This has been a crazy month and that is definitely shown in the books that I was reading this month. My goodreads goal has been lacking and it is currently showing that I am three books behind where at the beginning of the month I was ahead.
But lets focus on the good things, not the bad. In this books that I did read this month there were definitely a few gems.
Here is what I read and loved this month. What did you?
From the Ashes: My Story of Being Métis, Homeless, and Finding My Way by Jesse Thistle
This is not the happiest of notes to start of this list, but this book is an important true story of a Metis boy growing up, figuring out who he is, and overcoming the cycles of abuse in his life. This book is intense and real, but one that made me feel and think about my country and the people who live in it.
Meg and Jo by Virginia Kantra
This is not the only Little Women inspired book in this list, but this re-imangining of the story is one that made me think about the characters, especially Meg in a different way. Set in present day this story takes Little Women to a new level and examines sisterhood, family, love, and friendship in a thoughtful way. (Also there will be a Beth and Amy book coming out in the future)
Full Disclosure by Camryn Garrett
Stories of teens with HIV are not a common topic and this book is an important one to break that stigma and share a story that is not normally shown. Simone has had HIV since birth and has lived with it her entire life, but it is her secret. She was forced to move schools after they found out and now she is committed to keeping the secret, until she meets a boy who she ways to tell everything.
Queer Eye: Love Yourself. Love Your Life. by the Fab Five
This is the real fun book of the bunch. This coffee table book is filled with fun pictures, anecdotes, and tips from the stars of Queer Eye. I love the stories and tips from all of the guys and the little bits of their lives that they share throughout the book. Fun to pick up and put down when you have a few minutes.
Guts by Raina Telgemeier
This is definitely my graphic novel of the month, and if you know anyone in older elementary school or middle school they probably know about this book. Raina Telgemeier has such a way of relating to kids and also to what I felt like as a kid. This book deals with anxiety, friendships, and just the everyday life that kids go through.
March Sisters: On Life, Death, and Little Women by Kate Bolick, Jenny Zhang, Carmen Maria Machado, Jane Smiley
The second Little Women inspired book this month is a collection of essays, each about a different March sister. I love how each is so different, but how each taught me something new about this character, this book, as well as myself.
The Strangers (Greystone Secrets, #1) by Margaret Peterson Haddix
It has been a long time since I read a book by Margaret Peterson Haddix, but back in the day she was one of my favourite authors. I saw through the Goodreads Choice Awards that she had a new book series that started this year and I was immediately intrigued. This book includes alternate worlds, mysteries, and intrigue. I really enjoyed it and am excited for the next book to see what happens next.
The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
Last but not least we have a book set in fascist Spain, a location that is not one I know a lot about. Set in the 1950’s in Madrid we see Spain through the eyes of multiple characters including a teenager working in an orphanage, a hotel employee, and an American tourist. This is a large book and I sat an devoured it all in one sitting on a lazy morning and was a great book.
What has been your favourite books that you have read lately?
Reading Challenges: (see my wrap-up post here)
Books Read in 2019: 271
Canadian Book Challenge: 13/13
Goodreads Choice: 20/20
ARC’s Read: 64
fivestarredlife.ca 
One thought on “the best books I read this month – november 2019”