I didn't read many books in 2024, even though I am always reading at least one. And, according to Goodreads, I didn't even like them that well. But I read a large variety of books, and most importantly, I learned something from every one. I am looking forward to 2025.
This is a timely post because I recently received my Goodreads list for the year... wow, I read more historical fiction than I would have guessed. In truth, that tally may be due to the free status the books enjoyed in Amazon's First Reads program!
Reading is a lifelong hobby that I'll be forever grateful to have.
Happy holidays. I was thinking of what book might interest me, and your newsletter made me think a fat Dickens novel might just be what I need for the hols, even if they are not so cheery. Congrats on working on your manuscript.
A big fat Dickens novel by a fire in a warm fleece and a never-ending cup of cocoa. They are not all cheery but they do delight - especially the later ones. Thanks for the congrats. Here's to real progress in 2025.
I'm sorry for the loss of your brother, you will always hold a place in your heart for him, but the loss lingers. I think that we often read what we need to read, like a prescription that our soul needs to heal or learn, or feel, and we are drawn to certain kinds of books based on that need.
Thank you, beth. It's particularly tough right now, at Christmas, but I will look for the bright memories and the good books. I am certainly guided by some inner divining rod when it comes to books. I do best when I trust it.
I'm another voracious reader who reads widely and wildly. But the overarching theme this year was women surviving abuse, tragedy and loss.
Your past made me think of when I first git into Dickens. It was my first year living in NYC. I was broke and cold and sometimes a bit hungry. Enter Oliver Twist. Talk about misery loving company! That led me to David Copperfield and Dorrit and Pip and Miss Havisham and so many more amazingly real humans written by that one man.
The survival of women is compelling for all kinds of reasons. It's interesting that these stories found you this year.
As for Dickens - I imagine being broke, cold, and skimping on food can sharpen the edge of appreciation for his work. I am pondering now the women in all the books of his that I've read. He seems to struggle with making some of them real but others, I'm thinking now of Jenny in Our Mutual Friend or Betsy Trotwood, are so memorable I'm mad that they weren't.
Yes, but Esther is a strange one. She's deceptively sweet but as I read, I sensed so much of what she hid from herself and from others. I think Dickens actually did an interesting thing with her. I don't feel the same way about the woman in A Tale of Two Cities (just finished). She's an ideal and does a lot of fainting.
I read about 40 books, many pulled off of the top 10 lists throughout the year. Subject matter was all over the place: suicide, death, murderers, politics, literature, art, & family. I mostly enjoy books about unique family members and how they fit into or wreck the family dynamics. In 2025 I plan on reading books that will help me ESCAPE from expected dire daily political news.
I'll be following your escape books with great interest...I suspect they will come in handy. One thing I've started to notice though, one person's escape book may be another person's worst nightmare. This may be a fun idea to explore in the coming year! Be well and thank you for all your input this year!
I also read and enjoyed "An Immense World." I can also recommend another science book: "Jellyfish Age Backwards" by Nicklas Brendborg: https://royalsociety.org/medals-and-prizes/science-book-prize/books/2023/jellyfish-age-backwards/
I didn't read many books in 2024, even though I am always reading at least one. And, according to Goodreads, I didn't even like them that well. But I read a large variety of books, and most importantly, I learned something from every one. I am looking forward to 2025.
I so love Ruth Ozeki's work, yes. You might enjoy Eowyn Ivey's, too...
Wishing you a wonderful holiday time!
Thank you for the recommendation, Alison! I'm not familiar with Ivey's work. Wishing you great holidays, too.
Here's to more books and more reading and writing in 2025. I always look forward to your recommendations.
Delightful to share the Gay Men's Chorus performance with you.
Happy Holidays!
I don't think any of us will run out of words to read or write in 2025. Thank you, Judy! Happy holidays to you, too!
This is a timely post because I recently received my Goodreads list for the year... wow, I read more historical fiction than I would have guessed. In truth, that tally may be due to the free status the books enjoyed in Amazon's First Reads program!
Reading is a lifelong hobby that I'll be forever grateful to have.
It's interesting to look back and be surprised by what you find, isn't it? Here's to more good finds in 2025!
Happy holidays. I was thinking of what book might interest me, and your newsletter made me think a fat Dickens novel might just be what I need for the hols, even if they are not so cheery. Congrats on working on your manuscript.
A big fat Dickens novel by a fire in a warm fleece and a never-ending cup of cocoa. They are not all cheery but they do delight - especially the later ones. Thanks for the congrats. Here's to real progress in 2025.
The story I am most happy to have read this year -
Sipsworth by Simon Von Booty
Okay, the title and author's name alone make me want to check this one out! Happy New Year, Cyndi!
I'm sorry for the loss of your brother, you will always hold a place in your heart for him, but the loss lingers. I think that we often read what we need to read, like a prescription that our soul needs to heal or learn, or feel, and we are drawn to certain kinds of books based on that need.
Thank you, beth. It's particularly tough right now, at Christmas, but I will look for the bright memories and the good books. I am certainly guided by some inner divining rod when it comes to books. I do best when I trust it.
I'm another voracious reader who reads widely and wildly. But the overarching theme this year was women surviving abuse, tragedy and loss.
Your past made me think of when I first git into Dickens. It was my first year living in NYC. I was broke and cold and sometimes a bit hungry. Enter Oliver Twist. Talk about misery loving company! That led me to David Copperfield and Dorrit and Pip and Miss Havisham and so many more amazingly real humans written by that one man.
The survival of women is compelling for all kinds of reasons. It's interesting that these stories found you this year.
As for Dickens - I imagine being broke, cold, and skimping on food can sharpen the edge of appreciation for his work. I am pondering now the women in all the books of his that I've read. He seems to struggle with making some of them real but others, I'm thinking now of Jenny in Our Mutual Friend or Betsy Trotwood, are so memorable I'm mad that they weren't.
Agreed. The lamest part of Bleak House, which adore is the young woman at the heart of the story. So many characters!
Yes, but Esther is a strange one. She's deceptively sweet but as I read, I sensed so much of what she hid from herself and from others. I think Dickens actually did an interesting thing with her. I don't feel the same way about the woman in A Tale of Two Cities (just finished). She's an ideal and does a lot of fainting.
I look forward to reading weekly!,
Love, love, love, Mom.
Elizabeth, I’m so sorry for your loss. I look forward to seeing you back here again in January.
Thank you, Jolene. Happy holidays and health in the new year to you. Betsy
I read about 40 books, many pulled off of the top 10 lists throughout the year. Subject matter was all over the place: suicide, death, murderers, politics, literature, art, & family. I mostly enjoy books about unique family members and how they fit into or wreck the family dynamics. In 2025 I plan on reading books that will help me ESCAPE from expected dire daily political news.
I'll be following your escape books with great interest...I suspect they will come in handy. One thing I've started to notice though, one person's escape book may be another person's worst nightmare. This may be a fun idea to explore in the coming year! Be well and thank you for all your input this year!
Thx for providing provocative ideas & challenging our minds to think outside our comfort zones.
I suppose my books would say I have wide interests. And I do.
That's a wonderful thing to be able to say! Happy new year, Sandra and thank you for being here.