Hiatus Highlights (and Lowlights)

Hello bookworms! I have missed you all! My October hiatus was a much needed break, but I’m glad to be back in the book blog world. I thought I’d share some highlights – and lowlights – from my hiatus.

Highlight – I met Elvis Duran!

I listen to Elvis Duran and the Morning Show every morning and I loved Elvis’ book, Where do I Begin? He came to the area on his book tour and Amanda and I went. He was flying back to New York the same night so he was on a time crunch and didn’t personalize books. They were all pre-signed, though. There was also a picture line, which was still taking much longer than they thought so by the time I got to meet him it was pretty rushed. That’s not awful, though, because I’m so awkward and can never think of anything to say anyways. It was a good night!

Lowlight – My friend passed away

My friend, Cindy, whom I’ve known for about 14 years passed away from cancer. I met her in my first adult job and worked with her for about 7 years (thought not all consecutively). She was one of my favorite co-workers and was kind of an Office Mom to me (which is kind of funny because my actual mother also worked there) and would do things like make me soup and hot chocolate when I was feeling under the weather. She retired a couple of years ago and we were all so happy for her, but it wasn’t long after that before she was diagnosed with cancer, amid several other health issues she was already having. She was such a wonderful person and will be greatly missed.

Highlight – I have a new niece!

She is beautiful and sweet and I get to meet her very soon! My brother and sister-in-law don’t like pictures shared publicly, so I apologize you don’t get to see her cuteness.

Lowlight – I had a major book slump

Of the 11 books I read in October, only one was 4 stars. There were a lot of 2s and a few 3s and a couple DNFs. I really don’t know what my deal is, but I kind of hated almost everything. I ended the month with a Lauren Layne ARC and that was my 4 star read. I’m hoping November will continue to improve.

Highlight – I met my Goodreads Challenge Goal

My goal for the year was 120 books and I ended October at 121 books. It is the one goal I meet every year 🙂

Highlight/Lowlight (depending how you look at it) – It’s my birthday!

Today is my birthday! Which sounds like it should be a good thing, but I am feeling pretty old.

How was your October? Feel free to share links to any of your posts that I missed and need to check out!