OCTOBER 2025 READING LIST
With the change in seasons, it was pleasant to have new books to read. I was transported back to medieval Europe, got lost in a life in the woods, and imagined a world where humanity had to make a new beginning. It is incredible how even a children’s book can bring enlightenment. I hope to find more books that prompt reflection or offer a lesson in writing, helping me grow in the vocation I am daily learning to love.
Here are the books I read in October:
BAMBI: A LIFE IN THE WOODS BY FELIX SALTEN
Bambi's life in the woods begins happily. There are forest animals to play with -- Friend Hare, the chattery squirrel, the noisy screech owl, and Bambi's twin cousins, frail Gobo and beautiful Faline.
But winter comes, and Bambi learns that the woods hold danger -- and things he doesn't understand. The first snowfall makes food hard to find. Bambi's father, a handsome stag, roams the forest, but leaves Bambi and his mother alone.
Then there is Man. He comes to the forest with weapons that can wound an animal. He does terrible things to Gobo, to Bambi's mother, and even to Bambi. But He can't keep Bambi from growing into a handsome stag himself, and becoming...the Prince of the Forest. —Goodreads
In my search for more books set in the wilderness, Bambi came to mind, and I was reminded that books inspired many of the Disney movies I grew up watching. Even though the book is considered a children's book, I enjoyed it immensely. What makes Bambi unique is that the animals' voices do not distract from the story or make the book childish. I almost felt privileged to get an animal's point of view (even though I know, logically, that isn’t possible).
First, the descriptions of the forest were wonderfully detailed. The book does not hold back on the gory realities animals face from weather, predators, and hunting. Gobo's story was tragic, and Bambi's life was harsh. What Salten does so well is to provide a sense of relativity to an animal's life. Humans understand social awkwardness, love, fear, betrayal, and enlightenment.
Second, I was impressed by the way Salten presented Man as this faceless, unnamed creature of the woods. By not naming the danger, I was able to imagine what I fear hunting me down for sport and the horror of that reality. I especially liked the story's climax. The Old Prince is teaching Bambi about the order of the world and how Man is not as all-powerful as He thinks. This revelation was powerful both for the Young Prince and me.
I am thinking about reading more books that inspired movies for children. Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, and Grim's Fairy Tales are all classic books, but because of when I was born, I learned the stories of Neverland, Mr. Banks, and enchanted castles through Disney, not from Barrie, Travers, or the Brothers Grimm.
4.25/5 Stars
THE MAID AND THE QUEEN: THE SECRET HISTORY OF JOAN OF ARC BY NANCY GOLDSTONE
Politically astute, ambitious, and beautiful, Yolande of Aragon, queen of Sicily, was one of the most powerful women of the Middle Ages. Caught in the complex dynastic battle of the Hundred Years War, Yolande championed the dauphin's cause against the forces of England and Burgundy, drawing on her savvy, her statecraft, and her intimate network of spies. But the enemy seemed invincible. Just as French hopes dimmed, an astonishingly courageous young woman named Joan of Arc arrived from the farthest recesses of the kingdom, claiming she carried a divine message-a message that would change the course of history and ultimately lead to the coronation of Charles VII and the triumph of France. —Goodreads
I have heard of Joan of Arc, seen a movie about her, and even had a passing interest in the woman warrior many years ago. Then I read Goldstone’s book, and I was mesmerized by the audacity and fortitude of the young woman de Arc. Once again, I was transported back in time, fully engrossed in the story of the war between England and France, a whimpering king, and a daring maiden who considered herself a messenger from God.
What I enjoy most about Goldstone’s writing is her focus on the female perspective. It was wonderful to read about the history of Yolande of Aragon, mother-in-law to Charles VII, and how the lives of these women, including Joan of Arc, are woven together. It was poetic to see how different parts of history are interconnected and influence each other.
What I missed from this book were the witty footnotes that I had grown to enjoy from Goldstone’s writing. Even so, I learned a lot and could not put the book down.
4/5 Stars
FOUR QUEENS: THE PROVENÇAL SISTERS WHO RULED EUROPE BY NANCY GOLDSTONE
Set against the backdrop of the turbulent thirteenth century, a time of chivalry, crusades, poetry, knights, and monarchs, comes the story of the four beautiful daughters of the Count of Provence, whose brilliant marriages made them the queens of France, England, Germany, and Sicily.
From a cultured childhood in Provence, each sister was propelled into a world marked by shifting alliances, intrigue, and subterfuge. Marguerite, the eldest, whose resolution and spirit would be tested by the cold splendor of the Palais du Roi in Paris; Eleanor, whose soaring political aspirations would provoke her kingdom to civil war; Sanchia, the neglected wife of the richest man in England who bought himself the crown of Germany; and Beatrice, whose desire for sovereignty was so acute that she risked her life to earn her place at the royal table. —Goodreads
Four Queens should have been the first book I read from Goldstone. The setting is southern France in the 13th century, and the four sisters influenced many kingdoms. It shows that it is advantageous to be strategically situated on a continent where every kingdom is trying to get the upper hand. What stood out to me was the complicated nature of familial loyalty versus national allegiance. Each sister held a strong connection to their original home of Provence, but also did everything in their power to help their spouses, along with their adopted country, to succeed.
I wish I had read this book first, so I would have a foundation for the books that followed. With the background and history of Maugerite, Queen of France; Eleanor, Queen of England; Sanchia, Queen of Germany; and Beatrice, Queen of Sicily, I would have a better understanding of what influenced the stories of Joanne I, the House of Valois, and the Plantagenet Dynasty. Even so, I greatly enjoyed reading about the complexities of the time period and about countries like England still struggling to establish itself as a dominant force, especially up against the seemingly all-powerful France.
3.5/5 Stars
THE LADY QUEEN: THE NOTORIOUS REIGN OF JOANNA I, QUEEN OF NAPLES, JERUSALEM, AND SICILY BY NANCY GOLDSTONE
Italy, fourteenth century - Amid intrigue, betrayal, and conspiracy, Joanna I of Sicily became the only female monarch of her day to rule in her own name, and one of the most courageous women in history. Married for political advantage at the age of seven to her six-year-old Hungarian cousin, Joanna saw her brilliant, cultivated world shattered twelve years later by the brutal assassination of her husband. Accused of the murder by her powerful in-laws, Joanna was forced to flee her kingdom and stand trial for her life before the papal court at Avignon on March 15, 1348. The account of how, despite her youth and sex, she triumphed over her enemies, raised an army, and took back her realm makes for one of the most compelling sagas of any age.
Joanna went on to rule for a further thirty years, weathering war, plague, and treason to become one of the most powerful and influential leaders in Italy. Dedicated to the welfare of her subjects and realm, she reduced crime, built hospitals and churches, encouraged the licensing of women physicians, and expertly navigated the dangerous complexity of papal politics. Her elegant court became a window on the century, luring some of the most important writers and artists of the period, including Giovanni Boccaccio, author of The Decameron, and Francesco Petrarch. Her reign rivaled that of Elizabeth I in power and scope - until the violence and treachery of the medieval world ultimately betrayed her. —Goodreads
I was in a rhythm finally reading books by Goldstone in the proper order. I learned a great deal about the Kingdom of Sicily and how difficult it was for a female monarch to rule. Not only does a queen have to battle male contenders, presumptuous husbands, and a distrustful citizenry, but she must also contend with the papal state and the directives of the pope. Every day was a struggle for Joanna, even when she found herself windowed. An eligible queen can be the most dangerous scenario.
I enjoyed reading about Joanna I's strength and her numerous marital alliances, which seemed only to cause more problems. Lady Queen was an interesting read, but not as captivating as the other Goldstone books I have read. Even so, I rushed through it to move on to the next one.
3.75/5 Stars
THE 100 BY KASS MORGAN (AUDIO)
No one has set foot on Earth in centuries -- until now.
Ever since a devastating nuclear war, humanity has lived on spaceships far above Earth's radioactive surface. Now, one hundred juvenile delinquents -- considered expendable by society -- are being sent on a dangerous mission: to recolonize the planet. It could be their second chance at life...or it could be a suicide mission.
CLARKE was arrested for treason, though she's haunted by the memory of what she really did. WELLS, the chancellor's son, came to Earth for the girl he loves -- but will she ever forgive him? Reckless BELLAMY fought his way onto the transport pod to protect his sister, the other half of the only pair of siblings in the universe. And GLASS managed to escape back onto the ship, only to find that life there is just as dangerous as she feared it would be on Earth.
Confronted with a savage land and haunted by secrets from their pasts, the hundred must fight to survive. They were never meant to be heroes, but they may be mankind's last hope. —Goodreads
I discovered The 100 ages ago, but when the series became a television show, I leaned into the visual depiction of the story. I watched the first season with excitement and found the plot intriguing, but for some reason, I never continued with the story. Now, years later, I decided to give the books a try. I was surprised to find that listening to the book was fascinating. The bouncing around from character to character was neither unsettling nor creative. I had some difficulty at times to keep up with the proper timeline, whether in the present or while reading a flashback. However, it did not take long for me to realize where I was in the story.
Looking to write my own book with multiple points of view, reading 100 was a helpful exercise in understanding the balance between different characters and how to humanize each person. The background (flashback) and internal thoughts (present) made the story more intriguing. There weren’t distinctive villains and heroes. The book is a young adult novel after all, so there are plenty of moments when the delinquents who were sent to earth mess up.
What I struggled with were the flashback moments and Glass’s character. I hope she becomes an essential character who significantly affects the story, but having a character back on the spaceship made the story feel a little jolted, going back and forth between those who made it to Earth. It could be that Glass’s character was a little flat. She had her history, but it seemed disjointed with the exciting experiences on the ground as Clark, Wells, and others re-explored Earth.
4/5 Stars
DAUGHTER OF THE WINTER QUEEN: FOUR REMARKABLE SISTERS, THE CROWN OF BOHEMIA, AND THE ENDURING LEGACY OF MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS BY NANCY GOLDSTONE
Upon her father’s ascension to the illustrious throne of England, Elizabeth Stuart was suddenly thrust from the poverty of unruly Scotland into the fairytale existence of a princess of great wealth and splendor. When she was married at sixteen to a German count far below her rank, it was with the understanding that her father would help her husband achieve the kingship of Bohemia. The terrible betrayal of this commitment would ruin “the Winter Queen,” as Elizabeth would forever be known, imperil the lives of those she loved, and launch a war that would last for thirty years.
Forced into exile, the Winter Queen and her family found refuge in Holland, where the glorious art and culture of the Dutch Golden Age indelibly shaped her daughters’ lives. Her eldest, Princess Elizabeth, became a scholar who earned the respect and friendship of the philosopher René Descartes. Louisa was a gifted painter whose engaging manner and appealing looks provoked heartache and scandal. Beautiful Henrietta Maria would be the only sister to marry into royalty, although at great cost. But it was the youngest, Sophia, a heroine in the tradition of a Jane Austen novel, whose ready wit and good-natured common sense masked immense strength of character, who fulfilled the promise of her great-grandmother Mary and reshaped the British monarchy, a legacy that endures to this day. —Hachette Book Group
Another brilliant book where Goldstone makes women prominent figures in the annals of history. Little-known women who have not been given enough credit for their influence or brilliant matchmaking come to life, and I understand more about the history of different countries. What is also remarkable is the lasting legacy of Mary, Queen of Scots. Brutally beheaded because she posed as a challenge to the reign of Queen Elizabeth, it is her line, her blood, that has had a more lasting effect on the English monarchy. What are the Tudors compared to the Habsburgs and Windsors, both of which have roots in the Stuart bloodline?
I was glad to find the witty footnotes that Goldstone uses so well, back in this book. Those little notes give a modern impression of how much history from hundreds of years ago affects us today. Along with learning about Elizabeth Stuart, granddaughter of the legendary Mary, I gained insight into the bustling parlor rooms and royal court of the Holland. Not yet the free Netherlands; we know today Holland was an epicenter of art, innovation, and academia. It was fascinating to read about the brilliance of Princess Elizabeth and her academic relationship with René Descartes. I found out that my husband was familiar with the Cartesian Method and some other ideas by Descartes, which only reinforced the value of reading history and understanding how the world we live in came to be. Then there was Louisa, the painter, who also possessed a brilliant mind and a ready wit. Both she and her elder sister became nuns. However, Louisa’s conversion from Protestant to Catholicism at a time when whole countries went to war over religion was not the only scandal she had to endure.
I don’t think there was anything about the book I disliked. The pacing was balanced, and Goldstone provided an outstanding balance among the different sisters and their respective histories. As much as I was glad to complete the book, I wanted it to continue. I have held a strong interest in Mary, Queen of Scots, for many years, and so to read a different take on their influence on history was gratifying. All I can say is that I cannot wait to start the next Goldstone book!
4.5/5 Stars