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September 2025 Reads—Toni Morrison, Madeline Miller, and More

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How I yearn for personal space and time alone! Long stretches of time alone to do nothing else but think, read, be creative and create. At the moment, that's not happening. But I have been reading as much as I can within the time I have. And I am grateful for what I have, and I know my time will come.

I read some pretty good books in September. In order of my liking, starting with the one I like most, here they are:
  1. Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison (What a complete gem of a book!!🫶🏻)
  2. Circe by Madeline Miller
  3. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
  4. A Mercy by Toni Morrison
  5. Rosa Parks by Kristen Susieka
  6. The Cassandra Complex by Holly Smale
  7. Amazing Grace Adams by Fran Littlewood
Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison: That feeling when you finish a book, think you've just read one of the best books ever, and know this is not the only time you'll read that book. Yup! I got that with Song of Solomon. I guess I have a thing for magical realism. But it's not just that. This book surprises me; it's engaging, funny in unexpected ways, among other things. The story follows Milkman Dead (that's the name of the character, yeah), his journey of self-discovery, as he unravels family secrets, explores African American history, and seeks personal freedom. One of the things I like about this book is how it presents different characters' perspectives, making us understand their points of view, instead of focusing on one character's. Reminds you not to judge or jump to conclusions immaturely. 

Circe by Madeline Miller: I'd just completed books 6 and 7 when I had a strong urge to pick up Circe. I went ahead. Girl! Was I pleased with that decision!? A retelling of Greek mythology through the eyes of Circe, who is banished to a lonely island but gradually embraces her power, defies the gods, and shapes her own destiny. Love this.

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison: Sad book! Toni Morrison's first novel, published in 1970. A heartbreaking story of a young Black girl who longs for blue eyes, believing they will make her beautiful and loved. Imagine being hated and treated cruelly because they think you are ugly. Which is none of your fault and out of your control. Then you believe you are ugly.  And things only get worse and worse for you. How does one cope with that?đź’”

A Mercy by Toni Morrison: Set in 17th-century America, it tells the story of Florens, an enslaved girl, and the women around her. Has themes of motherhood, loss, and the brutal beginnings of slavery in the New World. A tough read. I especially love the prose at the end.

Rosa Parks by Kristen Susieka: Children's book. About the woman who refused to move from her seat on a bus and start the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955. Short and sweet. 🤍

The Cassandra Complex by Holly Smale: Cassandra/Cassie discovers she can time‑travel and uses her power to try to fix her life and relationships. Fun, light read. Could be shorter, though. I got impatient towards the 2/3rd of the book.

Amazing Grace Adams by Fran Littlewood: On the eve of her daughter’s 16th birthday, Grace abandons her car in London and embarks on a day‑long, cake‑laden quest to reconnect with family and reclaim her identity after years of feeling invisible. Not to be rude, but I read this only cuz I got it for free.

I picked up three other books, but have not finished them, so not counting.

Happy Reading.

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