A selection of quotes and pictures to represent September’s reading:
commonplace book
noun
a book into which notable extracts from other works are copied for personal use.
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‘The pandemic was such a strange time,’ she murmured. ‘Everyone in the world lived through a nightmare. So much uncertainty and fear for the future. We couldn’t take anything for granted. Not even in Midwinter. A village like nowhere else.’
Miss Winter in the Library with a Knife by Martin Edwards (2025)
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Ohio buckeye tree
Therein, she thought, lies the unbearable solitude of a lie: you’re alone when you tell it, alone when you live it, alone when you try to dismantle it.
Buckeye by Patrick Ryan (2025)
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Kuzunoha may be shown looking sorrowful and with her head downcast, but her eyes are wide open. And neither of them has been painted in. If the finishing touches are the most important part of a painting, then looking at this one will really show you just how important the eyes are to a human face.
Murder at the Black Cat Cafe by Seishi Yokomizo (1947)
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‘That’s life, Gabriel. None of us knows the full consequences of our decisions. History is the history of unintended consequences. Life is random, unpredictable.’
The Predicament by William Boyd (2025)
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Eurasian woodcock
It grew late, later than Mattis usually stayed up. All the same, he didn’t feel like going to bed, and went on strolling about outside. When you had something on your mind it was even worse, lying in bed twisting and turning.
The Birds by Tarjei Vesaas (1957)
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Poems take us to all kinds of strange and surprising intimacies in the past; they invite us into unexpected empathy with individuals and moments far away.
A History of England in 25 Poems by Catherine Clarke (2025)
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Favourite books read in September:
Buckeye, A History of England in 25 Poems, The Predicament and The Birds
Authors read for the first time in September:
Patrick Ryan, Catherine Clarke, Tarjei Vesaas
Places visited in my September reading:
England, US, Japan, Guatemala, Germany, Norway
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Reading notes: This was another slower month for me in terms of the number of books I finished, but I enjoyed them all and loved most of them, which is the most important thing. It was also good to discover some new authors and to add Guatemala, a completely new setting for me, to my list of countries visited! I read two books that counted towards the RIP XX challenge and have lots more lined up for October – although I don’t know how many I’ll have time for because October also means 1925 Club, the latest club year hosted by Karen and Simon, which is always something to look forward to!
What did you read in September? Do you have any plans for October?
She Reads Novels 
I always forget about the club year events so thanks for reminding me. It will be a good excuse to reread a John Buchan from my collection – John MacNab. Glad you enjoyed The Predicament.
The club years seem to come round very quickly, don’t they? I loved The Predicament – review coming soon!
I have no plans for October, but I’m eagerly looking forward to Nonfiction November.
I’m looking forward to taking part in Nonfiction November too. I don’t usually read a lot of nonfiction, but have been reading more of it this year!
My favourite this month is from Buckeye, so I’m glad to see you enjoyed it. Looking forward to your review!
I loved Buckeye! Now I just need to find time to write the review.
Like you I’m planning reads for #RIP and #1925Club, though with a couple or so Austen-related posts thrown in as well!
I hope you enjoy whatever you choose to read. I had intended to join in with reading some Austen this year as well but so far just haven’t got round to it.
Hello Helen, although another slower month for you, it looks like a good selection of books. I love how you found a book set in Guatemala (I sponsor a little girl there). 🥰 I read two books in September, both of which were suitably mysterious for RIPXX. No fixed plans for October, except hopefully more atmospheric reading. 🍂Blessings, Jessica 💌
That’s nice that you sponsor a girl in Guatemala 🙂 I know nothing about that country so was pleased to find a book (at least partly) set there. I hope you’re able to do some more RIP reading in October!