This won't help anyone else in terms of what to read (though it might inspire you); but today would have been my MIL's birthday and she passed this year. She left behind a typed up journal of her trip to Europe in 1965. I've been meaning to read it and now, since I'm between books, I might take the time to savor it this holiday season little by little, maybe accompanied by a cup of her favorite tea.
If you have anything written by loved ones, now might be a great time to read them to ask them questions (if they are still around) or honor them (if they've passed.) I've also reflected on the books she and I have exchanged/shared with each other in the 20 years I've known her.
What an incredibly sweet way to commemorate her! I also lost my MIL this year and this gives me some ideas . . . no journals for me to read, however she was a great reader, particularly of British mysteries (she introduced me to Maisie Dobbs). I've been reading a few books in that vein recently--perhaps I've been paying tribute without even realizing it?! Either way, that's how I'm viewing it from now on--thanks!
I’m sorry for your loss. My dad passed this year and I agree with your sentiment on taking time to read the words of loved ones during this season. I have been inspired and comforted by little notes as well as a few pages my dad wrote about his life.
I'm reading Still Life by Sarah Winman, which I learned about on SSoP! I'm completely immersed in it. Not just because I visited the truly beautiful Florence for the first time last year (where it takes place) or because I'm a big E.M. Forster fan (multiple connections drawn by the author), but also because I just love the characters.
A Muppet Christmas Carol is a family favorite and we watch it every year. Anyone else? (Dickens + Muppets! What's better than that?)
I am deep into an Agatha Christie re-read at present, but also just finished the Audible of We Solve Murders. Excellent and fast paced. On the side (because I read multiple titles at the same time) I have Fox Wife, just started it but am liking it so far.
I just finished "The Women" by Kristin Hannah. Very sad to relive the Vietnam War and the way the Vets and the Nurses, especially, were treated after returning to the US. I am of an age that Ilived through it, but this was an exceptional historical review of the dark days connected both with the war and the time after it. I strongly recommend it. After that have begun "The Covenant of Water" and after a slow start I am beginning to really get emotionally involved. Now is the time of year for me when book clubs slow down and I get to read the books on my TBR list that I never seem to get to.
My go to movie at this time of year is "Eloise at Christmastime." I watch it and laugh every year...Julie Andrews is terrific as is the little girl playing Eloise.
I am reading The Women right now. I am moving through quickly but to give myself an emotional break I've picked up a very backlist cozy mystery, Bruno, Chief of Police. It takes place in a quaint village in Southwestern France. The MC is a young man who takes his role of protecting the village very seriously. He cooks, plays tennis and rugby and works hard at encouraging dialog amongst those with varying opinions. It fits well into my Francophile mania right now. I've been on a tear, reading books set in France and even picking up Duolingo to brush up for my very rusty French. <g>
The Women is terrific--but tough. I read it a few months ago and like you I interspersed it with something lighter (so light I cannot remember what!). But I have read a few in the Bruno series and agree that it's great for an emotional break.
I have The Women on my nightstand, along with The Best We Could Do (a graphic memoir about a Vietnamese American family). I haven't started either but I am looking forward to both. My dad served in Vietnam. We haven't talked much about it, but maybe after I read these books, we can.
Also, Eloise at Christmastime sounds delightful - I will look for it!
Do Christmas cookie cookbooks count???? I'm reading Is She Really Going Out With Him by Sophie Cousens for a book group and it is good and funny. Perfect for this time of year.
Absolutely! Reading about cookies is the calorie-free way of enjoying them! (Of course, I usually end up making more cookies, but they have no calories at Christmastime anyway 😇)
I just finished James. It was very good. I am going to start "Every valley: the desperate lives and troubled times that made Handel's Messiah" in preparation for conducting a Sing-Along Messiah on December 22. Also re-reading Dorothy Sayers Lord Peter Wimsey Mystery "Whose Body?" Thanks for all the movie recommendations - and my husband sends out Krampus cards!!
I’ve been listening to AWOL On the Appalachian Trail by David Miller while tree decorating and cooking baking. My reading time right now is limited by rehearsing for and performing in our symphony chorus Christmas Concert last week and my Episcopal church’s traditional service of Lessons and Carols tomorrow. Our December book club choice is Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan which I listened to but will now read the ebook. Our January choice is Sandwich by Catherine Newman so I’ll get that going soon. Book club friends loved Sara Winman’s Still Life that I recommended after SSoP episode reviewed it. James is on my TBR list with so many others calling for my attention. I used to worry about finding something good to read but with SSoP, What Should I Read Next podcast, NYT recommendations and from book-loving friends, I now worry how I’ll make time to read those. So many books, so little reading time! Happy Holidays and best New Year wishes, everyone.
Sounds like you're having a fantastic holiday season! Enjoy your concerts! I have Small Things Like These on my TBR for this month. I keep hearing such good things about it.
I'm reading Wintering by Katherine May and Butter by Asako Yuzuki. It's cold here in central Ohio and I intent to light a fire in the fireplace, grab a blanket and my three new kittens and snuggle in for a good read. The kittens are 13 weeks old and give very appreciative purrs for a few pats. So precious!
I’m reading The Lion Women of Tehran. I like it, but looking forward to a few feel good books after this. Just learned about The Red Address Book, and since it’s both feel good sounding and takes place in Stockholm where we are headed for the holidays, it’s next up!
Currently reading Unraveling by Peggy Orenstein. Picked this up without much thought and it was pretty much written directly for me, nerdy detail about crafting and making things, history of women's place in society, midlife transitions for women, grappling with our place/responsibility in the world, conversational and sometimes snarky tone.
I’m reading This Is Happiness by Niall Williams. It’s a slow start, but his sentences are worth reading two or three times. I loved his History of the Rain, so I’m committed to finish this one. Then I’ll read Williams’ Time of the Child which has a nod to the Christmas season.
This won't help anyone else in terms of what to read (though it might inspire you); but today would have been my MIL's birthday and she passed this year. She left behind a typed up journal of her trip to Europe in 1965. I've been meaning to read it and now, since I'm between books, I might take the time to savor it this holiday season little by little, maybe accompanied by a cup of her favorite tea.
If you have anything written by loved ones, now might be a great time to read them to ask them questions (if they are still around) or honor them (if they've passed.) I've also reflected on the books she and I have exchanged/shared with each other in the 20 years I've known her.
What an incredibly sweet way to commemorate her! I also lost my MIL this year and this gives me some ideas . . . no journals for me to read, however she was a great reader, particularly of British mysteries (she introduced me to Maisie Dobbs). I've been reading a few books in that vein recently--perhaps I've been paying tribute without even realizing it?! Either way, that's how I'm viewing it from now on--thanks!
That is inspiring! Thanks for sharing.
I’m sorry for your loss. My dad passed this year and I agree with your sentiment on taking time to read the words of loved ones during this season. I have been inspired and comforted by little notes as well as a few pages my dad wrote about his life.
That is a beautiful, Carrie. Thank you for sharing and for inspiring us to do the same
I'm reading Still Life by Sarah Winman, which I learned about on SSoP! I'm completely immersed in it. Not just because I visited the truly beautiful Florence for the first time last year (where it takes place) or because I'm a big E.M. Forster fan (multiple connections drawn by the author), but also because I just love the characters.
A Muppet Christmas Carol is a family favorite and we watch it every year. Anyone else? (Dickens + Muppets! What's better than that?)
I try to buy a book at a local indie when I travel. I picked up Still Life last week while traveling. Looking forward to starting it soon!
It is SO very good, Kristi!
Both are favorites- learned about Still Life here, too.
Still Life is such a beautiful book.
Muppets Christmas Carol is definitely one of my favorites. Miss Piggy is my spirit animal. Muppets bring me joy.
Love Michael Caine in that. ❤️
Yes me too!
I am deep into an Agatha Christie re-read at present, but also just finished the Audible of We Solve Murders. Excellent and fast paced. On the side (because I read multiple titles at the same time) I have Fox Wife, just started it but am liking it so far.
I just finished We Solve Murders on audio too! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I put it on my Christmas list.
I just listened to We Solve Murders too. I loved it.
I just finished "The Women" by Kristin Hannah. Very sad to relive the Vietnam War and the way the Vets and the Nurses, especially, were treated after returning to the US. I am of an age that Ilived through it, but this was an exceptional historical review of the dark days connected both with the war and the time after it. I strongly recommend it. After that have begun "The Covenant of Water" and after a slow start I am beginning to really get emotionally involved. Now is the time of year for me when book clubs slow down and I get to read the books on my TBR list that I never seem to get to.
My go to movie at this time of year is "Eloise at Christmastime." I watch it and laugh every year...Julie Andrews is terrific as is the little girl playing Eloise.
I am reading The Women right now. I am moving through quickly but to give myself an emotional break I've picked up a very backlist cozy mystery, Bruno, Chief of Police. It takes place in a quaint village in Southwestern France. The MC is a young man who takes his role of protecting the village very seriously. He cooks, plays tennis and rugby and works hard at encouraging dialog amongst those with varying opinions. It fits well into my Francophile mania right now. I've been on a tear, reading books set in France and even picking up Duolingo to brush up for my very rusty French. <g>
The Women is terrific--but tough. I read it a few months ago and like you I interspersed it with something lighter (so light I cannot remember what!). But I have read a few in the Bruno series and agree that it's great for an emotional break.
I have The Women on my nightstand, along with The Best We Could Do (a graphic memoir about a Vietnamese American family). I haven't started either but I am looking forward to both. My dad served in Vietnam. We haven't talked much about it, but maybe after I read these books, we can.
Also, Eloise at Christmastime sounds delightful - I will look for it!
Do Christmas cookie cookbooks count???? I'm reading Is She Really Going Out With Him by Sophie Cousens for a book group and it is good and funny. Perfect for this time of year.
Cookbooks always count.
Of course they count Mary! A good time to read Betty Crocker’s The Cooky Book, don’t you think Mel?!
Absolutely! Reading about cookies is the calorie-free way of enjoying them! (Of course, I usually end up making more cookies, but they have no calories at Christmastime anyway 😇)
Have a favorite cookie cookbook to share?
I just finished James. It was very good. I am going to start "Every valley: the desperate lives and troubled times that made Handel's Messiah" in preparation for conducting a Sing-Along Messiah on December 22. Also re-reading Dorothy Sayers Lord Peter Wimsey Mystery "Whose Body?" Thanks for all the movie recommendations - and my husband sends out Krampus cards!!
Oh I want to read that, too! Handel's Messiah is one of my favorite works to sing!!!
Love all the current reads! Makes me fill up my TBR list! 😳😂
Here is my 2024 list of 4 and 5 star reads.
Currently reading The God of the Wood by Liz Moore.
https://mirandavandenheuvel.substack.com/p/mirandas-favorite-books-of-2024
Such a great book! Liz Moore is becoming a must-read author for m.
I’ve been listening to AWOL On the Appalachian Trail by David Miller while tree decorating and cooking baking. My reading time right now is limited by rehearsing for and performing in our symphony chorus Christmas Concert last week and my Episcopal church’s traditional service of Lessons and Carols tomorrow. Our December book club choice is Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan which I listened to but will now read the ebook. Our January choice is Sandwich by Catherine Newman so I’ll get that going soon. Book club friends loved Sara Winman’s Still Life that I recommended after SSoP episode reviewed it. James is on my TBR list with so many others calling for my attention. I used to worry about finding something good to read but with SSoP, What Should I Read Next podcast, NYT recommendations and from book-loving friends, I now worry how I’ll make time to read those. So many books, so little reading time! Happy Holidays and best New Year wishes, everyone.
Sounds like you're having a fantastic holiday season! Enjoy your concerts! I have Small Things Like These on my TBR for this month. I keep hearing such good things about it.
I'm reading Wintering by Katherine May and Butter by Asako Yuzuki. It's cold here in central Ohio and I intent to light a fire in the fireplace, grab a blanket and my three new kittens and snuggle in for a good read. The kittens are 13 weeks old and give very appreciative purrs for a few pats. So precious!
Wintering is such a good one for this time of year! Kind of makes me want to reread it soon...
I’m reading The Lion Women of Tehran. I like it, but looking forward to a few feel good books after this. Just learned about The Red Address Book, and since it’s both feel good sounding and takes place in Stockholm where we are headed for the holidays, it’s next up!
Listening to the audio version right now, I have a hard time turning it off!
Currently reading Unraveling by Peggy Orenstein. Picked this up without much thought and it was pretty much written directly for me, nerdy detail about crafting and making things, history of women's place in society, midlife transitions for women, grappling with our place/responsibility in the world, conversational and sometimes snarky tone.
I read her book Cinderella Ate My Daughter back in the day and loved it; I’m now adding Unraveled to my to-read list!
I’m reading This Is Happiness by Niall Williams. It’s a slow start, but his sentences are worth reading two or three times. I loved his History of the Rain, so I’m committed to finish this one. Then I’ll read Williams’ Time of the Child which has a nod to the Christmas season.
Have you read Time of the Child, Marcia? I am hoping my hold for it will come in before Christmas.
I have it in my Pile of Possibilities for December, but I’m not sure I’m going to get to it. Maybe in January. How about you?
I'm reading The Anxious Generation and need to hurry up and finish it so I can get in a cozy read. Listening to The Fox Wife.
Starter Villain. A really good escape from reality read.
I listened to the audio (Will Wheaton) and it was hilarious.
I'm currently reading Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books and enjoying it. It's definitely a feel-good read!
I recently read There Are Rivers in the Sky, which was long and beautiful. Women and Children First was page turning and intriguing. I recommend both!