After my disastrous August reading, I was determined to do better this month. I am proud that I read so much more!

Educated by Tara Westover 

• Educated by Tara Westover – I read so many positive reviews about this book that I knew I would enjoy it. Tara’s memoir chronicles her upbringing in a family who was Mormon, but whose father did not believe anything good came from the government (including school, medicine, and more). Tara didn’t know how abusive her relationships were until many years after she had found a way to thrive away from home. Her formal education began at the college level and she worked hard for each degree she earned. It was fascinating to read about a way a life so different from anything I’ve ever known.
• Family Jewels (Stone Barrington #37) by Stuart Woods – One way for me to read a book quickly is to give me a Stuarts Wood book, especially in this long series that I love! I appreciated that Ed Eagle, a cross over character from Santa Fe, had a brief appearance in this story about stole jewels and cross-country wealth and crime.
• The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin – In asking for a book recommendation, this title was shared. I loved the story structure. After four siblings visit a fortune-teller and learn the date they will each die, we follow each of their life stories, one at a time. The entire premise makes you wonder if they lived their lives a certain way because they knew the day they were supposed to die, and whether knowing helped or hurt them live fulfilling lives. It was tragic, surreal, sad, and yet so interesting.
• Dishonorable Intentions (Stone Barrington #38) by Stuart Woods – Yet another fast-paced mystery, where Stone is being hunted by yet another ex-husband of a woman he is involved with. This story finds him in New Mexico, NY, England, LA, and New Mexico repeatedly. I’m sad that Gala, the sister of Ed Eagle’s wife, turned out to be another ex for Stone.
• The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain – I bought this book as a discounted e-book while buying some of the others I’ve read lately, not knowing the author but liking the description. I’m so glad I found it! I really enjoyed the story of Riley, as she cleans up her father’s estate and learns hidden secrets about each of her family members. There were fun twists and turns and some flashbacks, as well as different narrators, which kept the story moving.
• The Bay at Midnight by Diane Chamberlain – Once I discover a new author and realize she has many other books, I start to go crazy! I enjoyed this story not only because it took place on the Jersey Shore, where I have many fond childhood memories, but also for the mysterious twists and turns within it. It was sad to follow the journey Isabel’s family took to finally learn what happened when she died as a teenager, because they had to recognize the flaws in those they loved.

The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin