Monthly Wrap-Up: August 2024

Although August was a much quieter month, I appeared to have read less. I think a little bit of that was that I didn’t go anywhere, so no long trip to just read during. But I also read a couple of long books which took up more time than I would have liked. Overall though it was a pretty good reading month.

I did manage to read all of my books that I had planned to on my TBR. I also managed to read all of my challenge books, including a nonfiction which I squeezed in at the end of the month. I had only planned on reading 8 nonfiction books this year, but I have been on a roll lately and finding one to read each month. At this point I have finished my challenge goal, but I might try to go for a few more before the end of the year.

I read or listened to a total of 18 books this month. I’m not going to share all of those books here, but just like last month I picked a few of my favorites to share with you. I had one book that fit two categories and I debated whether or not I should use it twice, but it was such a good book that I just had to talk about it more than once.

Favorite ARCs

The Thirteenth Child was my favorite book of the month! It was such a good story and a retelling of a little known fairytale. If you are a fan of those you will enjoy this one.

We Solve Murders was a nice start to a new mystery series. I really liked the characters and the story was quite good as well. Loved all of the twists and turns to the final reveal.

Buried Deep and Other Stories was a great short story collection that I really enjoyed. Many of the stories were from the author’s series, but some were brand new ones, which were a lot of fun.

Reading Challenge Books

Girls Like Us (Buzzword Reading Challenge/ Like) was an excellent mystery thriller that I really enjoyed. This was another one that had me guessing almost to the end of the story.

The Thirteenth Child (Epic Reading Challenge/ Retelling) fit this challenge so nicely that I didn’t want to find another one. This was also a gender swapping retelling which was a bonus.

Sticky Notes (Nonfiction Challenge/ Memoir) was such an uplifting read. Nice little stories about being a teacher and how sometimes the kids are the ones teaching the lessons.

Favorite Library Books

Divine Rivals was such a fun read that I really enjoyed. I am really looking forward to reading the second book, hopefully soon.

Break To You was also a really good YA romance that I really enjoyed. It was such a different story and very heartbreaking at times.

Middle of the Night was an excellent mystery thriller with some paranormal undertones. The ending was a bit of a shock, but really worked.

Favorite Audiobooks

Assassins Anonymous was such good listen. I really enjoyed the narrator and the story was excellent as well. Many of the characters were morally gray, but they all wanted to be better which was great.

Apprentice to the Villain was just as fun as the first book. It was nice to have other points of view beside Evie’s and the Villain’s. I am very much looking forward to the next book.

The Maidens was another mystery thriller that I really enjoyed listening to. The reader did an excellent job. The many twists and turns of the story really kept me in suspense and I never saw that ending coming.

So far September is shaping up to being a good reading month. The first couple of books that I am currently reading have been pretty good and the next ones I have lined up look promising. I hope you all had excellent reads last month, and may the reading gods bless you on your reading journey in September. Until next time…