October // What I Read

Murder on the Orient Express 

by Agatha Christie

I have wanted to read this book for awhile now and then when I found out that they were making a movie based on the book I added it to my October book list. 

This is a suspenseful read about a murder on a luxurious train filled with a group of very diverse passengers. Everyone is a suspect. It's up to the reader to search for the truth...and to discover if they are right.

I loved the idea of this story but I must be honest...I was a bit lost at times throughout the story. I don't know if my personal life had a lot to do with it since I have been very busy with work and other engagements and so my reading life was very sporadic and hurried when I did sit down to read. I am a very visual person and so I kept wanting to see all the characters and try to keep them straight but there were so many that I was constantly getting a bit confused and found it difficult to differentiate between them. I wanted to google the characters so I could concoct an evidence board of my own to play detective. I couldn't really find a clear description and didn't want the internet giving anything away so I just read on. This took away from the story greatly for me. I know many people love this book but for me personally, I think I'm enjoy the film more. We shall see. 

The Grown Up 

by Gillian Flynn

On the flip side, this book didn't get the best of reviews on Goodreads but I loved this short story! 

Gillian Flynn is not known for her innocence so there are parts of this book that are pretty raw and crass but this was one read that really put me in the mood for Halloween. 

The Grown Up tells the story of a canny young woman struggling to survive by perpetrating various levels of mostly harmless fraud. When the "psychic" visits a new client at her eerie Victorian home that has been a source of terror and grief, she realizes she may not have to pretend to believe in ghosts anymore. 

This was such a freakishly good read. In the end you may not know what is truth and what isn't. But that's what makes a ghost story truly creepy does it not? 

The Bad Seed 

by William March

Are you noticing a pattern here? I enjoy a good thriller and so I took advantage of the month of October and all it's spooky vibes. If you enjoyed movies like "The Orphan" and "The Omen" than you will love this book.  

This 1954 novel tells the story of a mother's realization that her young daughter has committed a murder, or two, or perhaps more. What happens to ordinary families into whose midst a child serial killer is born? This is the question at the center of William March's classic thriller.

This book was an interesting read. It leaves you on the edge of your seat and is as unpredictable as the British weather. I loved the vintage feel of this book as well. There are twists and turns that you never see coming.

Reading this really made me want to see the film. I've heard it's just as creepy as the book. Movie night anyone?

Martin Luther: A Man Who Changed the World 

by Paul L. Maier

By the end of the month, I thought it was high time I read something redeemable. :) With the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, I thought it only fitting I pull out a thrifted book I found years ago and have saved for any future children we may have. 

This children's book about the life of Martin Luther is such a fascinating read with gorgeous images. I absolutely love when books are written for children about great men and women in history. Kids needs to learn about the people that God used mightily for His glory. 

If you have children of your own or ones that feel like your own...(I picked this up for my darling nephew for his birthday), or plan on having kids one day, I highly recommend adding this fantastic little book to your collection. 

I hope you enjoyed reading about my October reads! Have you read any of these books or is there one that stands out to you? I would love to hear!