Book reviews, the October batch

Lots of excellent middle grade books this month

Saturday Morning Serial

Saturday Morning Serial is the weekend section of Library Binding. It’s a personal corner where I publish short stories, book reviews, and literary musings. I’m Michelle Watson, and I’m so glad you stopped by.

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I’m one of those people who enjoys writing book reviews.

My husband calls them “voluntary book reports,” which is not untrue.

At the end of every month (or at the beginning like today) I list the books I’ve read and my thoughts.

Behold, the October batch.

Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger

• Historical fiction

• Audiobook

• This was an emotional coming-of-age story set in the ‘60s featuring a pastor’s family grappling with their faith.

• Here’s my full review.

The Mercy of Gods by James S. A. Corey

• Sci-fi

• Audiobook

• I stopped reading at 50%

• The first installment of a new sci-fi epic by authors of equally epic proportions…it just wasn’t for me.

• Here’s my full review.

The Christmas House by

Sarah Elizabeth Bromke

• Contemporary romance

• Audiobook

• A cute Christmas romance about second-chance love in a small town—with You’ve Got Mail vibes.

• Here’s my full review.

Brighty of the Grand Canyon by Marguerite Henry

• Middle-grade historical fiction

• Audiobook (excellent)

• I don’t like animal protagonists, but even I (the hard-hearted) have a soft spot for Brighty the donkey who was inspired by a real Arizona animal from the past.

• Here’s my full review.

The Red Door by Rachel Lulich

• Middle-grade sci-fi fantasy

• Print

• This one feels a lot like The Giver, and it has a sterling moral character arc.

• Here’s my full review.

Beyond Mulberry Glen by Millie Florence

• Middle-grade fantasy

• ebook

• ARC courtesy of Waxwing Books (thank you!)

• What seems like a fun fantasy adventure brings satisfying thematic depth.

• Here’s my full review.

The Bark of the Bog Owl by

Jonathan Rogers

• Middle-grade fantasy

• Print (the luscious new edition)

• I read this aloud to my boys, and they laughed and cheered and enjoyed it front to back. I was in my glory performing an array of over-the-top feechie voices.

• Here’s my full review.

I’m currently listening to Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens, narrated by Juliet Stevenson. This book has been both cleansing and entertaining.

My boys and I are almost finished with The Secret of the Swamp King by Jonathan Rogers, and we’re throwing around all kinds of wild guesses about who the false Wilderking is.

I’m debating my next print read. Any suggestions?

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Before you go—a song, a scripture, and a survey.

And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. (Isaiah 32:17)

I’ll leave you with one irresistible indulgence—it may be too early for Christmas, but it’s never too early for Dickens.

Your devoted,

Michelle