December Reading Review | 2024

Happy Friday morning! How are we all surviving this cold snap? It’s been quite frigid in New Hampshire, but I’ve been wearing leggings under my jeans and four layers of tops (tank top, sweater, another sweater, and then a big coat) for my daily walks and have survived quite nicely despite days with sub zero wind chills. I say bring it on, winter. I’m ready for you! I hope you are, too.

I’ve been working on December’s reading review throughout this week and I think it’s basically done. December was a quiet reading month for me and there were plenty of other things to take away my time for reading but somehow, no matter how busy things get, I can’t let a day squeak by without getting in a few pages. It grounds me and keeps me sane!

General Statistics:

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• I did not meet my daily page goal in December. My goal is an average of 150 pages/day. In December I read an average of 126 pages/day. That’s okay! December was a busy month and I was happy to read even a little bit every day.
• Audiobooks really carried me through the month – 58% of my reading was through my earbuds.
• Literary Fiction was my most read genre once again.

Highlights:

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I didn’t quite follow my December TBR: I got a little obsessed with Attica Locke and ML Wang last month and ended up reading two books by each of them. And I threw Piglet in at the end because it was a favorite of other Fiction Matters members this year and I hadn’t read it yet (I also really loved it).

A few highlights:

• Blood Over Bright Haven: Maybe my favorite book of the month? It’s a fantastic fantasy that asks questions about equality, our intentions versus the actual effects of our actions, how easily religion can be used for evil, and how so many civilizations have been created at the extreme detriment of those who were there first. I loved the dark academia vibes and the characters were compelling.
• Melmoth: I reread this one with a handful of other Fiction Matters friends and loved it even more this time around. This book reminds us how important it is to notice and witness the world around us — it feels especially timely given what’s happening in Gaza, Iran, Sudan, and Syria (to name only a few that have been in the news in recent days). It was incredibly atmospheric and full of gothic details that made it a delicious read even while reminding us of disturbing moments from the past.
• The Book Censor’s Library: was on last year’s National Book Awards Translated Fiction shortlist and was the perfect blend of whimsy and terror. This is a book for every lover of books and freedom. It was translated from Arabic and would count towards a translation goal, if you happen to have one. (This was actually on my January TBR but I ended up reading it in December so it doesn’t count towards my 2025 goal for translated works.)
• Piglet: what a compelling story! Piglet’s childhood nickname has stuck with her despite all of the success she seemingly has in her life. She’s about to marry a wealthy and good looking man when he drops a bombshell on her and makes her rethink the future she wants so badly. All the while, she is struggling with the fact that she has outgrown her own family in painful and awkward ways. I really liked this character and was rooting for her happiness. Another bonus: this book is full of the most amazing food descriptions. It will make you want to scoot into the kitchen and whip up something!
• Bluebird, Bluebird and Heaven, My Home: the first two books in the Hwy 59 series by Attica Locke. They are set in East Texas and follow Darren Matthews, a Black Texas Ranger. Darren is a fabulous character who works to confront the racism rampant in the area and struggles with his own demons from this past. Both of these books are fantastic but my favorite is the third book in the series, which I just finished last week.
• Tell Me Everything: this novel had Lucy and Olive in conversation and it was wonderful. Full of the same old questions about what it means to be human and how to live a good life. I could crawl inside these books and stay forever!
• The Serviceberry: I have been waiting for a new Kimmerer for such a long time and was delighted that the audiobook didn’t have a long wait on Libby. This (very short) book ruminates on the gift economy and how things would be different if our economy was based on reciprocity and gratitude, rather than scarcity. I love how Kimmerer thinks and writes – absolutely worth listening to!

Plan For January:

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I know we’re nearly halfway through the month and that doesn’t leave you much time to read along with me, but this is my plan for January! Do we have any overlap?

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The plan is to get a 2024 Yearly Reading Review out by next Friday. Cross your fingers for me.

How was your December reading? Did we read any of the same things? Do you have any recommendations for me? I’d love to hear how your reading life has been going.

Stay warm this weekend. I hope you find some time for the things that make you cozy and happy!