Hitting Pause Before the Holidays

A chaotic fall, a cozier December, and the books getting me through it

The radio silence from me has been indicative of how my fall has gone: chaotic. Between a busy library schedule, conferences, and the kids’ activities I have found myself feeling like I’m on a runaway train. I am looking forward to trying to make it a slower December and savoring the season because it’s my favorite!

Hopefully you will also find some time to decompress and of course pick up a good book. So in the spirit of the season, here are a few books I’ve read lately and some new releases you may want to pick up!

What I’ve read recently

Her One Regret by Donna Freitas. A woman goes missing, leaving her baby unattended in a parking lot. The question is was she taken or did she do the unthinkable and leave? This book would be great for a book club discussion, as the novel examines the different ranges of regret when women have a baby.

The Inheritance Games series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. I’ve reread and finished out the series (this includes the original trilogy, The Brothers Hawthorne, Games Untold, The Grandest Game and Glorious Rivals) the because I got my daughter hooked on it. This is by far my go-to YA recommendation because it combines mystery, puzzles, adventure, and romance.

If you like magical realism:

Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber. A woman chases after the urban myths of L.A., determined to prove the devil is real. The world building and old time Hollywood vibes are the perfect escape.

The Second Chance Cinema by Thea Weiss. Another magical realism book about a couple who find a mysterious movie theater that shows movies of key points in their life.

New releases I’m adding to my tbr

Simply More by Cynthia Erivo. Wicked has been my favorite musical for 20 years, so the fact my daughter has loved it just as much as me has been the biggest treat with the movies. We saw Cynthia Erivo in concert this past summer and I’m excited to read her new book.

The Burning Library by Gilly Macmillan. A dark-academia novel set in St. Andrews, Scotland, where rivalling secret orders of women battle to find a medieval manuscript. Dead bodies, deadly plots, and a Scotland Yard detective also enter the fray.

Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite. Eniiyi contends with a family curse and her family’s belief that she is the reincarnation of her cousin as she tries to break free from the past and find love.

The Same Backward as Forward by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. Obviously given the recent obsession in our household, this prequel will have to be on the list. I’m not as excited about it as others because I care less about the characters (Toby and Hannah) but it will still be good.

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