November was a wild month for reading…literally. If you’ve been here for a while, you know that hunting season is a big deal in our home, and this year I spent a lot of time in the tree stand. While those peaceful, quiet moments in the woods are one of the things I love most about hunting, there are plenty of stretches where… well… nothing happens.
So, to break up the monotony of staring into the trees waiting for movement, I kept a book downloaded on my phone. And friends, I ended up reading a lot this month!
Before we dive in, if you missed last month’s reads, you can catch up here:
👉 Two Books I Read in October (and a Little Blog Update)
Alright, here’s what I read snuggled in my tree stand (or at home in my cozy reading chair!) this month…
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
If we were giving out a “Book of the Month” award, this one would win by a mile.
This book is a beast! I started it in August and didn’t finish until November! But honestly? Not one page felt wasted. Dumas has that rare storytelling gift where he introduces characters and plot threads you’re not quite sure about… and then pages (or hundreds of pages) later everything clicks into place.
I was kept guessing the entire time. Every character mattered. Every twist landed. And I truly had no idea how the pieces would come together until deep in the plot.
Takeaway:
If you want a story that drags you in and doesn’t let you go, this is it. It reminded me how much I love an intricate, slow-burning, wonderfully plotted classic.
Roman Fever by Edith Wharton
This was a surprise read for me because it’s so short, but wow, did it pack a punch.
I thought I had the storyline figured out, and I was feeling pretty proud of myself… until the ending hit. Then I sat there with my jaw hanging open.
Takeaway:
If you want a very quick read with a twist you won’t see coming, this is a fun one to dive into.
The Epic of Gilgamesh — Anonymous
I actually read this one with Cole for a reading assignment in his English class, which made the experience so much more meaningful. It’s an ancient text, full of mythic adventures and big questions about life, friendship, and mortality. Reading it together gave us great discussions and a glimpse into the earliest storytelling traditions.
Takeaway:
While it wasn’t my personal favorite of the month, I’m really glad I read it. And sharing the experience with Cole made it special. It’s fascinating to see themes written thousands of years ago that still show up in modern books and movies.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
This was my third time reading Atomic Habits, and honestly? It gets better every time.
I didn’t read this one in the tree stand. This was a physical book I curled up with at home. I like to revisit it every year to every year and a half because the principles are so practical and grounded. It always gives me a fresh reminder of how small, consistent actions really do add up, and how tweaking even one tiny habit can shift an entire routine.
Takeaway:
Rereading this book helped me fine-tune some habits I’ve let get a little messy lately (life happens!). It’s a great reset and always leaves me feeling more focused, intentional, and ready to get my systems back on track.
Champion Mindset by Patrick King
This book actually came out the year before Atomic Habits, and while it’s not the same kind of read, I was surprised by how many of the same studies and concepts showed up, just explained through a slightly different lens. I ended up being really impressed with it.
And yes, this was one of my official tree stand reads! Picture me bundled up, balancing my cell phone and waiting for deer while reading about discipline, focus, and maximizing my potential. Honestly, the setting felt pretty fitting.
Takeaway:
I enjoyed this book almost as much as Atomic Habits. Patrick King presents practical, motivating mindset strategies in a very digestible way, and reading it in the quiet stillness of the woods made the messages about focus land even deeper.
Fun Loving You by Ted Cunningham
This one hit close to home.
We’re in a season where our marriage feels like it’s in the valley, not in a crisis, just in that “life is busy, and we’re unintentionally putting other things first” stage. Charles started a new job, I’m juggling work, motherhood, and growing this blog… and while we absolutely love each other, we both feel the tension of not being as connected as we’d like.
This book was Christ-centered, practical, and surprisingly a little more intimate and spicy in its advice than I expected from a pastor, but all biblically grounded, which I appreciated.
Takeaway:
This book gave me real, needed encouragement. A reminder that Jesus comes first, but right after that, my marriage shouldn’t be buried under to-do lists. I’m grateful for the push to reprioritize us.
Want to See What’s on My TBR List?
I don’t plan my reading by month. I’m more of a “read what’s available, what God puts in front of me, or what people loan me” reader. But if you want to see what’s on my radar, here’s my Goodreads list:
https://www.goodreads.com/justbeingkara.
Your Turn!
I’d love to know:
What are YOU reading right now?
Drop your book recommendations in the comments. I love hearing what other women of faith are enjoying.
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