Is it me, or did September seriously fly by? I feel like it was just this weekend I was sitting on the beach for Labor Day- but more accurately, this weekend I was doing grad school work in between procrastinating, reading, and a few Netflix binges. September was another one of the months where while I’m happy I’m somewhat in a routine again between work, my clinical internship, and grad school classes, I just feel drained by the end of the day. Aside from blogging, I’m trying to avoid being on my laptop or screens, which is pretty difficult considering that my classes are online and 95% of my remote work and school work require me to be on my laptop.

Everyone knows that reading is my go-to way to relax, but I’ve been especially grateful for it lately because it’s such a great way to escape and also for me personally, doesn’t require a screen (sorry Kindle, but I’ll be sticking back to my physical books for a while).

I’m not only really content with the fact that I was able to read 9 books in September, but also because I enjoyed them all. While some of them weren’t exactly standouts, they were all pretty enjoyable reads, and I finally got to some books I’ve been meaning to read all year. I have reviews already published or coming for all of the books below. 

The Marriage Game by Sarah Desai | Stars

They Went Left by Monica Hesse | 4/5

All This Time by Mikki Daughty & Rachel Lippincott 

American Royals by Katharine McGee (reread) | 5/5 

Majesty (American Royals #2) by Katharine McGee | 4.5/5

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett | 4.5/5

You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria | 4/5

Running by Natalia Sylvester | 4/5 

Kiss My Cupcake by Helena Hunting | 4.5/5 

Away (Netflix) – I had heard so many Spotify advertisements for Away while commuting early in September, and I thought that I would never find myself watching this show starring Hilary Swank about a fictional mission to Mars… until I managed to watch all 10 episodes in under a week. I was so addicted to this one, and it was so much more well-done than I could’ve imagined. They finished filming the first season right before the pandemic began, so a second season (if there is one) won’t be coming for a while… but I need it now?? 

Challenger: The Final Flight (Netflix) – If there’s one thing about Netflix I’ll never deny, it’s that they’re very smart and strategic about what shows & movies come out on or near the same day. If you watch Away, you’ll soon find yourself watching this Challenger docuseries and vice versa. I honestly can’t recall learning about the Challenger in school – I only vaguely remember learning about the Apollo missions and watching the movies – but it was so, so interesting and somber to learn about the Challenger mission and NASA’s space shuttle program. It was super accessible for people like me who don’t have much knowledge about NASA.  

The Home Edit (Netflix) – Like basically everyone else, I also found myself binge-watching The Home Edit on Netflix. I had never heard of The Home Edit and their Instagram before, but I was so into their show and what they do as a business. I loved the episode format, following a celebrity and an ‘average’ person who needs some re-organization of their living spaces. My favorite episodes were starring Reese Witherspoon and Retta because I loved seeing Reese’s TV and film momentos, as well as Retta’s memorabilia from Parks & Rec. This show seriously does make you want to buy ALL the clear containers and re-organize your life — although I’m not 100% convinced about the rainbow bookshelves because I am that person who likes having her books somewhat organized by author and genre. 

I also snuck in some Parks & Rec rewatches this month because it’ll unfortunately be leaving Netflix on October 1.  

Continued Watching: Below Deck Mediterranean S5 (Bravo), Say Yes to the Dress S19 (TLC), The West Wing S2 (Netflix/NBC)

Reviews:

A ROYAL SEQUEL: Majesty Review

A FEW MORE FAVORITES: September 2020 Mini Reviews

ROMANTIC YA CONTEMPORARY: All This Time Review

A BOOKISH HOLIDAY YA CONTEMPORARY: Recommended For You Review

TIMELY YA READ: Punching the Air Review

TWO 2020 FAVORITES, ONE MISS: Contemporary Romance Mini Reviews

FALL 2020 MUST READ: Grown Review

More Bookishness: 

September 2020 Book Haul 

End of Summer Recap Book Tag ft. My Favorite Summer Reads

What did you read & watch in September? Any recommendations for me? How are you managing screen time right now? Share in the comments!