It is time to share what I read in October.
October ended up being a good reading month for me, especially when it comes to nonfiction. I think it was my best month of nonfiction for the year.
I read only seven books, but four of them were nonfiction. Nonfiction books tend to be slower reads, so I am happy with seven books for the month.
My reading goal for 2025 was to learn through books by focusing on quality rather than quantity. I struggled with that a bit this summer when my reading slowed down and I read more quick and easy to read fiction, but October was a great month for nonfiction reading, so I feel like my reading goal for 2025 is back on track.
What I Read In October
I am sharing a few thoughts on each book, but you can click on the title of each book for a full review and more information.
Fiction
Once Upon a Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson. I am reading some Christmas books for a book list I am working on for next month. This is Melody Carlson’s 2025 release, and I enjoyed it.
The Women of Oakridge by Michelle Shocklee. This recent release is a World War II book set in Tennessee. Tennessee is not your typical setting for a WWII, but this book is about how Oak Ridge, Tennessee, played a big part in WWII.
The Memory of Old Jack by Wendell Berry. I love Wendell Berry’s Port William series and am slowly working my way through the series. Did you know Wendell Berry has a new book in the series out? Marce Catlett was released last month, and I can’t wait to read it.
Nonfiction
The Invisible Kingdom by Meghan O’Rourke. I have read several medical memoirs this year, and this was one of the recent ones. It won’t be for everyone, but if you deal with chronic illness or have a family member who does, you will probably enjoy it.
Born Lucky by Leland Vittert. This is a memoir about autism. Leland Vittert is a national reporter who has worked for Fox News and News Nation and who only recently revealed that he has autism. I really enjoyed this one, but I would love to hear what others think of it. If you read it, I would love to hear your thoughts.
Gray Day by Eric O’Neill. It was a month for memoirs. This is the third one that I read in October. This one is about America’s first cyber spy. It mixes memoir with true crime, spies, and Russia.
Christian Nonfiction
A Pilgrim Path by Faith Cook. I enjoyed this short biography of John Bunyan.
I would love to hear what you have been reading in the comments.
You read a nice variety in October. And you’re not the only one who tries to cram in a finish or two on the last day of the month. 🙂
October finishes for me included:
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, Vol 1. and Vol. 2 by Beth Brower
The Story Girl by L. M. Montgomery
Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson
Midnight in Chernobyl by Adam Higginbotham
All were very good, although The Story Girl wasn’t my favorite of Montgomery’s books.
You read Emma M Lion! I made myself not read one in October because I was reading through the series too fast!
I thought Volume 1 was okay. Volume 2 had me laughing out loud by the 3rd page and sold me on continuing with the series. I’m saving the rest for cozy reading during Christmas break. 🙂