Do you remember? The start of the new school year, football games, pep rallies, homecoming, and all the excitement that comes with the fall season. Truthfully, September to me feels very nostalgic, even if it’s been a while since I’ve sat in a high school classroom. Naturally, I wanted to choose a book that captured some of that nostalgia for my September read. I chose Catching Feelings by Emily Charlotte, which reminds me of that high school atmosphere. With a varsity athlete, a spirit committee, and a homecoming date that starts out as just two friends going together, this sounds like such a cozy read to kick off my semester.
October! My favorite month of the year, and the month of creepy pumpkins, scares all around, and other paranormal activities. I think there’s just something about October that makes everything feel more alive. The weather is (hopefully) no longer in the 100’s, the sun begins to set a little bit earlier, and Halloween is around the corner. Usually this would be a great month to read a thriller, but I’ve decided to do something different and read Death Card by Jasmine Smith. This book was published on August 11th, but I have a feeling that this is a book I need to have a seasonal atmosphere for. The combination of tarot cards, witches, and a really odd vision immediately caught my attention, and I already know that it’s going to be the perfect read for October.
Okay, I already know what you’re thinking. Where do the November vibes come in? Well, that’s the thing. The third season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians is releasing this November, and whenever a book I’ve loved gets a TV adaptation, I always like to reread it before the show comes out. For some, that might seem a little blasphemous, but I’m one of those people who likes returning to the original story before watching its adaptation. It’s mainly to see how true to the original it stays, along with any new additions or subtractions from a favorite of mine. And since Percy Jackson was the very first series I got into when I was younger, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to reread The Titan’s Curse before the new season arrives. My tote bag will definitely be seeing a little Percy Jackson nostalgia this November.
At first glance, this book looks like the perfect winter read. The cover has a beautiful house covered in snow and has all the holiday details you’d expect to be on a Christmas book. But looking a bit closer, it doesn’t quite give off the light-hearted Christmas mood you’d expect. Maybe it’s because there’s blood splattered on the title? Of course, my murder-mystery-loving heart couldn’t stay away. Jojo is planning to spend her winter near the Pacific, but those plans quickly change when her grandad calls her home to spend the holidays with her not so pleasant family, including her childhood friend, Fritz. When her grandad is found dead and no one else seems to suspect anything, it’s up to Jojo to uncover the truth. Honestly, I think this might be my favorite blend for a December read.
That’s my little lineup of books that’ll be making their way into my tote bag this semester. After reviewing the list, I’m looking forward to the next couple of months of reading. Now, here’s hoping I can keep up with this list alongside all my classes, assignments, and everything else that comes with a new semester. Maybe I’ll even return to this blog in January with some updates!
Keonte Emerson, Pine Reads Review Co-Assistant Director, Lead Writer, and Social Media Manager