In September, we challenged you to read a book about a place you’d like to travel. Our September winner is Sonia Harney, who wins a Northeastern travel mug to accompany her on all her adventures. To be eligible for the prize drawing, make sure to read a book that fits the month’s theme and then tell us about it.
Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Reading Challenge this month. Here are a few of the books you read. (Comments may have been edited for length or clarity.)
What You Read in September
A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping, Sangu Mandanna
Read the e-book
“I loved this book! It was cozy, set in a magical alternative English countryside and Edinburgh. It dealt with themes of loving yourself after loss or change. And it had a lovely kooky cast of characters. Perfect for a little escape, a little self-forgiveness, a little family relationship advice.” — Alaina
The Life Impossible, Matt Haig
Find it at Snell Library | Listen to the audiobook
“This book is incredible and by my favorite author. I listened to the audiobook in English and then read the hardcover copy in Spanish to increase my fluency and immerse myself in a new language. I love how the story is set in Ibiza, Spain, and the vivid descriptions make me want to visit it!” — Sonia
People Who Eat Darkness: The True Story of a Young Woman Who Vanished From the Streets of Tokyo—and the Evil That Swallowed Her Up, Richard Lloyd Parry
Find it at Snell Library
“People Who Eat Darkness was haunting and hard to put down. It pulled me deep into Tokyo’s nightlife and left me thinking about how fragile life can be in a city that never slows down.” — Matthew
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams
Find it at Snell Library | Find it at F.W. Olin Library | Read the e-book | Listen to the audiobook
“I always wanted to travel to the Galaxy. If you want to do so, then this insane novel is just for you! The novel is full of meaningful and meaningless stories, satires, and a fantastic universe. If you are smarter than the rats, you are ready to enjoy this exciting novel and plan to be a hitchhiker!” — Yeeun
Suggested Reads for October
In honor of Banned Books Week, which runs from October 5-11, your October challenge is to read a banned or challenged book. Check out our recommended e-book and audiobook titles in Libby, or stop by the Snell Library lobby from 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15, and Thursday, October 16, to browse print books and pick up Reading Challenge swag!
1984, George Orwell
Find it at F.W. Olin Library | Read the e-book | Listen to the audiobook
Why has it been banned or challenged? Controversial social and political themes; sexual content. Source
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Find it at Snell Library | Find it at F.W. Olin Library | Read the e-book
Why has it been banned or challenged? LGBTQIA+ content; references to drugs and sex. Source
All Boys Aren’t Blue, A Memoir-Manifesto, George M. Johnson
Find it at F.W. Olin Library | Read the e-book | Listen to the audiobook
Why has it been banned or challenged? LGBTQIA+ content; sexual content. Source
Parable of the Sower, Octavia E. Butler
Find it at Snell Library | Find it at F.W. Olin Library | Read the e-book | Listen to the audiobook
Why has it been banned or challenged? Discussions of racism, classism, and climate change. Source
Normal People, Sally Rooney
Find it at F.W. Olin Library | Read the e-book | Listen to the audiobook
Why has it been banned or challenged? Sexual content. Source
Whatever you read, make sure you tell us about it to enter the October prize drawing. Good luck, and happy reading!