Monthly Reading Wrap-Up: August 2025

Hello, everyone! I can't believe that summer is already over, even though I missed autumn so much. When it comes to reading, you might think that August wasn't my most successful month, but only if you consider the number of books I've finished. However, it is one of my best months rating-wise, and I've read some of my favourite books of all it... or I re-read them! If you've seen my Tolkien Book Tag, then you already know that I've re-read The Lord of the Rings. But apart from these three books, I also got around to a couple more.

Here is what I read this month: 

Books I've Completed in August

• The Invitation - Sebastian Fitzek: I started the month with The Invitation, which was a book club pick. This was the first time readin Fitzek, even though I've heard his name before as he's extremely popular in Greece. In fact, I read the Greek translation of the book. In Engish, I've only found it as an Audible original. As a book, it was definitely thrilling and I really wanted to find out the truth. However, I can't say that I loved it by the end. 
• The Fellowship of the Ring - J.R.R. Tolkien: I spent almost the entirety of August in my hometown. For some reason, I felt the urge to pick up my copies of The Lord of the Rings, which I have since childhood. It felt so good to be back to Middle Earth and rediscover the scenes I was obsessed with.
• The Two Towers - J.R.R. Tolkien: I picked up the second book of The Lord of the Rings the same day I finished the first one. I still loved it, and I had an amazing time reading it. 
• The Return of the King - J.R.R. Tolkien: I couldn't leave the series without reading the third book, I had to see the ring destroyed! This experience just filled my with so much joy, still loving something that was so important to me during my formative years. And I know that I'm going to revisit these books again and again in the future. 
• Pines - Blake Crouch: After finishing The Lord of the Rings, I didn't quite know what was in the mood for. My mom is also a great reader, so we have bookcases filled with books in our home. While browsing the selves, I noticed the Greek edition of the Wayward Pines trilogy. Since Blake Crouch is one of the authors I've been meaning to try, I decided to give it a go. This book was definitely intense and so easy-to-read. I liked that we have an answer at the end of the book, and I'm unsure what the following one will be about. I will be continuing with the series.
• The Strange Library - Haruki Murakami: I read this novella on my way back, during the flight. As you would expect from Murakami, it was strange and dark. I enjoyed the process of reading it, however, I don't think that I'll be thinking about this book that much (unless it proves me wrong).

Books I'm Currently Reading

• We Have Always Lived in a Castle - Shirley Jackson: This is my book club's pick and I couldn't be happier with the choice. You might have noticed my increasing interest in horror, so I'm glad that I'm reading this classic book in the genre. I'm not very far into it, but I enjoy it. 
• Η Ιστορία του Άρχοντα των Δαχτυλιδιών - Manolis Parousis: I'm not sure whether to call this book a fiction or nonfiction. In essence, it is a book that talks about the story of The Lord of the Rings. I've had this book on my shelf for years, and since now I've re-read the trilogy, I thought that it would be a great time to pick it up. Yet, I'm already disappointed. I thought that it would go deeper into various elements of the book and tie it more to the Silmarillion, but so far, nothing of that happens.

 

What did you read in August? And which was your favourite one?