December's Bookshelf

It honestly feels like yesterday that I sat down at my desk and crafted my list of #simplegoals, which included reading 48 books over the course of the year. And yet, here we are. The year has passed us by, and I ended the year with 62 books read from my TBR shelf (both physical and Kindle). It just goes to show that sometimes you have to set a goal in order to make things happen. Even something as simple as making time to read more books.

Photo by Madara Parma on Unsplash

Since it was the month of festivities I wasn't sure how many I would finish this month, and as it turns out...that number was one. HA! However, the one I did manage to finish was a holiday-themed book from my shelf, which made it fun. 

1. Noel Streatfeild's Christmas Stories - ★★★ I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but I had previously read Streatfeild's Ballet Shoes (thanks to the recommendation in You've Got Mail!) and I enjoyed the writing style, so I think my expectations were a little high for this one. It was simply a series of stand-alone Christmas-y stories, all with happy endings (so I can't complain there), but some of them felt like we'd jumped into the middle of a story and were missing context. This isn't one I would highly recommend, nor will I probably ever read it again, but it was still a super simple book to boost me into my December reads, so I'll take it. Plus, the cover is beautiful (nice for displaying). {Amazon Associates Link}

And now we're in a new month, the first one of the year! And the whole year is before us, ready for new series and new reading challenges. I'm gearing up for 60+ books this year, and looking forward to getting a reward now and then for my efforts. 

What book will you be starting out the new year with? 

An old friend or a new acquaintance? 

Best Books of 2024 (and 2025 #bookgoals)

When I set out my Simple Goals for the year, I decided to set a goal of reading four books a month, for a total of 48 books for the year. I hit that goal in August and continued forward, which is one of the reasons I set my 2025 reading goal at five books a month (60 books for the year).

During the last twelve months, I've read some hits and some misses, and the only re-read I had on the list was a book I read to two of my kids, just for fun. If you follow me on Goodreads, have seen any of my posts on Instagram, or have read the blog over the last year, none of these will be a surprise. However, I wanted to give a round of of the best books of 2024, and shortened reviews of why you should consider picking up copies for your 2025 reading list. Bookworms ready? Let's go!

Photo by Nong on Unsplash

Best Books of 2024

January: The Watchmaker's Daughter by Larry Loftis - ★★★★★ A fantastic historical account of the life of Corrie ten Boom, her family and friends' involvement in the Dutch Resistance, and those who found refuge in the secret Hiding Place. Heavy stuff, but an absolute MUST READ. {Amazon Associates Link} 

February - Nothing to write home about, sadly.

March: Irena's Children: Young Readers Edition by Mary Cronk Farrell/Tilar J. Mazzeo - ★★★★★ Another heavy hitter, but another MUST READ (still have the adult version on my TBR list). The torture, although toned down for the YRE, was almost more than my mind could grasp. These are such important stories to tell, read, and remember, because forgetting will only take us back to that same place in the future. {Amazon Associates Link}

April: The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan - ★★★★ Covering the dirty thirties in the U.S., a decade of dust, disaster, death, and destruction, including "Black Sunday" and the realities of "dust pneumonia." I got several members of my extended family to read this as well. Great for history buffs who think they've heard it all!{Amazon Associates Link}

May and June - another couple of "meh" months in the book department.

July: Code Girls by Liza Mundy - ★★★★★ A well-written tale of the unsung heroines of code breaking, both military and civilian. As the Greatest Generation leaves us, it's vital to remember these stories and pass them on to the next generation so we do not forget the sacrifices that were made by so many. {Amazon Associates Link}  

August: Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz - ★★★★★ From the 1950's to modern times and back again - this was altogether a pleasant surprise and one which I have few qualms about recommending to anyone who enjoys a "good" murder mystery with plenty of references to Poirot, Sherlock Holmes, and Midsomer Murders. {Amazon Associates Link}

September: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman - ★★★★★ Nursing home friends with plenty of kick left in them, solving crimes using a lifetime of skills and connections. No questionable language, no unnecessary sexual encounters, and an ending I can totally live with. Two thumbs way up. {Amazon Associates Link}

October: Agatha Christie: An Autobiography by Agatha Christie - ★★★★★ A fascinating woman who never took herself seriously as an author, I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about this woman - from her childhood through her early adult years, her foray into Middle Eastern travel, her second life with Max (13-years her junior!), all the way through her 75th year. {Amazon Associates Link}

November: The Answer is No: A Short Story by Fredrik Backman - ★★★★★ Just 65 pages, so definitely in the "short story" category, but I chuckled all the way through. This man gets introverts. I felt so seen! Download it for an easy, enjoyable read. {Amazon Associates Link} 

December: Too busy to read all that much, and nothing that stood out.

Looking Ahead

My reading goals for 2025 give me a little more leeway, although I still plan to continue working my way through the books that have been languishing on my shelves for far too long. They either need to be read or go away, and I'd prefer to read them before they depart. However, this year I'm planning to do two things differently with my #bookgoals:

1. Although I am primarily focusing on reading new-to-me books, I am allowing a handful of re-reads, as needed. This is especially true if I find myself in a book slump (as I did a couple of  times in 2024), and need to read something that I know I'll enjoy (like the Father Tim series, or the Miss Read books).
2. After every 10 books I read from my shelf (or Kindle library), I am allowed to buy one new (to me) book. The only books I purchased in 2024 were purchased using gift cards I received, or using Kindle points that had collected. This year I want to be a little more flexible, but still focus on reading through my TBR stacks before adding any more to the pile. 

Hit me up in the comments with your best book (or books) of 2024, and also how you keep your motivation going during slumps or other reading slowdowns. What book are you looking forward to reading this year? Do you have a TBR pile that's giving you the evil eye for not doing anything with it? Maybe 2025 is the year!

📚 Happy Reading! 📚

#iamthankful for BOOKS! (November Book Reviews)

'Tis the season of thankfulness, and one of the things I am the most thankful for has been the role of books throughout my life. Raised in a household of readers, encouraged to read young, read big, and read often, the title of "Bookworm" was a badge I wore proudly. And yes, there have been seasons of drought in my reading life, but like most things, these ebb and flow, depending on the stage of life. 

When we first adopted our five kids, I was barely hanging on to my sanity, and there didn't seem to be any time to read, and yet I knew it was a habit I wanted to actively model for them. During that period, I purposely went back to some childhood favorites - almost a comfort food, if you will - which helped me remember that this too, would pass. And it did. Eight years later, most of my kids can be found with a book in their hands (or at least nearby), and so my gratitude for the effects of books, both on myself and my children, continues to grow.

In October, I refocused on how I used my time, and brought my book total for the year up to 57 (out of a planned 48). I wasn't sure what November was going to look like, but as is the case in so many households, I knew that there was potential for some familial stress around the holidays (starting at Thanksgiving), and I knew that making time for reading (there's that sanity-saving factor again) was going to be important. That, in addition to counting my blessings, large and small.

• God's provision.
• My loved ones.
• Reliable transportation.
• Pumpkin Spice Lattes.
• Bookshelves of books.

The result of this focus (piggybacking off the "Do Something" goal of October) can be seen in the list of book reviews below. Some really good, one average, but none of them a waste of time, because they all made me think in different ways. 

1. A Song of Comfortable Chairs by Alexander McCall Smith - ★★★★★ It's hard to go wrong with a No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency book if you're looking for a quick, easy, comfort read. It's like the Mitford of Africa. This time, Mma Ramotswe is on the defense of Mma Makutsi's furniture-selling husband, Phuti, who is experiencing some financial difficulities after competition comes to town and continually undercuts his prices. But never fear, Mma Ramotswe has a plan, and as always, it is executed with precision and a little African charm. You can jump into any book in this series and immediately feel right at home. So brew a pot of rooibos tea and curl up for a cozy evening with the women of the best detective agency in all of Botswana. Five stars. {Amazon Associates Link}
2. The Answer is No: A Short Story by Fredrik Backman - ★★★★★ I had not read anything by this author before, but I came across his account on Instagram, and his posts often made me laugh. So, when this was one of the Amazon Prime First Reads in November, I didn't hesitate before downloading. It's only about 65 pages, so definitely in the "short story" category, but I chuckled all the way through. This man gets introverts. I felt so seen! The witty banter, the fear of opening his neat life up to anyone, and the absolutely absurd story of "the pile" were the perfect mix for me. In fact, I was reading this at my desk while the kids did school, and I kept having to put my hand over my mouth to keep from laughing out loud. Even though no longer free, it's still cheap ($1.99 as of this writing) and I would highly recommend downloading it for an easy, enjoyable read. Five stars. {Amazon Associates Link} 
3. Deadly Company by Ann Granger - ★★★ I've read several books by this author, but this one felt a bit rough. I'm not sure if it was a lack of editing (the phrase "the smile didn't go to his/her eyes" was used multiple times), or a rush to get it done (she wrote it in 2020 and even mention this fact in a note at the start of the book), with a rather thin plot line. It's definitely not my favorite. And while I wasn't sure who murdered whom, it wasn't actually a surprise when all was revealed either. I'd definitely start with one of her other books before recommending this one. Fortunately, I got this one using Amazon ebook credits, so it wasn't a huge loss, and it was still an enjoyable way to spend a late night reading. Three stars. {Amazon Associates Link}
4. Salt, Sugar, Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us by Michael Moss - ★★★★★ It took me a while to read through this book, and honestly, it was because, like the fatty, salty, sugary foods Moss uncovers, I was trying to process what he was saying and break a 40+ year habit of thinking any processed foods were better than others. Reading labels? EYE. OPENING. Why does ice cream have 37 ingredients, most of which I can't pronounce? What happened to cream, sugar, milk, and a handful of flavor ingredients? They're regulated to the $6/quarts, rather than the $3/gallons. I highly recommend taking the time to read this book. Take it a bite at a time, if you will. Do we still eat junk food? Of course. But it's no longer the standard in our home, just an occasional treat. The fruit drawer, however, is filled. Most meals are prepared and eaten at home. Fast-food is limited. Small steps, but I believe they are making a difference. Five stars. {Amazon Associates Link}

Hit me up in the comments with your favorite book from the last month!