Whew! As usual, my lofty plans for this month went….sideways. I pictured myself blogging nearly everyday and interacting with other bloggers and, and, and…. it didn’t happen. I do not know how people sustain the energy for hosting these huge thematic readathons but, bless them!
What Did I Read This Month?
I started out by picking out 31 good spooky books.
I ended up reading ten books this month. Many came from the list and a few were discovered alone the way.
I don’t know if you can tell or not but I was obsessed with The Illuminae Files. Obsessed!
Who Participated?
I had three wonderful bloggers join me this year for FGR. Muse With Me always selects the best and most terrifying reads as well as wonderful graphic novels. Two of my favorites reviews from this month are the those for Dr. Sleep and for Hellboy: Odder Jobs.
What’s NonFiction didn’t feel like there was enough “frightening” in their TBR pile but, just look at this review of a former Westboro Baptist Church member and you’ll see – this blog is sheer GOLD for all kinds of NonFiction that will keep you up at night.
Finally, the awesome blog, The Writerly Way participated this year. I love this blog because, without fail, every time I read it I find something new to add to my ever growing TBR. My favorite post from this month was about Gideon the Ninth. Even though I’m not sure I would ever have picked up this book, The Writerly Way has convinced me that I have to give it a try.
Thank you to all who participated! I hope you come back again next year where (hopefully) I will have a better plan and make it more social!
What Did I Learn?
Blogging consistently while reading all new thematically appropriate books is a near impossibility for me. Add to a chaotic event this month and everything just went sideways. Next year I need to start working on this in August….or July. Either way, I need to think of blogging for October like crafting for Christmas and start early.
The best thing about focusing on the spooky and frightening this month is that I have wrung every bit of joy out of my favorite holiday – Halloween. I’m not even sad that tomorrow is November because I enjoyed everything October had to offer – even the snowstorm we had today in Chicago!
Tell me, please!
How did you celebrate Halloween?
Silver Button Books 
I definitely want to participate next year too. It was fun, though I do hope I can get my reading schedule a little more organized so I can complete all the books I plan to get through next time. Happy Halloween!
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I would, just once, like to say “that reading plan went exactly according to schedule” but I lack the self control. Maybe that will go on my 2020 reading resolution list!
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Thank you for hosting this! Such a fun concept. I’m going to be thinking about what I can read for it next year too. And you’re right, the Westboro memoir is definitely one of the scarier things I’ve read.
Being organized with events is near-impossible for me too, you’re not alone there. But I’m glad you did it, and glad it helped make Halloween more fun for you too! Totally worthwhile for that 🙂
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You are so gracious! I think having more people participate will make me a better host. There is nothing like having people rely on you to help you step up right? I’m going to put it on my schedule to start in July. Hah!
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Yeah, I know…I actually only ever bothered putting together a single Nonfiction November post until I became a host last year, so I really understand! But if you plan in advance it becomes more manageable 🙂 Once you announce it I’ll share it too to get some more eyes on it!
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