from the physical shelves 2: september 2026
september 2026 physical reads
Witches, Midwives and Nurses: A History of Women Healers by Barbara Ehrenreich, Deirdre English (Nonfiction)
A very interesting read that deepened my understanding of the oppression women faced in, and their entry into, the healthcare field. The focus on the history of medicine and nursing provided me with a lot of new information, and, considering the booklet was originally published in the 1970s, it prompted me to reflect on certain aspects that (fortunately) have since changed in society.
The Girl from the Other Side vol. 7-11 by Nagabe (Horror Manga)
Eh. While I enjoyed the series overall, especially these final 5 volumes as they answered some of the questions regarding the world-building, I was very disappointed by the ending. I felt like Nagabe didn't particularly wanted to commit to anything? And so ended up with the most ambiguous finale one could imagine.
Forbidden Notebook by Alba de Céspedes (Historical Fiction)
Made me so glad of my choice not to have children. This book, with its journal entries, gave me so much to think about when it comes to female identity and the lost of it: after marriage, after kids. The way Valeria, the main character, starts to get to know herself was so interesting, if sad at times, and I very much appreciated how Céspedes explored these themes of womanhood throughout.
The Tomb of Dragons by Katherine Addison (Fantasy)
CELEHAR, MY BELOVED, YOU ARE IMPORTANT. On the plot: I’m used to the several subplots happening at the same time, but the puzzle pieces didn’t quite fit together for me. It’s possible I expected more focus on the Tomb of Dragons and less on the political schemes? Also: very weird choice with the "actually, nothing queer is happening here" scene.
A Trade of Blood by Robert Jackson Bennett (Fantasy)
I have so many questions about so many things! I'm loving taking trips throughout the Empire and getting to know different lands and its people. The worldbuilding continued to be fascinating, especially as it didn't shy away from the more grotesque and horrifying aspects of this world and society. I did find this, like... a Level Up when it came to the body horror? And I also loved that :D
The Road of Bones by Demi Winters (Romantasy)
So much walking through the forest/Road of Bones... The switcharoo romance was a welcome subplot, though I wanted more character depth and development. Also! Twists were pretty predictable, with one exception? But then that was tied to one of the most common Romantasy tropes, so... Will I continue the series? Possibly.
The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister (Horror) Lots of questions, not many answers. A strange read, but not the kind I enjoy. I expected much more than the book delivered in terms of horror and even toxic family relationships. The writing style didn't help much, with very long paragraphs, though at least the five different perspectives had distinct voices. Not that any of the characters were easy to like...