Julie’s November Book Report

I was trapped in a vortex when my sister’s book report landed in my inbox. Her first line is “How is it Thanksgiving” and just like that…it’s Christmas. I feel so bad. I had the thought that perhaps there is a lesson here. Maybe…we should take a little extra time to be Thankful this year. And just maybe…before diving headlong into the holiday season we should give ourselves one last slow, cozy, Fall day…snuggled up with one of these books, a blanket, a warm beverage, and perhaps a candle or twenty. Here are Julie’s suggestions for just such a day.

Well, how is it Thanksgiving? The older I get the faster time seems to fly. I have so much to be grateful for this year, and I’m looking forward to spending time with family and friends.

I closed out October with “Halloween Party” by Agatha Christie. Does anyone else find Agatha Christie mysteries comforting? Even though they’re suspenseful, they’re so enjoyable. And Hercule Poirot- who doesn’t love him? A little Poirot was a great way to end the Halloween Season. It was definitely a good recovery from Stephen King.

I read “How to Age Disgracefully” by Clare Pooley. I loved this book. It’s about a group of senior citizens who come up with a plan to save their community center building from being demolished. Stories were focused on two of the seniors, the group leader – a woman in the throes of menopause (relatable) and a teenage single dad. It was heartwarming how the characters came together to help and support each other. I like the idea of aging disgracefully if it means not letting people take advantage of you or underestimate you, standing up for yourself and speaking your mind.

When I picked up “The Cross Gardener” by Jason F. Wright, I have to admit I thought it was about an angry woman growing vegetables. Not so. The cross gardener tends to crosses at roadside memorials. There’s a great deal of sadness in this book, but the focus is being able to cope with grief and move on, accepting help and support from loved ones. It also discusses moving on from this world and that no one dies alone – a comforting thought.

My next choice was “Up from Orchard Street” by Eleanor Widmer. I struggled for days trying to get into this story, but I had to put it back on the shelf. I’ll try again at some point – it just didn’t hit right this time.

It seems like the perfect time to read “Thanksgiving” by Janet Evanovich. I’m not expecting much from this. It seems like the typical romance novel. It should be a quick read.

I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving and had a wonderful time spent with family, friends, and good food.

Happy reading!

Julie