I hope December has kicked off with a lot of great books for you. After such a good reading month I was finding it hard to hit my stride and had a couple of books I started and put back on the shelf after a few chapters.
Now though I’m reading several books which I’m really enjoying. Here they are:
First off is Rock Crystal by Adalbert Stifter, translated by Elizabeth Mayer and Marianne Moore. This slim novel is about two children who go to visit their grandmother the day before Christmas and on their return home snow starts to fall and they lose their way. It almost reads a bit like a fairy tale and there is some suspense and at the same time beauty in the descriptions. Honestly this could be read in one sitting but I’m going to make it last a bit longer.
Next up is Poems for Christmas. I’ve never really been into Christmas reads but somehow stories set in winter and around the holiday are really speaking to me now. This is a collection with poems from Thomas Hardy, Christina Rossetti and even Shakespeare.
I do typically like to read a mystery and I decided to start A Beautiful Blue Death by Charles Finch. Set in England in 1865, gentleman sleuth, Charles Lenox is asked by his friend, Lady Jane Grey to investigate the death of a former servant. I’ve had this book on my shelves forever and it was time to read it. I’m barely in and already love the Victorian setting.
Moving on to a more modern mystery I have The Perfect Family by Robyn Harding. The Adler family are being targeted by someone. Their home has been pelted by eggs, their tires have been slashed and their hedge burned. The antics are escalating but which one of the four family members is the target as they all seem to be hiding something.
Now for the final read we move way into the future with All Systems Red by Martha Wells. Several of you have talked about this series and it is definitely entertaining. You know I don’t read sci-fi but I love that there is action and a mystery.
I’d love to hear if you are reading any Christmas reads and if you have recommendations. I’m not sure how much I’ll be posting this month as I’m feeling a bit stressed from work and another holiday of not seeing our family. Although Christmas can often be a season of a lot of joy, it can also be a time when we feel tender and need to remember to practice some self care. So although I’d love to catch up on reviews (I still have books from the summer that I need to review!) I also don’t want to stress myself out even more. Anyway, I’m sure you all know how that goes. In the meantime I hope you have a wonderful week and that your are reading lots of good things.
Hi Iliana, Those are (4) very different books you’ve been reading. I need to research Rock Crystal – I’m looking for some very different Christmas reads. I have a copy of A Beautiful Blue Death so happy to read this one seems good as well. Have a great week and thanks for sharing.
I was going to read those Martha Wells books this year, but I haven’t quite gotten around to them yet. And they aren’t even that long! (See me shaking my head.) I’ll have to try again next year. 🙂
Yeah December can be a stressful month … so avoid it as much as possible. Just scale back. Robyn Harding writes some page-turners! I listened to the audiobook of her 2017 novel The Party …. and it’s a heart pounder in some parts. Good action. Enjoy.
I’ve read all of Charles Finch’s series and enjoyed them. And I love Martha Wells and Murderbot! I don’t necessarily read Christmas books, but I love books that feature winter and snow and they are often set around Christmas. Of course, someone is usually murdered.
Enjoy your books this month, the poetry one especially sounds good. Self care is important and I hope you get some time to relax and de-stress. As nice and festive as it is, December is definitely also a hectic month. I try not to take on too much. One of the things I like to do in the evenings to wind down is sip hot tea and read my book by the Christmas tree. 🙂
So sorry work has been stressful. I hope it gets better soon! Also sorry that Christmas will be another holiday without seeing family. Stupid pandemic. You do have some good reading though. I hope it brings you comfort and pleasure. Keep taking care of yourself!
I don’t typically read Christmas themed books, so no recs from me. Sorry! I’m also sorry that you are feeling stressed this month. The holiday season can be filled with so many mixed emotions. I try to focus on doing things I truly enjoy and allow myself to say no if I’m not in the mood to be social. Long walks outside help tremendously. Maybe a visit to your favorite bookstore and a few splurges wouldn’t hurt, either. Big hugs to you, Iliana.