in a story, with a big cast of characters and lots of twists. But somehow, it never got confusing. A delightful read.


message 41: by Rachel (last edited Nov 23, 2023 12:54PM) (new)

Rachel (mimbza) | 238 comments My best reads for October

How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue
- Title: How Beautiful We Were
- Author: Imbolo Mbue
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Format: audiobook
- ATY Prompt: #5 four colours on cover
- Brief reason why it was the best: a story by a Cameroonian author about the impact of an environmental disaster on a village in Africa and their response in trying to tackle both their own government and the American oil company responsible. This is a powerful, impacting read with an important message. Here is my review

South Riding by Winifred Holtby
- Title: South Riding
- Author: Winifred Holtby
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Format: audio
- ATY Prompt: #1 location starting with Y
- Brief reason why it was the best: This is a classic set and written in the 1930s by an English author, feminist and social reformer who tragically died at age 36. The story features dynamic spinster school teacher Sarah who falls for handsome landowner Robert Carne, a host of quirky village characters and the local council. Here is my review

The Girl with Seven Names A North Korean Defector’s Story by Hyeonseo Lee
- Title: The Girl with Seven Names: A North Korean Defector’s Story
- Author: Hyeonseo Lee
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Format: audio
- ATY Prompt: #16 set in a century
- Brief reason why it was the best: a memoir about the author’s escape from North Korea. It is a gripping read which tells the story of the difficulties of life in North Korea, of the terrifying ordeal of escape, and the adjustment to life outside the regime. Here is my review


message 42: by Dana (new)

Dana Cristiana (silvermoon1923) | 287 comments - Title: The Kingdoms of Ruin, Vol. 5
- Author: yoruhashi
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Paperback
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): None
- Brief reason why it was the best: I loved the intensity, mystery, shocking elements and most importantly, I laughed a lot!

- Title: The Ancient Magus' Bride, Vol. 5
- Author: Kore Yamazaki
- Rating: 4.5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Paperback
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): None
- Brief reason why it was the best: The manga volumes get better and better, and the story here was intense.

- Title: What Moves the Dead
- Author: T. Kingfisher
- Rating: 4 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Ebook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): 49. A book posted in one of the ATY Best Book of the Month threads in 2022 or 2023
- Brief reason why it was the best: A memorable retelling. T. Kingfisher never disappoints! This is the second book I'm reading from her and I'm in love with her stories, vibe, characters and dialogue in her novels. She's my new favourite author.


message 43: by Jackie, Solstitial Mod (new)

Jackie | 2363 comments Mod
Listopia is up to date!


message 44: by Severina (new)

Severina | 392 comments Title: The Collective
Author: Alison Gaylin
Rating: 5 stars
Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Print
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): n/a
Brief reason why it was the best: Really creepy tale that highlights how close we all are to our shadow selves


message 45: by Jackie, Solstitial Mod (new)

Jackie | 2363 comments Mod
Got it


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