I don’t have an intro.

1. Parents Weekend by Alex Finlay

Eh. Some Alex Finlay hits but this not of them.

2. Guess Again by Charlie Donlea

This was a hot mess.

3. Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker

OK, now THIS one I really liked. It brought back a lot of the Stop Asian Hate rage that us normal, non-racist people felt during the height of Covid and then shows you what it was like for Asian Americans. I loved the supernatural element to this as well – it was so creepy but also had more than a few LOL moments. Loved it.

4. The Exorcist’s House (The Exorcist’s House, #1) by Nick Roberts

LOVED IT. 4.5 – exorcism is my favorite horror trope and this was so chilling that I could only read 1 or 2 chapters at a time.

4. The Wasp Trap by Mark Edwards

4 stars – this one kept me hooked enough to make me seek out other books of the author so we’ll see if this was a fluke! I have one sitting behind me as I type.

5. Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls by Lauren Graham

Not as juicy as I wanted, but I opted for the audio which is narrated by Lauren Graham and it was just so comforting to have her voice in my ears.

6. All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby

S.A.Crosby is such a solid thriller writer and never fails to make me hate white people more and more. Not as good as Razorblade Tears though. That’s my bar for S.A.Crosby novels.

7. Slashed Beauties by A. Rushby

Holy shit, this was so boring. What a beautiful book cover wasted on this snoozefest. NOTHING HAPPENS for the longest time!

8.We Live Here Now by Sarah Pinborough

A pretty unique take on the haunted house trope but for me personally, it didn’t scare or chill me. I’ll give it a three though because it was still entertaining.

9. Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz

Someone called it “cozy sci-fi” and while I don’t like sci-fi, generally, I thought that maybe the cozy element would win me over. It was just OK.

10. Palaver by Bryan Washington

YES. This was fantastic. And the author includes photos from when he lived in Japan. Sentimental. Uncomfortable. At times, relatable. SAD. FUNNY. HAPPY. ENDEARING. I did not like “Memorial” that much by this same author so I was admittedly hesitate to pick this up but the cover spoke to me at the library. I am so glad I gave it a chance because it was beautiful and I don’t think I will ever forget it.

(I review with my emotions in case you couldn’t tell. “Oh, you wanted a plot? Click on the link. We’re talking about my FEELINGS here.”)

11. 60 Songs That Explain the ’90s by Rob Harvilla

Rob Harvilla used to write for AltPress back when I was a fervid subscriber so when I saw this was available on audio, I thought, “Eh, why the heck not. I was alive in the 90s.” Admittedly, there isn’t much from the 90s that I genuinely like (I know, I’m a traitor to my generation) but it was still fun and entertaining to listen to Rob go off on tangents while intertwining his own personal connections with the songs. This was also what inspired to pick up Maynard James Keenan’s biography earlier this month, spoiler. I gave it a 4 – it’s not riveting or groundbreaking but it was just a fun listen while getting in my daily steps. You know how it is. (P.S. I didn’t get a pretentious man-splainy vibe from this either which we love.)

12. Strange Houses by Uketsu

I don’t remember reading this many books in November. But this one I definitely remember because it was pretty creepy. This was my second Uketsu book and I think it’s safe to say I’m a fan.

13. Assembly by Natasha Brown

Beautifully written and I dare you to not be pissed off as you experience all of the micro-aggressions the narrator experiences just trying to BREATHE. A short but solid read to end the month for me.

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