October has been a very stressful month for me. Not only have I spent a lot of it sick with that damned cough that won’t leave me alone (I’ve been on anti-biotics for 2 weeks), I’ve also been busy trying to finish off my Diploma.
I have 3 more assessments to write and submit, although I have 2 that haven’t been signed off yet as complete. But fingers crossed by November 22 I’ll be 100% signed off and complete with a new qualification!
I purposely took a quiet month to focus on my Diploma. And November is much of the same because I won’t be 100% done until December.
My Fav
As much as I love Christmas (to the point that my partner jumps between me and Christmas decorations to stop me buying any more) I feel like Zapata takes the cake this month.
As a debut author, I was expecting Harper’s novel to be average. I’m not saying the story would be bad. But from my experience, debut author’s writing and editing needs some improvements.
Instead I was knocked out of the park.
I’m even wanting to buy a physical copy so my partner can read this as well because I think it might just be what he needs to tip from YA to Adult novels. I’m not saying that YA books are bad. But he’s 38 and hasn’t read Adult books yet when I know there are so many he’d like!
My Least Fav
Without a doubt Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is my least favourite this month. I actually read this in January/February but saved it until I needed to fill in a week in case I fell behind my reading schedule.
I mentioned it in the review. But I honestly don’t understand how this won so many awards!
It was a great book in terms of highlighting the importance of recognising and not victimising mental health victims. But it missed the mark since they never tell you what she’s suffering from which just makes it worst.
I’ve seen so many assumptions of what she’s suffering from. From schizophrenia to Asperger’s. Problem is.
It’s just caused more arguments and leaves people frustrated and divided when this book should have united us.
What’s coming
Not a whole lot this coming month.
Literally.
I have a few reviews and I managed to squeeze in a couple extra. But I won’t be doing anything extra. I need to focus on my Diploma and pass.
I really don’t wanna have to redo either of these last two units next yr!
My 2019 Goals
Now that we’re 10 month’s in here’s how I’m doing with my goals!
- I’ve surpassed my initial and edited reading goals. I honestly didn’t think I’d read this much this yr!
- I’ve finished 2 out of 3 books for the Aussie Author Challenge and figured out I have a few different male Aussie authors in my TBR pile. So some time before the end of the yr I’m going to read and review one of them! And it’s not going to be a Matthew Rielly book even though I have more than 10 of his books on my bookshelf. Confession. They are my partners and I’m not in the mood for one of his books. They are a bit too YA for my normal tastes.
- I kinda got a start on my series review. And since I’ve been studying these haven’t done so well but I’ve scheduled to pick this up again with a bunch of already written reviews for series next yr. I’ll update you on this at the start of 2020.
- Well I guess in a way I’ve made progress. Being off sick for like 2 months isn’t really helping. I’m hoping that two weeks of antibiotics will let me get back into exercise coz I REALLY miss it! Fingers crossed I get there by Christmas!
6 Replies to “Wrap Up – October”
Feel better soon! And good luck with the last parts to get your diploma done.
I feel like I’m mostly better now. I’m left with the occasional cough which is good. And I officially only have one more assignment to do and submit! Yay!
Good luck with getting your diploma done!
I agree about Eleanor Oliphant. I liked it, but it definitely didn’t live up to the hype.
I think I will add Zapata to my TBR pile – you make it sound incredible!
I really loved Zapata. So glad you’re gonna add that to the TBR! I’m down to one more assignment. Fingers crossed my November Wrap Up will say I’ve passed everything 🤞
October hasn’t been the healthiest month for me either – it feels like I have been full of the cold forever. Hopefully, we’ve both had our share of germs for the year 🙂
Well done on surpassing your reading goals!
As I’m replying to you my cough is coming back for the 2nd time 🙁 And about to start some video captioning for work (don’t really have time to do it at work, so need to do it on my weekends)