Unofficial Book Club: November Edition

Happy December, friends!

Remember that one time last month when I shared my “next up” book list? I sure didn’t. Instead of following through with it, I quit the first book on the list and jumped full force into a beloved and familiar series, Harry Potter.

You see, I’m a big reader and always have been, but growing up I wasn’t exactly allowed to read the series. I’m a bit of a scaredy-cat so it was probably for the best, but your girl is a big adult now (supposedly) and I decided it was time to see what all the fuss was about.

Mom, if you’re reading this, I love you big. Don’t disown me!

I’ve seen the movies, of course, and read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone back in April, but decided if I wanted to meet my goal of 50 books for 2024 (what, what!!!!) why not finish off the year with one of the classics from our childhood?

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets + Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

First up for November was Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets followed by Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Reading these books as an adult is slightly hilarious because they’re obviously children’s books. I definitely understand some of the hype now, though I’m not about to name any future child Hermoine or Ron, but so far they’ve been really enjoyable.

After finishing each book, I immediately re-watched the movies and, by far, the books are superior. There’s a lot of detail that J.K. Rowling puts into Harry’s backstory and much of the movies skip right through a lot of that to get straight to the action. Though it makes sense for the pace of the story in a movie, I’d recommend the books over the movies (so far)!

Also, a little fun fact if you’re a Kindle reader: both books (and the rest of the series) can be found on Kindle Unlimited! I decided to give the service a try when Libby gave me a three-week wait time for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and I’m glad I did! For just $11.99/month, I now have access to 4+ million titles, audiobooks, and more.

Just for the Summer

I went on a solo road trip early in November to meet my perfect goddaughter and on the drive decided I’d do an audiobook. You’re welcome to disagree with me but audiobooks are 100% books and therefore eligible toward book totals. Libby had Just for the Summer available for immediate download and though I had sworn off Abby Jimenez after reading Part of Your World, a sweet friend of mine recommended this one and because I trust her opinion I gave it a try – and it was well worth it.

This story was a sweet take on a modern romance with some really intentional character development and topics. It was also really funny! And honestly, for a solo road trip, it was the perfect audiobook to get me there and back home.

Congratulations, Abby Jimenez, you are now back in my good graces.

As we head deeper into December…

The goal is to finish off the Harry Potter series! We’re now well into #5 of 7, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and on track to finish the year 50 books strong. That said, no promises. Let’s touch base again in January.

For now, it’s time for me to head back to reading by the fire – Christmas lights and record player tunes included.

Until next week,