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rebecka2023's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
One of the best books I’ve ever read. I really needed a book like this with the world being especially horrifying at the moment. October, October thank you for reminding me of all the beautiful, amazing and nurturing acts human beings are capable of.
unfiltered_fiction's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
iris_parsons's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This is a commentary on freedom and nature, in a cosy, easy-to-read and autumnal middle-grade book. I read it on a rainy day, in October, after putting it off for two years. I don't think it was particularly groundbreaking but it was sweet and gave cosy, autumnal vibes. It is also set in a forest, and has some lovely description, particularly about this forest.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content
anniejohnson's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Stunning. Beautiful in its entirety. Enchanting narrative, bewitching descriptions and rich characters.
The depth of understanding Balen provides the reader is so powerful, this is a very emotional read. I ached for October, her pain felt so real and familiar. Reading October, October takes the reader on such a journey of intense feeling and empathy, finishing the book is heartbreaking. I am older than this book's target audience and yet its message of compassion and hope and change feels so relevant and close to home.
I know that this book will stay with me for a long time and it will be one that I return to for comfort. I am so glad because I have grown to love October and I can hardly bear to leave her between these pages.
The depth of understanding Balen provides the reader is so powerful, this is a very emotional read. I ached for October, her pain felt so real and familiar. Reading October, October takes the reader on such a journey of intense feeling and empathy, finishing the book is heartbreaking. I am older than this book's target audience and yet its message of compassion and hope and change feels so relevant and close to home.
I know that this book will stay with me for a long time and it will be one that I return to for comfort. I am so glad because I have grown to love October and I can hardly bear to leave her between these pages.
inwonder's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
srcreads1's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sam_dupree_reads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
"October is the best month when you live in the woods and maybe when you don't, but I wouldn't know. It's when the trees are starting to shake leaves onto a patchwork floor and the ground is bright as fire. The air is crisp with a whisper of frost and the sky smells like smoke. Everything feels new and exciting."
Honestly, leave it to a deceptively simple Middle Grade book to leave me sobbing on my couch.
This really is such a good book and the voice Balen has is both childlike and nuanced like, it is one thing to write in the POV of a child, another to truly utilize the writing to do that. For instance, on the first of the month in October, October and her father jump into the pond and she describes getting undressed in excitement by saying " I pull off my clothes quicker than a quick thing..." that's amazing characterization.
The whole story though revolves around finding your people, your home, and the very complex relationships we have with those we love or who love us. I don't want to say much else but if you are looking for something that hits those Fall Vibes squarely in the face, I recommend this whole-heartedly.
Honestly, leave it to a deceptively simple Middle Grade book to leave me sobbing on my couch.
This really is such a good book and the voice Balen has is both childlike and nuanced like, it is one thing to write in the POV of a child, another to truly utilize the writing to do that. For instance, on the first of the month in October, October and her father jump into the pond and she describes getting undressed in excitement by saying " I pull off my clothes quicker than a quick thing..." that's amazing characterization.
The whole story though revolves around finding your people, your home, and the very complex relationships we have with those we love or who love us. I don't want to say much else but if you are looking for something that hits those Fall Vibes squarely in the face, I recommend this whole-heartedly.
novellenovels's review against another edition
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
booksforbrooks's review against another edition
3.0
I picked this up from the 'horror' shelf at the library and it became apparent within about 3 pages that it had been mis-shelved. I continued anyway as I didn't think it would take long and I think that for someone who's looking for a sweet coming-of-age children's story, this would fit the bill nicely. Unfortunately it wasn't what I was after but I can still appreciate the writing and the illustrations.
kba76's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
October is our free-spirited protagonist, a girl who lives in the woods with her father. She sees herself as wild, a part of nature.
On her eleventh birthday she takes Stig, the baby barn owl she rescued, out into the woods. Unfortunately, October gets spooked by the arrival of her mother and runs away. Climbing to safety she hides in the trees. When her father and mother come searching for her, he tries to climb up after her. When he falls, it marks a drastic shift in October’s circumstances.
With her father needing medical care, she cannot remain in her woodland home. She is transported to London, where her mother lives, and expected to settle into a new life there.
October’s discomfort at being taken from her surroundings is evident. However, we follow her as she navigates her journey through school for the first time and socialising with her peers. We see her come to terms wit( letting Stig be reformed to take her rightful place in the wild…and we see her come to accept the change in circumstances and accept both parents playing a role in her life.
Part of me wondered how the family came to have such an unusual living arrangement in the first instance, and we never get this question answered. However, it’s hard not to fall in love with October and her rather unconventional approach to life.
On her eleventh birthday she takes Stig, the baby barn owl she rescued, out into the woods. Unfortunately, October gets spooked by the arrival of her mother and runs away. Climbing to safety she hides in the trees. When her father and mother come searching for her, he tries to climb up after her. When he falls, it marks a drastic shift in October’s circumstances.
With her father needing medical care, she cannot remain in her woodland home. She is transported to London, where her mother lives, and expected to settle into a new life there.
October’s discomfort at being taken from her surroundings is evident. However, we follow her as she navigates her journey through school for the first time and socialising with her peers. We see her come to terms wit( letting Stig be reformed to take her rightful place in the wild…and we see her come to accept the change in circumstances and accept both parents playing a role in her life.
Part of me wondered how the family came to have such an unusual living arrangement in the first instance, and we never get this question answered. However, it’s hard not to fall in love with October and her rather unconventional approach to life.