November is here, folks!
Can we take a moment to gasp collectively at how fast this year has flown by? I mean, was January not just yesterday? A lot has happened, and while I’ll share the full scoop in a separate blog post (because, dear readers, you deserve the full behind-the-scenes update—if any of you are still around after my epic hiatus!), there’s one major announcement that can’t wait: I am officially back to reading! 🎉
I know, I know, cue the confetti. There was a time this year when I feared the reader in me had kicked the bucket for good. Picture me staring longingly at my bookshelves, wondering if I’d ever turn a page again. But guess what? I did it! Since mid-October, I’ve read three whole books, and if that isn’t a miracle, I don’t know what is.
Now, for all my Reading with Muffy Challenge friends: first of all, thank you for sticking with it through thick and thin. Whether you were keeping up or just silently cheering from the sidelines, I appreciate you. I’ve been more active on Bookstagram lately (where you can find me at @kohleyedreads), sharing updates and bookish antics. But, my beloved blog readers, here’s your exclusive update:
I’ve reopened the linky on the original check-in post, so you can add those overdue book reviews. You can find the Check-in Post here. And yes, if you tag me on Bookstagram, I promise to shower your posts with love!
Oh, and one more thing—I’m sending some bookish surprises to those who stayed active through the chaos. 🐾💌 And don’t worry, Reading with Muffy will be back next year with even more prompts, activities, and fun.
If life kept you from joining in this time, I totally get it (I mean, same!). But here’s a little incentive to make the final stretch exciting: if you can power through and finish reading for all 12 prompts in the last two months of the year, I’ll still count that toward the mega prize! So, if you’re up for a reading sprint, the finish line is still in sight, my friends!
Now, let’s dive into those mini-reviews and celebrate the return of the reader in me!
October Reading Wrap Up
As I mentioned, I’ve been on a bit of a roll lately (no evil eyes, please! 😆). Since mid-October, I’ve managed to read three whole books. Nope, the reader in me hadn’t officially retired— because surprise! She’s back and flipping pages like there’s no tomorrow.
- People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
To ease myself back into reading, I picked up People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry, and it did the trick! The story follows two best friends, Poppy and Alex, who couldn’t be more different—Poppy is a free-spirited travel blogger with a thirst for adventure, while Alex is a khaki-wearing school teacher who prefers cozy nights at home with a book. They met in college, bonded against all odds, and maintained a tradition of taking a week-long vacation together every summer for a decade. But two years ago, things went south, and they haven’t spoken since. Determined to fix things (and finally admit her feelings), Poppy convinces Alex to go on one last trip.
While I’m not usually a fan of the friends-to-lovers trope, their chemistry was undeniably strong. However, I found myself more intrigued by the idea of packing a bag, hopping on a plane, and sipping a drink under the sun with a tiny umbrella than the romance itself. The book has a breezy, escapist vibe, but it does drag towards the end.
Final verdict? It’s a fluffy, beachy romance that makes you want to plan your next vacation more than root for a love story. But that’s just me!
- The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai
Although it’s quite the hit on Bookstagram, I went into The Kamogawa Food Detectives completely blind—no reviews, no blurb, just vibes. I expected a typical mystery or crime-solving narrative but was pleasantly surprised to find a culinary mystery instead. Set in the heart of Kyoto, the story revolves around a father-daughter duo, Nagare and Koishi, who run the charming and unique Kamogawa Diner. This isn’t just any restaurant, though; it doubles as a ‘food detective office’ where they help patrons rediscover lost or nostalgic recipes tied to meaningful moments in their lives.
From a woman searching for a childhood pasta dish shared with her grandfather to a widower longing for his late wife’s signature noodle dish, and even a man yearning for the mackerel sushi prepared by a caring neighbor when he was lonely, each story brims with heartfelt memories. While I thoroughly enjoyed the first story’s charm, the repetition across seven similar tales made the reading experience feel a bit redundant. Plus, the translation had its quirks, with some sentences being repeated verbatim.
What kept me hooked? The mouthwatering descriptions of Japanese cuisine. I could almost taste the dishes, imagine the intricately prepared Bento boxes, and picture the perfect bowls and cutlery used to serve each meal. It made me crave a full Japanese spread right then and there! Overall, it’s a cozy, comforting read perfect for a rainy day or when you want to savor the essence of food’s emotional power.
- The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
I’ve never read anything quite like this before. With a unique concept that blends romance, grief, and a touch of the supernatural, this book swept me off my feet. In The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston, Florence Day is a ghostwriter for a famous romance author, but a broken heart has left her cynical and unable to write about love. With a critical deadline looming and her new editor, the handsome Benji Andor, refusing an extension, Florence’s career is on the line. Just when things can’t get any worse, a late-night call from her mother shatters her world—her beloved father has passed away.
Returning to her small South Carolina hometown and the family-run funeral parlor without her father’s guiding presence is a gut-wrenching experience. Florence and her dad shared an unusual gift: they could see ghosts. It’s a gift that made her teenage years difficult, but one she’s learned to live with. So, when a ghost appears on the funeral home steps, Florence is shocked, and even more so when this ghost turns out to be someone familiar—and equally surprised to be there.
I adored the characters, the author’s witty and sharp writing, and the sarcastic humor that lightened even the heaviest scenes. This book resonated with me deeply, especially after the recent loss of my mom. It tugged at my heart and at times felt like a gut-punch—I found myself weeping like a child. Despite the tears, the journey was beautifully satisfying, leaving me with a sense of contentment when I reached the final page. Florence’s path to self-discovery and the heartfelt dynamics within her family were as captivating as the romance itself, which was just the cherry on top.
For the first time, I couldn’t stop annotating; there were so many moments I wanted to remember. Ashley Poston, you’ve filled my heart with a story that will stay with me for a long time. This is a special book, one that feels like a warm hug and a reminder of the love that lingers even after loss.
And that wraps up my reading journey for October! From rekindling my love for books to navigating stories that touched the core of my being, it’s been a whirlwind.
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As we approach the year’s end, I hope you find stories that resonate, bring comfort, and spark joy in your life. Don’t forget to share your own recent reads or thoughts on these books—I’d love to hear them! And if you’re still catching up on the Reading with Muffy challenge, I repeat, know that the journey is just as important as the destination (and there’s still time to claim that mega prize!).
Until next time, happy reading!
Congratulations on becoming a mom and getting back to reading. I can imagine the pleasure of both the experiences. I like the sound of The Dead Romantics and keeping that high on my list.
October was not that great month for me in respect to reading because of too much travel, family loss, and then the Durga Puja following by Diwali. All I can see is that the books you read in October having colorful vibrant covers. Will love to pick a few from your list.
An interesting list of books you have read. Good part is you have given enough description about what is inside these books to tickle our interest.
Interesting post. Pinned it on my pinterest.
Read that, In THE KAMOGAWA FOOD DETECTIVE there are a lot of wholesome, uplifting themes about connection, compassion, and love. We see people of all ages from all walks of life, each given a different voice. It’s a fun cast to interact with, especially the recurring regular customers who pop up in most of the stories.
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I absolutely loved reading your October wrap-up! It’s so relatable to feel like the year has flown by, and I’m so glad to hear you’re back to reading! 🥳 People We Meet on Vacation sounds like the perfect feel-good read, and The Dead Romantics seems like such an emotional rollercoaster (I can see why it hit you so hard!). Can’t wait to dive into your reviews, and best of luck finishing the Reading with Muffy challenge! 📚💫
So good to see you back in the blogging world Shalini. I was wondering what happened with #ReadingWIth Muffy coz I couldn’t add my post-June reads to the challenge linky. Yay! So happy I’ll be able to add them and move ahead with the challenge coz I kind of gave up on it as I thought it wasn’t active any more. You’ve motivated me to pick up again and continue. Also, great October reads.
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Welcome back to reading. Must not be easy with a baby at home, but you did it! I haven’t read any of the books you’ve reviewed, but I think I’ll pick up the first one.
What an interesting set of books Shalini. I love all three but dead romantics is the first one km gonna pick up
Wow, what a reading journey you’ve had in October! I love how you’ve balanced light reads with books that really tugged at your heart. The Dead Romantics sounds so intriguing. Looking forward to your updates, and happy to see you back in the reading game!
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Would love to read The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston. I enjoyed reading the reviews
Glad to have you back, Shalini! So amongst the other hats you don, the reader one just needed some temp adjustment, eh? Those are some real cool reads you eased into. I would love to read the second one. Will check it out!
I was also able to finish 3 books in the month of October. I have read the Kamogawa Food Detectives and enjoyed it. I am looking forward to the other two books you mentioned. they seems to be interesting reads.
The title “People we meet on vacation” sounds really interesting! I mean I have never travelled solo, only with parents or husband so I haven’t been able to experience that exactly, but all the people we meet, end up getting connected on SM.
Seems like you had a great reading month. People we met on my vacation is on my December tbr as it’s officially vacy month
This year I have started listening to podcasts too apart from reading. So, thankfully I have finished 10 books and 8 podcasts so far. I know it’s not a great count for a year but maintaining the habit, which I want to keep again 🙂 You have provided a great list, saving it for my future read.
I love how you’ve shared your journey back into reading! It’s so relatable, especially the part about missing your reading self. The Dead Romantics sounds like such an emotional rollercoaster—I’m definitely adding it to my list after reading your thoughts on it. I can feel the heart and humor you mentioned.. can’t wait to see what else you’ll be reading next. Keep the updates coming.
Shalini, I always loved your book photography. Also, the books that you pick, have such gorgeous covers! I loved the title and theme of the first book. Isn’t it too good to have met people on our vacations and make them stay forever in our hearts?
Welcome back Shalini! Books have missed you 🙂
As always, I am delighted when I read about your reading… so i hope you will keep sharing.
The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai is on my tbr too… i am finding some very interesting book lately (thank god!) so i feel my 2025 should be a good reading year… if not in numbers, definitely in terms of the stories 🙂
So so happy to know you’re back to reading and bookstagramming. My eyes were missing your grid updates. The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston is in my list too and after your review, I’m looking forward to reading it.
Reading with a little baby is such a feat! Kudos to you, Shalini. I loved the premise of The Kamogawa Food Detectives, and that cover! <3
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Glad to see you back in action Shalini.
The Kamogawa Food Detectives is also on my TBR list.It is nice to know that ‘The Dead Romantics’ helped you cope with your own personal loss and despite your wonderful review of this book I will give this a miss because I still feel too raw after losing my Dad.
Looks like a lovely list. I have heard a lot about The Kamogawa Food Detectives. And since I love stories set in Japan, so I’d like to read it. And adding Dead Romantics to my TBR list.
So glad to know that you are back to reading, and it’s so wonderful that every book you picked turned out to be interesting.
People we meet on vacation sounds good and easy to read. I’m not much into supernatural. My mind goes wandering when the book reaches some unnatural turn. Food forget. I only like to eat not read about it. Hahaha!
I loved reading this—it felt like catching up with a friend over coffee! Your excitement about rediscovering your reading groove is so relatable. I’m intrigued by The Dead Romantics; it sounds emotional yet comforting. Kudos on juggling life and books—you’ve inspired me to dive back into my own TBR pile!
Oh, I had the exact same thoughts about the year 2024. Seriously, wasn’t it January just yesterday?! And, great you got your mojo back with reading. Loved all three books but taking a special note of The Dead Romantics…I guess I really need this book right now!
It’s so good to see you back to reading and blogging! I absolutely loved your wrap-up, and “The Dead Romantics” really caught my attention. I can totally relate to the emotional depth of a story that hits you so hard. It sounds like a beautiful mix of grief, healing, and love. I’m definitely adding it to my TBR list! Keep up the great work,
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Your reviews are so personal… It’s like chatting with a friend. Sending you a big hug, especially for the last book…