Reader Roundup: October 2026
It was a day of reluctant admission that fall had supplanted the remnant of summer sun, and I reluctantly dismantled the hammock. Thank you. I appreciate your heartfelt offerings of condolence. I still attempt to read outside, but days proving warm enough are becoming rarer. I did concede and start reading inside, relying on my Happy Light, as a consolation.
The five star reads for October:
Wilson Rawls wrote only two books. The first one, Where the Red Fern grows, is a classic that everyone knows. His second, Summer of the Monkeys, is not as well-known, but it deserves more recognition as it has great heart and is filled with both comedic and emotional moments.
While reading the book is pleasurable, listening to it with Jay Berry as the reader, relating his story in his down-home Ozark voice is all the more engaging. This tale of finding escaped circus monkeys and how it brought about the protagonist’s heart’s desire is truly memorable.
The Disney version does not do the book justice. No surprise.
Much has been written about American pilot, Gail Halvorsen, also known as Uncle Wiggly Wings or The Candy Bomber. From apicture book to an autobiography, Halvorsen’s efforts to bring joy to war-starved children of Berlin’s have captured well Operation Little Vittles.
Tunnell’s middle grade nonfiction book bridges the gap between the picture book audience and adult audience. Written with approval and cooperation with Halvorsen, the book is filled with personal recollections including photographs and memorabilia that enhances the story and emphasizes the humanitarian efforts that brought some sweetness to one war-ravaged German city.
That’s it only two five star reads for October. However, I am fairly stoked that Goodreads has a new rating option.
All those books where I dithered between a four or a five or even a three or a four, that occasionally stressful decision process, has been alleviated by the new half and quarter star system. The only dilemma I have now is wanting to go back to all my former reads and making adjustments. I guess that will be a work in progress.
Happy reading!
