September Wrap Up! (Favorite and Least Favorite read of the year!)

**Book Review: A Mixed Bag with a Fascinating World**

I recently attempted to complete three books during the month of September, but unfortunately, I was only able to finish one of them. As for the two other books that didn't quite make it, my thoughts on them will be reflected in this article.

The first book I'm going to review is a fantasy novel with a complex world-building system and a magic system that revolves around dreams and fortunes. The author has done an admirable job of creating a rich and immersive world, but I have to admit that the magical element was somewhat murky for me. The world itself is fascinating, with a sense of politics and power struggles between different merchant houses vying for control. The writing style is engaging, and the author's attempt to tackle complex themes like fate and interconnectedness is commendable. However, I felt that the book was slightly overlong at 600 pages, which may have detracted from my overall enjoyment of it.

The second half of the book did feel stronger than the first half, but I couldn't quite put my finger on what specific aspect of the world-building made it more compelling. Overall, I found the book to be solid if not particularly memorable. The author's willingness to tackle tough themes and push the boundaries of storytelling is admirable, but I didn't quite connect with the world as much as I had hoped.

As for the third book, I was able to make a bit more progress, getting about two-thirds of the way through it. "Great Circle" by Maggie Shipstead is an intense and gripping literary fiction novel that tells the story of two women, Marion and Hadley, whose lives become intertwined in unexpected ways. The book jumps back and forth between the past and present, using short chapters to convey the story in a punchy and efficient manner.

One of the things that struck me most about this book was its unflinching portrayal of the challenges faced by women throughout history. Marion, in particular, is a fascinating and complex character whose determination and passion are inspiring. The author's writing style is bold and unforgiving, tackling themes like identity, power, and privilege with no quarter asked or given.

I was also impressed by the structural choices made by the author. Using short chapters to convey the story in a series of vignettes creates a sense of tension and urgency that propels the reader forward. The result is a book that feels charged and intense, never shying away from difficult topics or characters.

Overall, I found "Great Circle" to be an unforgettable reading experience. It's a book that holds back no punches, tackling tough themes with honesty and nuance. If you're looking for a literary fiction novel that will challenge you and stay with you long after you finish the book, then this is definitely worth checking out.

**Recommendation**

Both of these books have their merits, but they also have some significant flaws. If you're interested in fantasy or science fiction, the first book may be more to your liking. However, if you prefer literary fiction and are looking for a challenging and thought-provoking read, then "Great Circle" is an excellent choice.

As for me, I'm glad that I was able to finish one of these books this month, but I'm also looking forward to diving into new reads next month. If you have any recommendations or suggestions, please let me know in the comments below!