October is going by outrageously fast! I haven't finished a book since August or July, so it was definitely time for a couple of good reads! Here's what I've tackled so far this month. 

The Rosie Project

Lacking in social skills, unable to venture off of a rigid schedule, and on a mission for efficiency in all things, genetics professor Don Tillman decides it is time to find a wife. A wife who fits his requirements, of course. He approaches the new obstacle scientifically and develops a questionnaire to weed out the make-up wearers, vegans, smokers, those who can't do math, etc., thus starting 'The Wife Project'. It is never confirmed, but implied, that Don Tillmon may be on the Autism spectrum. One day he meets Rosie, who would have been weeded out immediately (smoker, doesn't cook, always late). During their first dinner together, Don tells Rosie that she seems "quite intelligent for a barmaid." "The compliments just keep on coming," Rosie responds tartly — at which point Don reflects that "It seemed I was doing well, and I allowed myself a moment of satisfaction, which I shared with Rosie." Despite their differences, they decide to collaborate on a project to find Rosie's biological dad, while becoming friends along the way. 

This book made me laugh out loud!! It is heart warming, empathetic, and lovely! To me, it was about real love, loving each other despite our quirks, and maybe because of them! 

A quote from my favorite/the funniest part of The Rosie Project; “I asked you here tonight because when you realise you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” - Graeme Simsion, The Rosie Project. You might recognize the quote from a certain Romantic Comedy movie, it just so happens to be from one of my favorite parts of The Rosie Project!  

If you are looking for a light, heartwarming read, I highly recommend The Rosie Project. (It reminded me a little bit of Where'd You Go Bernadette?, which is one of my favorite books!) 

• IN CONCLUSION:
  • It made me laugh out loud
  • I loved Don and his evolution through the story
  • It is a light read
  • The book finished leaving me wishing for a couple more pages!  
  • I listened to the audiobook and loved the narrator as Don 

The Husband's Secret

"My darling Cecilia, if you’re reading this, then I’ve died..."

Cecilia Fitzpatrick has a perfectly organized life, everything in its place, always a full plate but able to deliver you handmade meals when needed. One day, Cecilia finds a letter with her name on it and the directions to only read upon her husband's death. The letter holds a secret that has the potential to ruin the life they've built together.

The Husband's Secret follows three female characters in Australia as they struggle through heavy, life changing events.  I love books that tangle all the characters lives together. It explores the complexity of relationships, both familial and friendly. It will require the exploration of what you would do in a tough situation and the effects your choices could have on those around you. 

The Husband's Secret would be a spectacular book club pick, there are so many relatable moments and hilarious perspectives on normal life habits and happenings. The two quotes below still make me laugh. 

“Why did she give up wine for Lent? Polly was more sensible. She had given up strawberry jam. Cecilia had never seen Polly show more than a passing interest in strawberry jam, although now, of course, she was always catching her standing at the open fridge, staring at it longingly. The power of denial.” - Lianne Moriarty, The Husband's Secret 

“A red traffic light loomed, and Cecilia slammed her foot on the brake. The fact that Polly no longer wanted a pirate party was breathtakingly insignificant in comparison to that poor man (thirty!) crashing to the ground for the freedom that Cecilia took for granted, but right now, she couldn’t pause to honor his memory, because a last-minute change of party theme was unacceptable. That’s what happened when you had freedom. You lost your mind over a pirate party.” - Lianne Moriarty, The Husband's Secret

Another thing I loved about this book was the wrap up at the end, I won't say anything else, but my ultra-curious nature always wants just a little bit more detail. Quite a satisfying ending!

• IN CONCLUSION:
  • I was always excited to turn the page
  • It made me laugh out loud
  • I loved the banter of school moms
  • I want to read Lianne Moriarty's other books ASAP! 

Station 11

The Georgia flu is carried to the United States on a flight from Russia. Even the gate agents who very briefly spoke with passengers to direct them to the right terminal are affected. In hours, Toronto's hospitals are full with afflicted patients, who then infect the hospital employees.  People get sick within hours and are dead in a day or two. There is no treatment, and there is no time for any counteractive measures. Within a couple of days 99% of the world's population is wiped out. One of the characters is in the airport and watches as flights land and coast out to the edge of the runway. They never come to the terminal. No one goes to or from the plane. It is a mobile quarantine. 

All of a sudden, the world rewinds to pre-electricity, immunizations, and antibiotics. New people born post Georgian-flu grow up amazed to learn that cold air used to come out of a vent. The story follows a caravan called 'The Traveling Symphony' around the Great Lakes area, they stop in small settlements to perform Shakespearean theater productions while the symphony orchestra plays Beethoven. In a grim, post apocalyptic world, we learn about how love and friendship weave people together.

“The night sky was brighter than it had been. On the clearest nights the stars were a cloud of light across the breadth of the sky, extravagant in their multitudes . . . The era of light pollution had come to an end. The increasing brilliance meant the grid was failing, darkness pooling over the earth. I was here for the end of electricity." - Emily St. John Mandel, Station Eleven

One of the characters reminsces abut the indulgences of the world pre-Georgia flu, “Do you remember chocolate-chip cookies?” And his friend responds, “I dream of chocolate-chip cookies. Don’t torture me.” - Emily St. John Mandel, Station Eleven

My unbridled curiosity and I, have many questions about the world in Station Eleven. For example, what about indiguious cultures in Africa? What about small islands? Wouldn't there still be some places in the world that were unaffected? In the book, there is no electricity, gas has evaporated, and computers are no longer a thing. There must have been books, libraries, book stores that still stood. Why didn't anyone look into how to rebuild? How to regenerate electricity? 

I would have loved to hear more about how everyone else survived the flu outbreak.  Did some people have immunity? If so, how come? I'm hoping there is a sequel to this book. I want to learn about how the rest of the world was affected! 

• IN CONCLUSION:
  • Outrageously thought-provoking
  • Different
  • Interesting realistic post-apocalytpic world (minus zombies)
  • I loved the ending and would like a sequel please! 

Have you read any of these books? If so, what were your thoughts?? 

I'm still working on The Interestings, by Meg Wolitzer. What have you been reading? What is on your list to read next?? I would love to hear from you! Leave me a comment below!! Happy Reading!!