October Reading Review

Looking back on it now, my reading in October was pretty odd. It was a heck of a busy month. I was traveling for a week, had my mother visiting for another week, and almost every single free moment was dedicated to writing my next book under contract with OHB. It was a great month, but where I’d normally spend a few hundred words sharing some great fantasy recommendations, this month I can’t. The only two fantasy books I read in October were two of the Percy Jackson books at bedtime with my daughter. And, sure, they’re fine books, but I’m not going to recommend them unless you’re a child.

That being said, I did have some great reading this month. The first story that I read, which I haven’t actually read before, was Call of the Wild by Jack London. Fantastic novella (I think that’s where it would land in today’s categories). London was a fascinating individual, and I feel like that comes through in the story. He combines philosophies not often combined, and it was a great little read.

The other highlight was The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, by the great John Le Carré. Often considered one of the greatest spy novels ever written, I have to say it was quite the gem. My only wish is that I could have read it through the eyes and mind of a British citizen in the 1950s. I suspect it would have hit even harder, then.

I’ll also make mention of a few manga. I’ve been working my way through Claymore slowly, which is excellent, but my wife introduced me to Way of the House Husband, in which a former tough-as-nails Yakuza dedicates his life to the arts of house husbanding. Generally it wouldn’t be my cup of tea, but as a shared reading experience with my wife, it’s grown on me.

And I’m afraid that’s about it for October. November promises to be a bit slower, so hopefully I’ll be able to get some more fantasy in.

Until then, take care!