August 2025 Wrap-Up

August was another slow month on the reading front. At the beginning of September, our family will start a new chapter—we’re driving our daughter to university in another country and staying there for a couple of weeks to help her settle. After that, my husband and I will be traveling through Europe, scouting for a future retirement spot.

Even though my husband has handled most of the logistics, this kind of massive life change has spiked my anxiety, which means both my reading and writing slowed down. Still, I did manage to finish a few books that left a mark on me, and I’m excited to share them with you.

What I Read in August

1. Burn Down Master’s House by Clay Cane

A harrowing, unflinching work of historical fiction set during the American Civil War. The title works on both a literal and metaphorical level, making it a powerful reflection of the story’s central themes.

2. Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk

Brutal, hilarious, disorienting, heartbreaking, and somehow hopeful. It’s a reminder that even when life shatters completely, there’s still power in putting yourself back together—even if the result is unrecognizable.

3. Wings of Steel & Fury by Sarah J. Daley

A steampunk dystopia with political intrigue, flawed characters, and an unorthodox take on faith and morality. Bold and surprising, it kept me guessing.

4. Endless Night by Agatha Christie

One of Christie’s most chilling works. If you enjoy unreliable narrators, gothic suspense, and slow-building dread, this eerie little masterpiece is a must-read.

5. The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

I picked this up because I’d heard it’s great for learning how to write suspense—and it delivered. It’s a masterclass in tension, ambiguity, and psychology, with layers that make it perfect for re-reading. The ghosts you notice the second time might not be the same ones you saw before.

Final Thoughts

This month was quieter than usual, but the books I did manage to read were intense, thought-provoking, and in some cases, haunting. September will likely be even slower as we focus on family and travel, but I’ll keep you updated and bring books along for the journey.