Read “I, Robot” by Asimov, “Against the Machine” by Paul Kingsnorth, and “A Christmas Carol” by Dickens. Favorite was easily the last one, love the story so much and was delighted to actually read it instead of just watch 😂 Was surprised by Dickens, wasn’t what I expected, never read him before!
I finally got around to DEMON COPPERHEAD by Barbara Kingsolver. While there is a lot of ickiness in it, every character is wonderfully developed. The manner of speech, the reasoning, and logic of the characters is wonderful. Kingsolver drops you right down in Lee County and, like the protagonist, you're trapped until the end. Deserving of the acclaim and awards.
"The Antidote" by Karen Russell. The novel surrounds a prairie witch, who stores people's memories, during the dust bowl, and several people who come into contact with her. An absorbing read.
I listened to Bridget Jones’ Diary by Helen Fielding for the very first time! It was hilarious and also a phenomenal reflection of the late 90s. Having seen both the film and read the book now, I can say that both are equally hilarious.
I remember Bridget Jones' Diary being shared between women at work in the late 90s. I read it because so many female colleagues raved about it (don't recall any male colleagues joining in) and was not disappointed. It really spoke to the time. The movie(s) did too. Your reflection makes me want to go back and read the first one again.
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Richardson was my December read. The novel is about the pack horse Librarians of 1930s Kentucky and also explores the “blue people” of Kentucky. It was an excellent book.
Orbital by Samantha Harvey. I gave it four stars. I loved the theme and how it made me think about humanity and space and career choices I made, but I felt like it lacked something to tie everything together.
My favorite book in December was Sam K Horton's Ragwort, the follow-up to 2024's Gorse. Both are beautifully written historical fantasies based on Cornish folklore.
For December: Nonfiction - it was my biography of the year, George F. Kennan: An American Life by John Lewis Gaddis
Fiction - Redeployment by Phil Klay While this collection of short stories from the Iraq War are different from the Vietnam tale told in Matterhorn, I think if you liked the latter, you will enjoy Klay’s book.
THE SPARROW by Mary Doria Russell. My favorite book of December, my favorite book of 2025, and one of the best books I have ever read.
I agree! (I read it more than 20 years ago and have never forgotten it.)
Read “I, Robot” by Asimov, “Against the Machine” by Paul Kingsnorth, and “A Christmas Carol” by Dickens. Favorite was easily the last one, love the story so much and was delighted to actually read it instead of just watch 😂 Was surprised by Dickens, wasn’t what I expected, never read him before!
I finally got around to DEMON COPPERHEAD by Barbara Kingsolver. While there is a lot of ickiness in it, every character is wonderfully developed. The manner of speech, the reasoning, and logic of the characters is wonderful. Kingsolver drops you right down in Lee County and, like the protagonist, you're trapped until the end. Deserving of the acclaim and awards.
"The Antidote" by Karen Russell. The novel surrounds a prairie witch, who stores people's memories, during the dust bowl, and several people who come into contact with her. An absorbing read.
I listened to Bridget Jones’ Diary by Helen Fielding for the very first time! It was hilarious and also a phenomenal reflection of the late 90s. Having seen both the film and read the book now, I can say that both are equally hilarious.
I remember Bridget Jones' Diary being shared between women at work in the late 90s. I read it because so many female colleagues raved about it (don't recall any male colleagues joining in) and was not disappointed. It really spoke to the time. The movie(s) did too. Your reflection makes me want to go back and read the first one again.
H is for Hawk"
Drive your plough over the Bones of the Dead. I’m not over it yet! Absolute stunner, I could have spent a thousand pages in Janinas head.
I've just started The Empusium. Will add this to the must-read Tokarczuk list.
I have this on my (endless) TBR pile
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Richardson was my December read. The novel is about the pack horse Librarians of 1930s Kentucky and also explores the “blue people” of Kentucky. It was an excellent book.
Orbital by Samantha Harvey. I gave it four stars. I loved the theme and how it made me think about humanity and space and career choices I made, but I felt like it lacked something to tie everything together.
I forgot-----Happy New Year to all and wishing everyone a safe year full of bountiful reading
"" A World Lit Only By Fire "" the Renaissance ,Martin Luther , and the terrible Popes of those centuries !
My favorite book in December was Sam K Horton's Ragwort, the follow-up to 2024's Gorse. Both are beautifully written historical fantasies based on Cornish folklore.
Thank you!
Fiction- Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell. Non-fiction- All Over But the Shoutin' by Rick Bragg.
Beneath The Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
For December: Nonfiction - it was my biography of the year, George F. Kennan: An American Life by John Lewis Gaddis
Fiction - Redeployment by Phil Klay While this collection of short stories from the Iraq War are different from the Vietnam tale told in Matterhorn, I think if you liked the latter, you will enjoy Klay’s book.