Empty Shelf Challenge: October

I’m really impressed that I have managed to keep track of everything I read this long in the year. I mean, 10 months? Impressive (at least it is to me – I’ve never done any year long challenge before, so I am feeling pretty accomplished at this point).

Here is what I read in October as I continue the #EmptyShelf challenge. It’s pretty basic: starting December 23rd, you empty one shelf of a bookcase in your house completely. Hence, “Empty Shelf.” Then, through the entire next year, you fill that shelf with the books that you read.

To read what I’ve read this year by month:

January // February // March // April // May // June // July // August // September

So… October. It was a blur. I had a work trip the first week of the month, and then my boss went on vacation the next week. I had two photo sessions this month, one that I took and one where photos were taken of me (I got some new head shots done), both of which I hope to share with you soon. We made it through launch week at The Collaboreat, along with our first two Twitter chats, and I started dreaming about new possibilities for the blog and the photo business and my life in general. Now that I’ve written all that out, I’m not so upset with myself for not reading more than I did. It’s all about perspective, huh?

47.) The Protector (The O’Malley Series #4) by Dee Henderson – I continued on with The O’Malley Series, one that I read as a teen. It’s Christian fiction, which is not something I usually read because of the bland characters, but the O’Malleys all have vibrant personalities and cool jobs. It’s fun to re-read these now, just some light fiction for days when my brain needs to rest.

48.) The Healer (The O’Malley Series #5) by Dee Henderson

49.) At Long Odds by Hannah Hooton – I read this on my iPad on a plane this month (the only time I usually read on my iPad). It was a free download and the book was good – entertaining and fun, but very predictable, as most romantic comedy novels are. Still worth a read if you like horse racing and a good plot.

50.) Chasing Charlie by C.M. Newman – Also read this on my iPad on a plane. This book had an engaging plot, but was SO long. So, so long. It needed some major condensing, but overall was one I wanted to keep reading. Fun fact: I had no idea this was Christian fiction until about a third of the way through the book, which I think was it’s crowning glory. The ending felt a bit stilted, a little anti-climatic compared to the rest of the novel.

51.) Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon – It’s probably not a secret anymore that I am a big Austin Kleon fan (he’ll probably be mentioned in a blog soon). You’ve probably seen me tweeting about him in recent weeks, and I finally made it to the top of the list to get “Steal Like an Artist” from the library. I loved it, as I predicted, so I will be purchasing this one as soon as I have book money to spend. I’ve got the follow up, “Show Your Work” sitting on my coffee table now for my next read.

So… what have you been reading as the leaves fall? Share your latest favorite in the comments! 

 Image courtesy of Mr. TinDC on Flickr Creative Commons.