Beth’s Books Reading List: December 2018

December! Probably my favorite time to read. My office is closed for a glorious week or more between Christmas and the New Year which means plenty of time for books!

When I was in college, I never had time to read for fun during the semester. I would hoard books and spend the entire Christmas break reading. Bliss. Obviously, I haven’t changed my ways even though my break is a little bit shorter now. 

The month’s count was 3.5 non-fiction and six fiction for a total of 9.5 books. (You’ll see there was one I didn’t finish, so I’ll count that as a half book.) I beat November’s tally by three! 

Here’s what I read in December.

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Nonfiction

The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker

I really like Joshua Becker’s take on minimalism and have read most of his other books. I pre-ordered this one in early December and it was released the day before Christmas. I’ll admit: I started but didn’t finish this one.

The content seemed similar to his other books, and I didn’t feel like it was taking me to the next level. So I set this book aside. I have a feeling I won’t pick it back up.

Becoming by Michelle Obama

I had read so many glowing reviews of this book that I had to get it. And it was amazing. The gut-twistingly accurate descriptions of working motherhood with young kids and a husband that travels a lot were spot on. If you want to laugh and ugly cry, read this book. 

North: Finding my Way While Running the Appalachian Trail by Scott & Jenny Jurek

I saw this book mentioned on a blog or in a podcast recently (can’t remember where!) and it reminded me to read it as well. I really enjoyed Jurek’s last book (Eat & Run) and we still make a bunch of the recipes from it (despite being not even a little bit vegan). I also live in Appalachian Trail country and I LOVED Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods so this was a no-brainer.

The book is….a little scattered to be honest. I think it represents Jurek’s state of mind at the start of the book. The premise is that Scott Jurek is attempting to break the AT through-hike (run) record with his wife Jenny supporting. 

The attempt comes at a challenging time in their lives, so the book follows both running and the personal stories. Of course, the record attempt is full of twists and turns, and I ended up really enjoying the book despite the slow start. 

Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston

A comment in North reminded me to read Aron Ralston’s book. Some may remember that Aron Ralston was pinned by a boulder while canyoneering in Utah and had to cut his own arm off after multiple days of being trapped. 

It’s quite a dramatic story, obviously. The book alternates between the main narrative and the author’s memories of other skiing, climbing, biking and mountaineering adventures.

I read the book because the story is super dramatic. But as something of an outdoors person myself, I was just totally baffled by many of Ralston’s choices. He takes a ton of risks, constantly. It’s just not my style. So I spent 50% of the book being annoyed by the guy. 

But the main story of his escape is pretty riveting and I ultimately enjoyed the book. 

Fiction

The House with a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs

I LOVED this book when I was a kid. When I saw the movie pop up on my TV in December, I knew I had to re-read the book. I was a little hesitant because I didn’t want to destroy my memory of the book (I know, silly).

Fortunately, my fears were unfounded and the book was every bit as awesome and creepy as I remember. Big thumbs up. I will not be seeing the movie, BTW. Personal problem. I skipped A Wrinkle in Time the movie too. 

Gideon’s Corpse (Gideon Crew Series Book 2) by Preston & Child

I skipped this book in the series and had to come back to it. Whoops! Fortunately the books stand alone so it worked. Gideon’s Corpse is another slightly sci-fi leaning thriller. It was a quick read and I like the Gideon Crew universe (although not as much as the world of Agent Pendergast). 

The Haunted Stroll (Lin Coffin Series Book 10) by JA Whiting

This is a cozy mystery with a bit of paranormal mixed in. I love these light mystery series that are available for free on Kindle Unlimited, and I’ll read anything written by JA Whiting. The Haunted Stroll is another easy-reading mystery for those who like suspense but not much violence. (My husband travels a good bit so I like to sleep at night!)

The Bitter with the Sweet (Sweet Cove Series Book 15) by JA Whiting

Another Kindle Unlimited cozy mystery special, this series follows four sisters who live together in an old seaside Victorian. (They also solve mysteries, of course.) This series is also full of fun, easy-to-read mysteries that aren’t too scary. 

Malevolent Magic (Cozy Corgi Series Book 9) by Mildred Abbott

The Cozy Corgi series stars a bookstore owner and her corgi as they solve murders around town. Who doesn’t love a cozy bookshop, a loveable but gruff dog and a determined amateur sleuth? Of course, there’s the usual starting-a-new-life and budding romance thrown in. This is a well-written mystery series that never disappoints. (Plus the author comes out with a new book every month it seems – definitely a huge bonus for me!)

Wedding Cake and Woes (Peridale Café Series Book 15) by Agatha Frost

Are you seeing a theme? Bakery owner Julia solves murders in her small town. Set in the English countryside, this series offers fun and well-written mysteries. It’s also available on Kindle Unlimited. 

What did you read this month?

Any recommendations? What have you read and enjoyed lately?