Books Read in September: 14

Books Read for the Year: 134/150

Topical Books/Monthly Goal Books:

The Darkest Minds, by Alexandra Bracken (from the TBR pile). I actually didn’t know they were making a movie out of this when I got it, so I was a little surprised when I saw the trailer. This was way better than I thought it would be. I enjoyed it quite a bit, and the ending was both appropriate and painful. I’ve already purchased the second one.

My Antonia, by Willa Cather (classic). Why haven’t I read this before? It was a good read, and I wasn’t expecting it to be.

The Storyteller’s Secret, by Sejal Badanai (cultural). I have no words for how good this was. Go read it!

Beautiful Lies, by Jennifer Strickland (spiritual).

For Review:

The Lantern’s Ember, by Colleen Houck. This book was magical in a lot of ways, although I’d call it almost middle-grade as opposed to YA. I love steampunk, and I think this qualified. The tale of Jack, a Lantern tasked to guard the gateway to the Otherworld, and Ember, a witch desperate to venture there.

God Speaks Your Love Language, by Gary Chapman. I’ve never read The Five Love Languages (although I’ve now purchased it), but this was a wonderful read that I recommend.

Warfare: Winning the Spiritual Battle , by Tony Evans.  Tony Evans’ has a phenomenal voice (runs in the family, apparent;y, because so does his daughter) and this book is powerful, yet conversational in tone.

Things I’d Rather Do Than Die, by Christine Hurley Deriso.  Being held at gunpoint and locked in a gym is bound to change your perspective on life, so when total opposites Jade and Ethan go through it, they feel connected. Except Ethan is a star athlete and a Christian, and Jade is an agnostic who abhors the whole high school experience.

I Do Not Trust You, by Laura J. Burns and Melinda Metz. When Memphis realizes someone is following her, she takes him by surprise and meets Ash, a member of an ancient cult who needs her help to solve a centuries-old riddle and keep the icons of his god from falling into the wrong hands.

Confessions of a Teenage Leper, by Ashley Little. Abby is a popular cheerleader when her world comes crashing down around her when she’s diagnosed with leprosy. Soon she’s undergoing treatment and realizes what a horrible person she was in the past.

The Tomb, by S.A. Bodeen.  Kiva grew up in ancient Alexandria. She was best friends with the prince, until he disappeared from her life three years ago. Now his first words to her are “Nothing is as it seems.” Kiva has no idea just how true those words are, until she wakes up in space.

After the Fire, by Will Hill. Moonbeam grew up in a cult she thought was the only truth…until she realized it wasn’t. Now, after the fire, she relives what happened to her there—and how it all came crashing down. Fantastic read!

Under My Skin, by Lisa Unger. Poppy’s husband was murdered a year ago. Now Poppy is losing time and doesn’t know what is real and what is not. She just wants to find out what happened to Jack. A twisty, memorable psychological thriller.

For School:

Telling the Truth, by Fredrick Buechner.