It’s October! Fall is finally here and it’s starting to feel like it with cooler temperatures on the horizon. I thought it would be fun to do a monthly review for September, which I’ve never done before. Here goes!
September was my birthday month. Getting excited about my birthday is a thing of the past, but I actually felt pretty good about it this year. My b-day was spent at home feeling a little sick due to a wonky thyroid again, but I was with my husband and children, and we had a fun time, so it made up for it. My gifts were two HIGHLY anticipated books released in September. Here they are:
Dark Black and Blue: The Soundgarden Story
My husband just happened to hear about this one on satellite radio. This book is over 400 pages and chock-full of so much information. It’s going to take me some time to read it, but I’m so freaking excited about it just after reading the introduction.
Postscript (P.S. I Love You, #2)
I bought this one for myself from Book Depository the moment it was released in the UK. The plan was to read it for Netgalley, but I was too late and it was already archived. It’s not released in the US yet, and waiting until 2020 was just out of the question. The first book is a favorite, and I’m so excited to read about Holly again.
I also received a few really cool gifts from my oldest son…
Conan: Without Borders Funko Figure
Avengers: Endgame Mystery Box…
I received Thanos which I was surprisingly happy about. 😂
Exciting news: My oldest son was actually on The Ellen DeGeneres show in September. I couldn’t believe it! It was luck really: he happened to be in L.A. when a skit for the show was being filmed. It was really something seeing him on national TV though. He’s had some really exciting opportunities this year and I’m really happy for him.
I’ve been trying to take time out for art and piano because creating always seems to make me feel my best. I finally finished this art piece in September. There are a couple details to add, but for now it’s hanging. The picture is inspired by my favorite music album this year: Trench by Twenty One Pilots. It’s made with a combination of acrylic paints and sunshine yellow duct tape on canvas.
On the blog:
Books I reviewed this month:
- Snow, Glass, Apples by Neil Gaiman
- The Carnivorous Carnival by Lemony Snicket
- Stranger Things: The Other Side by Jody Houser
- The Slippery Slope by Lemony Snicket
- Nordic Tales by Chronicle Books and Ulla Thynell
- Where’d You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple
- Lily’s House by Cassandra Parkin
- The Grim Grotto by Lemony Snicket
- Alice in Worstershire: Brummie Girls Do Cry by Eskay Teel
- Pumpkinheads By Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks
I did review a handful of children’s books this month on Goodreads but never did get around to posting on those. Hopefully this month I can share some of them with you.
Music Monday Posts:
- Danny Gokey: “Haven’t Seen It Yet”
- Tesla: “What You Give”
- Ventura County Sheriff’s Department: Lip Sync to the Rescue: “Ice Ice Baby” and others.
- Guns N Roses: “Don’t Cry”

Flower Friday Posts:
Because I shared a few reviews on Fridays I wound up with only two Flower Friday posts for September:
Reading challenges:
I’m caught up! I might not get all the books in that I want to, but I’m going to complete my Goodreads challenge and my Retelling Reading Challenge.
So for the Retelling Reading Challenge my goal was set to Warrior Princess, which is 6-10 retellings. So far I’ve read 7, but I’d like to get to 10 or more. My bingo card is looking pretty sad, and there’s no way I’ll fill it up by the end if the year, but I’ll meet the number goal at least.
That’s it for September! I’m happy and feel like this was a fairly productive month. Hopefully I can keep up with reviews and everything else in October. I do have some interesting books coming up!
How was your September? Do you like the fall season? What fall reads do you have coming up? Let’s chat in the comments section!
💜 Mischenko
Welcome aboard the Monthly review train! 🙂
I like reading them because it reminds me what other people have done over the past month. Kind of helps with not getting into the “post it and forget it” mentality, if you know what I mean.
Hope you have a great October…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks! I think they’re cool too and you inspired me to try it. Hope you have a great October too! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Belated Birthday 🎁
I’m a September birthday girl, too (29th).
LikeLiked by 1 person
How cool! We’re just a few days apart then! Happy belated, Jonetta! 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a busy woman you’ve been!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a pretty good month! 😉❤
LikeLike
Sounds like you had a pretty good September. Hopefully October is even better! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! You too 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy birthday!🎉 Looks like you have good month in reading
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Yesha! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Belated Birthday, Mischenko!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Julia! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
You did amazing, Mischenko! I always love reading your review and your eclectic posts!! Have a great October😍🥰🎃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Noriko! I appreciate that so much. 😍❤ You have a wonderful October as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A belated Happy Birthday! I love your art work, it’s beautiful. As are the photos…gorgeous kitten and butterfly 🦋
And what a fabulous cover for the Neil Gaiman book! Happy reading 📚💚
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Cathy! You are so kind. I do love that cover too. The artwork inside the book is just as beautiful. ❤ Have a wonderful October!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks 🙂 You too 💚
LikeLiked by 1 person
Will there be a movie for the PS I Love You book? Wouldn’t that be great.
I think this is a good post to do each month. Kinda brings the month together as well as the posts.
Still in the 90s in Texas. I do truly miss the cooler temps and the colors of fall up there. Your pumpkin pics are fabulous!
I’m still catching up on a few of the September posts but I’ll get there.
Happy blogging in October! I’m looking forward to your shares! 🙂💕🌺
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a good question! I have no idea and the book isn’t even released in the US yet. I think the monthly reviews are going to be fun too. I’ve always enjoyed reading everyone elses. Hope it cools down for you! Thank you 💙💜🧡
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Birthday and happy reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Susan! 😊 You too.
LikeLike
Wow, what a month! You have such a nice variety of posts and things you do. I love your painting. I’ve been trying to play the piano every time I go see my mother. I used to play all the time, but we don’t have a piano. When I’m there, I remember how much I get out of playing the music I’ve always loved. Love that little kitty in your pics, too! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I haven’t received a whole lot of feedback on the painting, so thank you so much! That’s wonderful that you play piano. I bet your mom really enjoys hearing you too. I know exactly what you mean because I’ve taken such long breaks from playing. It can be such a challenge trying to find time for everything.
I appreciate your thoughts and sorry I haven’t been commenting as much. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Mischenko – I’m sorry that I haven’t been on your blog as much, too. It was a busy summer but things are slower right now, so I’ve had time to read more blogs. Hope you are having nice weather. Yesterday it was in the nineties here (Pennsylvania) and today it’s cold and rain – go figure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m in the same boat! It’s a challenge to keep up with everything between Goodreads and WordPress. I totally understand and no apology is ever needed. ❤
Your weather sounds wonky like ours! Lol. The weather was hot, but now it’s cold with crisp air…finally feeling like fall. I just love this season. Very happy, but I will miss the flowers.
Take care and hope we can chat soon. 🎃🧡🍂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope so too! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So I just replied and I don’t think my comment went through – you may get two later! Anyway, I’m glad you had a good September reading month – it’s hard to fit blogging and reading other blogs into our busy lives – I’m off from work this week, so I’ve had more time 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I hope you enjoy your week off work and have a great October by the way…❤ Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy belated birthday, Jenn! I’ve ordered Postscript from BD too and can’t wait to get it…it’s an early Christmas present! This was a great post. I enjoyed it. You had a wonderful Sept and I hope your October is even better. Your painting is lovely. Love the kitty. 🐱😍 It’s going to be almost 100 degrees here today so I’m sick of summer temps! I need fall weather. I’m feeling miserable with the heat all the time. Hopefully it will cool down next week! Take care, my friend! 💞💗💕
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Steph! I’m excited you ordered Postscript too! Hoping we both enjoy it. I appreciate all your positive comments. Gosh, almost 100 degrees? That has to be miserable! Hopefully it’ll get cooler for you soon. I’m so excited for fall this year. It’s just been such a hot summer. Take care and chat soon! ❤🍂🎃
LikeLike
Good to know your birthday was fun. My favourite seasons are spring and autumn. Both beautiful in different ways. October is going to be a quieter posting month on our blog as Mo is away but hopefully, I can still get a lot more reading done even if I don’t share my thoughts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Spring is great too! Good luck in October and hope you’re able to still post. I know how that is though. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not sure if I’ve already said it but if not, Happy Belated Birthday to you!! ♡ That Conan Funko is sooo cute & that’s really awesome your son was on Ellen!! Your art is absolutely beautiful– you are so creative & talented. ♡ Hope you are having an awesome Oct so far!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Hunida. It was a good one! I was really excited for him. I appreciate your positive comments on my painting too. 💜 You are amazing. 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
YOU are amazing!! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Books are always welcome birthday presents. 🙂 Happy belated birthday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They certainly are! Thank you, Lisa. Hope you’re having a good week. 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! It’s not too bad so far. 🙂 Hope yours is going well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! So much awesomeness in one post! How cool that your son was on Ellen, and I absolutely love that Conan Funko. How cute! Happy (belated) Birthday! ❤
Lovely artwork, I really like the color scheme you went with. 🙂 Glad your September was such a good one. Hopefully October is proving to be just as great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Sorry I’m so late commenting. Trying to keep up with everything is nearly impossible these days. 😂 I appreciate all your positive comments! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: October 2019 Wrap-up #Books #BookReviews #Music #ReadingChallenge #October – ReadRantRock&Roll
I am reading this in November, so a very, very, very belated Happy Birthday, Jenn. That is so exciting to see your son on TV and on Ellen, amazing. I love your art. I did not realize you created your own art, that is awesome. I am sorry that your thyroid is still a bit wonky (I see there is a post I need to catch up on). You had a good month reading and posting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Carla! I have so much catching up to do as well. It’s impossible to keep up with everything! I appreciate all your wonderful comments! ♥️♥️♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person