October 2025 Wrap Up : Life, Books, and Birthday Joys

October 2025 was busy, festive, and full of reasons to smile. Check out my October in Life, Books, and Birthday Joys in this post.

October 2025 in Life

October 2025 began with Navaratri, the nine-day Hindu festival celebrating Goddess Durga. Every night was filled with prayers and Garba-Raas dancing until midnight. It ended with Diwali, the five-day festival of lights that also came with fifteen days of school holidays. We enjoyed both celebrations to the fullest, and the biggest surprise was how much my kid loved it this year. She tried learning Garba steps for the first time, and the little girl who used to fear firecrackers was now lighting more than I did!

Between the festivals, family time, and school holidays, there wasn’t much time left for blogging. Whatever free moments I had, I spent on reading instead.

I also focused more on Instagram. It was fun trying trend challenges, making review reels, and posting the occasional non-bookish photo. I’m really happy with how things are going there, though I’ve realized this platform is incredibly time-consuming. I definitely need a schedule so it doesn’t eat into my reading time.

Outside of books and social media, I tried painting a simple design in my journal. I loved how it turned out and now I want to do more. The month wrapped up with planning my kid’s birthday party, which we hosted on November 2. Her actual birthday is on the 4th, but we didn’t want to host the party on a weekday. Since schools reopening on the 3rd (Today), it was perfect timing to celebrate early. She had a great time, and seeing the joy on her face made it all worth it.

To top it all off, I received some lovely book mail that made my birthday month even more special.

Reading Stats

Books I Read in October

I started the month with a TBR list. I didn’t finish everything, but I stuck to the reading order, which feels like an achievement in itself.

Black Sheep – A haunting, dark, and atmospheric cult horror about rebellion, identity, and blind faith. It pulled me straight into Vesper’s unsettling world and reminded me how much I’d missed horror.

Lady Susan / The Watsons / Sanditon – A delightful trio of Austen’s shorter and unfinished works. Sharp, witty, and deliciously scandalous, with Lady Susan stealing the spotlight.

How to Be Happy With Who You Are – A sweet children’s book about gratitude and self-acceptance. The message and illustrations shine, making it a joy to read at any age.

Read But will Post Reviews throughout November

Play Nice – A dark and emotional family horror that unravels memories, resentment, and womanhood. The family dynamics and the eerie Edgewood house were my favorite parts.

Uncharmed – Cozy, heartwarming, and full of witchy charm. It’s a story about finding your magic not through perfection but by being unapologetically yourself. Perfect for autumn.

If It Makes You Happy – My favorite of the month. A feel-good small-town romance set in picturesque Vermont with a nostalgic 90s glow. Warm, funny, and full of heart, it’s like a hug in book form, complete with cinnamon rolls and Gilmore Girls energy.

12 Years: My Messed-Up Love Story – A dramatic, age-gap Indian romance packed with Bollywood-style emotions. It’s not flawless, but it’s entertaining and surprisingly layered.

A Girl, A Tiger, and A Very Strange Story – A beautifully layered tale that blends adventure, emotion, and activism. It explores the fragile bond between humans, animals, and nature. A quiet story that lingers long after you finish it.

Tiger Slayer – An engaging and visually rich biography of Nur Jahan, the only Empress of the Mughal era. A fascinating tribute to a complex and ambitious woman that history often overlooked.

Plans for November

Thanks to a generous pile of book mail, my November TBR has grown to seven books. I’m hoping to finish them all this month while still making time for journaling and a few new reels.

How was your October in life and reading?
Have you read any of these?
What was your favorite book in October?

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