Inferno by Dante Alighieri with Elio Zappulla (Translator)

This was one of those used books that I had for too long. It was not as challenging to read as I thought. This edition had good end notes after every canto. I found the translation comprehensive as well. While I was interested in the classical references, the Italian political references dragged. I do not like gory horror either. I did want to continue with the rest of The Divine Comedy and listened to the Overdue podcast episodes instead.

September 3-6, 2026.

Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher

Finally, I read a T. Kingfisher who has been on my TBR for years. This was a short and fun retelling of Sleeping Beauty. I can see why her books are considered cozy. It had the right amount of stakes as there was some darkness, but most of the book was about two strangers who become friends. The right amount of character development as well. I enjoyed the magical elements and lore too. Very well done novella. Looking forward to more from the author.

September 7, 2026.

The Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie with Emilia Fox (Narrator)

Superintendent Battle #2 1929. We enjoyed Chimneys and I read that Bundle and her father Lord Caterham returned in this one. This was a really fun one because it had a lighthearted tone even with two murders. I was surprised that it was received poorly when it was first published. One article derisively commented that it was in the style of PG Wodehouse. I agreed which is why it was so fun for us. I liked Bundle as a protagonist and her romance too. Some of the aspects of the novel were a bit silly and I had some questions about the motives of the villains. It was still much better written than the 2026 Netflix adaptation we watched right after. Acting aside, The TV mini series removed all the lightness and changed key some key elements. Recommend the book as a lighter Christie novel.

September 1-8, 2026.

Miffy et la neige by Dick Bruna

I like when Miffy is a more active and caring bunny.

September 8, 2026.

Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx

I read this for a challenge since it was short. I have probably not seen the movie since it was released. I was not a big fan of The Shipping News novel when I read it in high school over 25 years ago. This short story was extremely well done. Proulx was able to capture the characters, their relationship, and the setting so deftly in such a short amount of time. The screenplay followed this short story so closely. Glad I read this short story and this is why I do reading challenges to find things like this.

September 9, 2026 on Xteink 4.