Is it too early to say that I’m thinking about getting my fall decorations out of the garage?

Maybe so.

But I’m ready for some cooler temperatures and fun Halloween vibes. I got an early start this weekend with a few scary movies. Maybe, next weekend I’ll officially break out the decorations and candles.

As summer continues to hang on for now, I found myself leaning back into fiction. This month’s reads included:

• Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen
• I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid
• Fate of the Sun King by Nisha J. Tuli
• You by Caroline Kepnes
• Nice Girls Don’t Win by Parvati Shallow
• That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally

Let’s get into the reviews!

Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen

Thoughts are fine; thinking is not. That’s the short summary of this book.

Joseph Nguyen makes the case that thinking is the root cause of suffering, anxiety, and more. For example, he shared a thought can be, “It’s raining outside.” While thinking turns that thought into, “My day is ruined. This is the worst.” Obviously, stopping thinking is easier said than done, but he does share some interesting strategies to try to change some of your old habits.

I feel like this is a book that you love or you hate, but I loved it.

Rating: 8/10

I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid

I don’t even know what to say about this. It’s one of the weirder books I’ve read in a while.

A girl is going to meet her boyfriend’s parents for the first time, so she’s feeling a bit unsettled during the drive to their house. Her boyfriend, Jake, is very smart, though maybe a bit pretentious, but she likes that about him. While nothing is really wrong in their relationship, she can’t shake the idea that she should end things with him. The vibes only get more strange once they get to his parent’s home.

If you are expecting a story with a lot of plot, this is not the book for you. In some ways, not a lot happens. But at the same time, a lot happens. The ending is… something. If you’re curious about it like I was, it is a fairly short read.

Rating: 7/10

Fate of the Sun King by Nisha J. Tuli

This is the third book in the Artefacts of Ouranos series, so spoilers for the first two books (check out my reviews of Trial of the Sun Queen and Rule of the Aurora King here) may be ahead. Proceed with caution.

After hiding her magic and her growing feelings for the Aurora Prince, Nadir, for so long, Lor is finally starting to open up and be honest. But she’s in more danger than ever. She’s on the run from both the Aurora King and the Sun King, while at the same time trying to restore the Kingdom of Heart and reclaim her throne at whatever cost. New obstacles continue to arise.

Fair warning, this one ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, so you’ll want to have the next book on hold at the library.

Rating: 7/10

You by Caroline Kepnes

After wrapping up the Netflix series based on the novels, I finally decided to check out the source material. The main character, Joe, was creepy and horrible in the show, but he’s somehow even worse in the books. (Yes, really!)

Joe, an employee at a Brooklyn bookstore, becomes obsessed with a woman that stops by. It starts with some social media browsing, but quickly becomes a full on stalking situation, especially once he gains access to her emails and texts. Guinevere thinks he’s interesting, but she’s kind of seeing someone else. That’s something Joe just can’t tolerate. All sorts of madness and crimes ensue.

Rating: 7/10

Nice Girls Don’t Win by Parvati Shallow

As a huge Survivor fan, I was excited to read a memoir from one of the most iconic players. I was very surprised by what I learned!

Parvati had an unusual childhood living in what she describes as a commune, before her family finally broke away for good. But that move brought on new challenges and the need to fit in. Parvati dives deep into those struggles as well as her struggles into adulthood and her time on reality TV. She’s very open and honest about how it damaged her ability to trust and her journey to healing.

I do wish there had been more about her Survivor experiences!

Rating: 8/10

That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally

I listened to this as an audiobook on a 7+ hour car ride and, let me say, it kept our attention the whole time! I could easily see this being a movie.

A girl wakes up bloodied, bruised, and alone with no idea who she is or where she is. With the help of the police, she’s reunited with a man that says he’s her father and has the documents to prove it. But something just doesn’t seem right.

Meanwhile, in a different town, a high school student is feeling the pressure of the local police over the disappearance of his girlfriend, Lola. He was the last one to see her and the community thinks he’s responsible. But Drew is determined to find out the truth.

I don’t want to say too much more, but if you enjoy thrillers, check this out!

Rating: 8/10

Want more reviews? Check out what I read in June 2025!

As always, I want to know what YOU are reading. Please leave a comment below.