I may be several weeks behind, but I’m still going to take the time to recap my last two months of reading for 2023! It was a good reading year- I’ll have another blog post next week recapping my 2023 reads and listing my favorites! But for now- here are my Nov/Dec reads. I was surprised how much I had actually read because I felt like I was in a book slump at the end of the year there. I did notice that quite a few of these books are nonfiction “coffee table” type books- those ones I mostly can sit and read in one sitting or a day, so it makes the total number appear much higher!
Let’s start with a look at the fiction reads-
Now is Not the Time to Panic
Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Frankie Budge—aspiring writer, indifferent student, offbeat loner—is determined to make it through yet another summer in Coalfield, Tennessee, when she meets Zeke, a talented artist who has just moved into his grandmother’s house and who is as awkward as Frankie is. Romantic and creative sparks begin to fly, and when the two jointly make an unsigned poster, shot through with an enigmatic phrase, it becomes unforgettable to anyone who sees it. The edge is a shantytown filled with gold seekers. We are fugitives, and the law is skinny with hunger for us. The posters begin appearing everywhere, and people wonder who is behind them and start to panic. Satanists, kidnappers—the rumors won’t stop, and soon the mystery has dangerous repercussions that spread far beyond the town. Twenty years later, Frances Eleanor Budge gets a call that threatens to upend her carefully built life: a journalist named Mazzy Brower is writing a story about the Coalfield Panic of 1996. Might Frances know something about that?
My Review: This book was…weird. I didn’t like it, but I didn’t hate it, either. It was just…weird. I kept waiting for the “aha”, catching moment, but I finished the book thinking, “huh.” If you like books that are a bit slower, and a bit weird…this is for you. If you like compulsive fiction, skip this one.
Now is Not the Time to PanicIron Flame
Synopsis: Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College―Violet included. But Threshing was only the first impossible test meant to weed out the weak-willed, the unworthy, and the unlucky. Now the real training begins, and Violet’s already wondering how she’ll get through. It’s not just that it’s grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the riders’ capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is–unless she betrays the man she loves. Although Violet’s body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she still has her wits―and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules. But a determination to survive won’t be enough this year. Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College―and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end.
My Review: I fall into the minority here, but I didn’t love this book. Sure, it was ok. I am glad I read it so that the FOMO doesn’t keep me up at night. Admittedly, this is just not my preferred genre, and I think that is probably my biggest problem with it, which is a me problem, not a book problem. BUT THIS BOOK WAS SO LONG. It just felt like it dragged for the first 400 pages and then finally picked up at the end. I honestly found myself skimming pages, which is my sign to drop a star on the review. I also still have a complaint about all the sexual content in these books. I wish it had been left out so that the books would be read by a wider audience. But because of that content, I feel like I can’t recommend it to many people. So, in conclusion- this was not for me, but I do get the hype and think that it’s fun.
Iron FlameWe Are All Completely Beside Ourselves
Synopsis: Meet the Cooke family: Mother and Dad, brother Lowell, sister Fern, and Rosemary, who begins her story in the middle. She has her reasons. “I was raised with a chimpanzee,” she explains. “I tell you Fern was a chimp and already you aren’t thinking of her as my sister. But until Fern’s expulsion…she was my twin, my funhouse mirror, my whirlwind other half and I loved her as a sister.” As a child, Rosemary never stopped talking. Then, something happened, and Rosemary wrapped herself in silence.
My Review: What did I just read and how did this book win such major awards? That was SO WEIRD. The first 1/3 of the book has us believing that the Cooke family lost a child. Then- plot twist- the child was actually a chimpanzee. I don’t know what was worse- trying to relate to and connect to a family who grieved a chimpanzee as a child, or only finding out 1/3 of the way through the book. That really threw me for a loop! Don’t recommend this read, unless you really want a head scratcher.
We Are All Completely Beside OurselvesDemon Copperhead
Synopsis: Set in the mountains of southern Appalachia, Demon Copperhead is the story of a boy born to a teenaged single mother in a single-wide trailer, with no assets beyond his dead father’s good looks and copper-colored hair, a caustic wit, and a fierce talent for survival. Relayed in his own unsparing voice, Demon braves the modern perils of foster care, child labor, derelict schools, athletic success, addiction, disastrous loves, and crushing losses. Through all of it, he reckons with his own invisibility in a popular culture where even the superheroes have abandoned rural people in favor of cities.
My Review: Phew, this book was depressing. It is long and dark and it just never had much happiness. There is abuse, abandonment, drugs, alcohol, suicide, crushed dreams and a young boy who is somehow able to survive through it all. It was masterful, but dark. I felt depressed after I read but also can’t stop thinking about it months laster. Do not read if any of those things are a rigger for you, but I do recommend this book overall. Just make sure you are in a good place where you can really sit down and take in the whole story.
Demon CopperheadThe Last Battle
Synopsis: During the last days of Narnia, the land faces its fiercest challenge—not an invader from without but an enemy from within. Lies and treachery have taken root, and only the king and a small band of loyal followers can prevent the destruction of all they hold dear in this, the magnificent ending to The Chronicles of Narnia.
My Review: Ah, the last book in the Narnia series. I loved the way that all the characters came together in the end, but there was parts of this book that were quite boring and the meaning went way over my kids heads. We were very ready to be done reading the series, abut are so happy that we did it!
The Last BattleThree Holidays and a Wedding
Synopsis: As strangers and seatmates Maryam Aziz and Anna Gibson fly to Toronto over the holidays—Maryam to her sister’s impromptu wedding, and Anna to meet her boyfriend’s wealthy family for the first time—neither expect that severe turbulence will scare them into confessing their deepest hopes and fears to one another. At least they’ll never see each other again. And the love of Maryam’s life, Saif, wasn’t sitting two rows behind them hearing it all. Oops.
An emergency landing finds Anna, Saif, Maryam, and her sister’s entire bridal party snowbound at the quirky Snow Falls Inn in a picture-perfect town, where fate has Anna’s actor-crush filming a holiday romance. As Maryam finds the courage to open her heart to Saif, and Anna feels the magic of being snowbound with an unexpected new love—both women soon realize there’s no place they’d rather be for the holidays.
My Review: I adored the beginning and the end of this book- but the middle was a bit slow and made up. They were stranded in this village that happened to have all the supplies for Christmas, Hannakuh and Eid? The blizzard was so bad that they couldn’t go out, but they were able to film a whole movie (outdoors) and walk around town? Some things just didn’t add up, and it was becoming a lot of work for me suspend that much disbelief. I almost wish she had just said it was a magical village and that way all the stuff that doesn’t make sense, could just be “magical”. I did love the element of friendship and family that was a theme in this one!
Three Holidays and a WeddingAll’s Fair in Love and Christmas
Synopsis: Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham–Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they’ll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she’d be a contender in her company’s holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise? Jeremy Fletcher’s life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year’s promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew, he needs the salary increase to support his family. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she’s his rival, he can’t stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he’s afraid that if he can’t get his head on straight, the promotion isn’t the only thing he’ll end up losing to Mackenzie.
My Review: This was cute and cheesy, just the way a holiday romance should be! This was closed door, so I feel comfortable recommending it to anyone! I loved how the main character was extremely introverted because we don’t see that much in books.
All’s Fair in Love and ChristmasThe Full Cupboard of Life
Synopsis: Still engaged to the estimable Mr J.L.B. Matekoni, Mma Ramotswe understands that she should not put too much pressure on him, as he has other concerns, especially a hair-raising request from the ever persuasive Mma Potokwane, matron of the orphan farm. Besides Mma Ramotswe herself has weighty matters on her mind. She has been approached by a wealthy lady to check up on several suitors. Are these men interested in the lady or just her money? This may be a difficult case, but it’s just the kind of problem Mma Ramotswe likes and she is, as we know, a very intuitive lady.
My Review: Just delightful. I just love this series and the characters and how relatable they all are. I’m excited to read more of this series.
The Full Cupboard of LifeThe One and Only Ivan
Synopsis: Having spent twenty-seven years behind the glass walls of his enclosure in a shopping mall, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him. He hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. Instead, Ivan occupies himself with television, his friends Stella and Bob, and painting. But when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he is forced to see their home, and his art, through new eyes.
My Review: This was another cute Newberry Medal Award book that I enjoyed reading with the kids. We listening to this on audio. It was a delightful story of animals and found friendship and just heartwarming all around.
The One and Only IvanBury Your Dead
Synopsis: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache is on break from duty in Three Pines to attend the famed Winter Carnival up north. He has arrived in this beautiful, freezing city not to join the revels but to recover from an investigation gone hauntingly wrong. Still, violent death is inescapable―even here, in the apparent sanctuary of the Literary and Historical Society, where one obsessive academic’s quest for answers will lead Gamache down a dark path. . .Meanwhile, Gamache is receiving disturbing news from his hometown village. Beloved bistro owner Olivier was recently convicted of murder but everyone―including Gamache―believes that he is innocent. Who is behind this sinister plot? Now it’s up to Gamache to solve this killer case. . .and relive a terrible event from his own past before he can begin to bury his dead.
My Review: This was probably my favorite in the Inspector Gamache series because I feel like I’m finally tracking with all the characters and their personalities. I’m still not as into it as many people are, but I do enjoy the slower pace and the fact that it is a long series with lots of books that follow a main story line.
Bury Your DeadMr. Popper’s Penguins
Synopsis: A classic of American humor, the adventures of a house painter and his brood of high-stepping penguins have delighted children for generations. “Here is a book to read aloud in groups of all ages. There is not an extra or misplaced word in the whole story.
My Review: I remember reading this as a kid, and it was fun to read it aloud to my kids! They enjoyed the adventures of the family and the penguins. As an adult, I had to suspend a lot of disbelief and I can’t even imagine if my husband just up and decided to leave on a polar expedition- but I think this was all part of the magic for the kids 🙂
Mr Poppers PenguinsThe Voyages of Doctor Dolittle
Synopsis: Doctor Dolittle heads for the high seas in perhaps the most amazing adventure ever experienced by man or animal! Told by 9-and-a-half-year-old Tommy Stubbins, crewman and future naturalist, Doctor Dolittle and company survive a perilous shipwreck and land on the mysterious, floating Spidermonkey Island. There he meets the Great Glass Sea Snail who holds the key to the biggest mystery of all.
My Review: This was a fun read-aloud I did with the kids! Admittedly, some of this book did not age well- there is quite a bit of colonial white saviourism towards the native tribes on the island. But we sure did love all the animal talking and interaction! This also checks off another book from my Newberry Medal Award list that I’m working through!
The Voyages of Dr DolittleAnd now for the non-fiction reads…
Cozy White Cottage
Synopsis: In Cozy White Cottage, you’ll get the help you need to create a space you love coming home to as Liz offers her best home décor and design tips. You’ll love Liz’s real-life, easy, and affordable ideas to get the most out of your home and discover things like:
My Review: Eh. This book did not do it for me. I would consider her style “white maximalist clutter” – my style is more “clean colorful minimalist”, so let’s just say that I almost cringed looking at the photos of her decor. Because of that, I felt like none of her tips would work for me.
Cozy White CottageThe Book Whisperer
Synopsis: Donalyn Miller says she has yet to meet a child she can’t turn into a reader. No matter how far behind Miller’s students might be when they reach her 6th grade classroom, they end up reading an average of 40 to 50 books a year. Miller’s unconventional approach dispenses with drills and worksheets that make reading a chore. Instead, she helps students navigate the world of literature and gives them time to read books they pick out themselves. Her love of books and teaching is both infectious and inspiring.
My Review: I enjoyed this read greatly! I loved her tips and tricks about providing reading material and letting the students (or adults) fall in love with reading! My only problem with this book is that I don’t know how to implement her ideas into a lower elementary classroom- most of her theories seem to apply to middle or high school levels. I would LOVE to be able to awaken a love for reading as early as K/1st, but it is a challenge when I actually have to TEACh them HOW to read this- and this isn’t always the most fun task. So, lots of food for thought and I recommend this book to any junior high/high school teacher- or parent!
The Book WhispererWhiskey in a Teacup
My Review: I had this on my shelf and grabbed it to look through one afternoon. Reese Witherspoon reflects on southern charm, southern tea, southern traditions, marriage and family. I found I couldn’t relate as I’ve never lived in the south or related to those values, and none of the recipes interested me. Also, her marriage that she wrote about has ended so that felt kind of weird/sad reading about. This one went to a Little Free Library because it was not for me.
Whiskey in a TeacupFolks, This Ain’t Normal
Synopsis: From farmer Joel Salatin’s point of view, life in the 21st century just ain’t normal. In FOLKS, THIS AIN’T NORMAL, he discusses how far removed we are from the simple, sustainable joy that comes from living close to the land and the people we love. Salatin has many thoughts on what normal is and shares practical and philosophical ideas for changing our lives in small ways that have big impact.
My Review: Where was the editor on this book? Where? Joel Salatin is heralded as the father of homesteading. He is an incredibly successful homesteading, and he has introduced methods of farming and agriculture that have changed the homesteading scene. He truly is a remarkable man, so I was excited to get my hands on this book. But the TONE of the book is rude, condescending and extremely arrogant (none of which I would have used to describe Salatin before this). Sure, there were some really good tips and insights towards homestead management in this book, but for the most part the tone really ruined it for me. Such a bummer!
Folks This Aint NormalHeirloom Rooms
Synopsis: Our homes are more than an assemblage of bricks and glass, wood and nails.
They are the keepers of our childhood memories, our milestones, and heartaches. They evolve as we do. As a family grows and eventually retracts, a home can change hands and begin again. We are the chapters in the book of a house. They carry on after we are gone, setting the stage for another story, a new life, new memories. From Erin Napier, coauthor with her husband, Ben, of their memoir Make Something Good Today, comes a collection of essays walking us through every room in her home, telling the story of a family’s life, of the days that made their home the place she longs for when she’s away.
My Review: This was SUCH a breathe of fresh air in home decor books! I ate this one up from beginning to end and loved it! I do not have the same decorating style as Erin Napier, but I feel like I gleaned some tips and tricks and inspiration from this. I love how she included real life items in her decor pictures- like the baby play mat or the clutter on the piano. It made it seem so relatable and made me feel more content and in love with my own home, with its “lived-in” feel. I highly recommend this one!
Heirloom RoomsGrit: The Power and Passion of Perseverance
Synopsis: The daughter of a scientist who frequently noted her lack of “genius,” Angela Duckworth is now a celebrated researcher and professor. It was her early eye-opening stints in teaching, business consulting, and neuroscience that led to her hypothesis about what really drives success: not genius, but a unique combination of passion and long-term perseverance. In Grit, she takes us into the field to visit cadets struggling through their first days at West Point, teachers working in some of the toughest schools, and young finalists in the National Spelling Bee. She also mines fascinating insights from history and shows what can be gleaned from modern experiments in peak performance. Finally, she shares what she’s learned from interviewing dozens of high achievers—from JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon to New Yorker cartoon editor Bob Mankoff to Seattle Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll.
My Review: Wow, this book was SO good! It didn’t feel boring or clunky at all- I loved her writing tone and found the topic remained interesting no matter how much she talked about it! I gleaned tidbits to apply to my classroom, my parenting, and my own personal life, so I would call that a win! Highly recommend this one to everyone!
GritCheap Old Houses
Synopsis: Welcome to the magical world of Cheap Old Houses, where the new American dream comes with zero mortgage and an affordable lifestyle fit for a storybook. Ethan and Elizabeth Finkelstein have scoured the country to find homes in desperate need of saving—including a $45,000 Victorian in Mississippi, a $25,000 mansion in Indiana, an $82,000 recreational camp in Maine, and more. Cheap Old Houses features the stories of how these homes were acquired and lovingly restored.
My Review: I absolutely love scrolling through this IG account and seeing the cheap old houses. Even better yet is when they link to an account that has bought and is restoring a cheap old house. So I was super excited to look through this book, and it did not disappoint! I loved reading about the owners and their restorations. The only thing I would have liked to see more of is the before/after photos (the book contained only after photos). I bet there will be a second one of these and I will be picking it up!
Cheap Old HousesAnd that is a wrap on 2023 reading!