It seems that Fall is officially here! The air is crisper and sunrise happens once I’m already awake. (IYKYK) The scent of pumpkin spice is in the air and I am responding to the siren call of fuzzy socks, warm afghans, and a good book each night. Sadly, the arrival of Fall also means a lot more happening in my musical life — rehearsals, performances, and learning lots of new music. Despite the hectic schedule, I’m ready. Bring on the cozy season!
What I Finished This Week
Not a blasted thing! It was a good week, but my evenings were exceptionally busy. That meant that most of my reading progress was made during stolen moments throughout the day and around meals. I’m hoping to continue making progress in my audiobook this week and finish the physical book that has my attention at the moment.
What I’m Currently Reading
Babel by R.F. Kuang (p. 307 of 542). I was a bit nervous as I began this fantasy novel, but I am happy to report that I’m enjoying it a lot. Babel is set in a fantastical Oxford University where Robin, Romy, Lettie, and Victoire are students in the Royal Institute of Translation — informally known as Babel. The Institute uses words to empower silver bars for various tasks — everything from speeding up carriages to keeping out potential thieves. As the students learn of some of the questionable practices of the Institute and her silver bars, they are faced with a moral dilemma — Do they continue in their work despite their objections or do they rebel against their teachers and the entire British Empire? Kuang’s writing is magical and beautifully crafted. I’m just past the halfway point and have been mesmerized by the commentary about racism, political power, loyalty, etymology, and friendship that is woven throughout the story. Babel is definitely a thought provoking read…and I can’t get enough!
The Lido by Libby Page (2:47 of 9:19). I decided to start an audiobook this week thinking I would get some reading done while traveling to and from opera rehearsals in the coming weeks. That is still the plan, but I’m only alone in the car one evening each week. That just means I need to find additional time for listening. The Lido is a public, open-air pool that is facing potential shut down as a development company wants to replace it with a member’s only gym for the multi-million dollar community it plans to build next to the site. Kate is a 20-something reporter who has been assigned to write a story about the closing of the Lido. In the process of interviewing people, she meets Rosemary, an octogenarian who has swam in the pool almost daily since childhood. The unlikely friends join forces to save the Lido and, in the process, learn about the power of community and belonging.
September 2026 in Review
September was a productive reading month for me. There were only two reads that earned less than 3 stars — and that’s a HUGE success for me after a somewhat less-than-stellar start to my fall reading plan. Here’s a look at the highs and lows of the month.
- Books I read in September: 7 (up 3 from August)
- 3 print
- 3 audio
- 1 ebook
- Pages read in September: 1,470 pages (up 62 pages from August)
- Highest rated book: The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand (5 stars)
- Lowest rated book: The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim (2 stars)
The 52 Book Club Challenge Progress
Six of this month’s books were added to the main reading challenge, bringing my total to 35 of 52 books. (The seventh book of the month was added to the still unfinished September Mini Challenge.) That’s right on pace for my completion goal, so I’m happy with the result. For those doing the math, that leaves 17 books to read to complete the 2026 challenge.
Plans for October’s Reading
I tend to approach the challenge as a mood reader. I find that I get better results that way. However, I have planned to complete the personification prompt by reading Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier and knew that I wanted to read it in October. Seems like the perfect time to read a Gothic novel full of psychological suspense. Here’s hoping this self-proclaimed “chicken” survives the story. LOL
