November and December Reads 2022
It’s that time of year when I’m devouring Book of the Year lists to see what others have been reading and recommending. Which means that it’s the time of year when my TBR list grows and grows! If you’re looking for some inspiration, here’s what I’ve been reading in November and December.
Want some more book suggestions? Here are my recommendations from September & October, July & August and May & June 2022!
Three Sisters – Heather Morris
It’s testament to Heather Morris that she can extract such stories from survivors of World War II concentration camps and weave them into beautifully told stories that you almost forget are true life tales. This particular story came about when youngest sister Livia recognised Lale and Gita from Morris’ first novel The Tattooist of Auschwitz, and her family got in touch. What follows is the story of an unbreakable bond between the titular three sisters as they face the horror and brutality of Auschwitz. Despite the harrowing narrative, there is an uplifting ending as the sisters seek to build a new home in Israel, finally with families of their own.
Yours Cheerfully – A J Pearce
We return to the world of Miss Emmeline Lake – one of my favourite principal characters of the last few years and not only because our first names bear similarity. Emmy is now a key member of the Women’s Friend writing staff, but her boss (and brother-in-law-to-be) tasks her with writing about the contribution of women to the war effort. A chance meeting on a train, and Emmy finds herself investigating the role of women at a munitions factory. It’s a fascinating look into the struggles of women war workers, set against the slightly chaotic backdrop of Emmy’s personal life as she prepares to marry her army captain fiance Charles before he is stationed abroad. It’s an upbeat and heartwarming tale, focused on female friendships.
Quilt On Fire: The Messy Magic of Midlife – Christy Watson
The Shift – Sam Baker
I’ve lumped these two together as they both tackle the very on-topic subject of midlife and menopause. Watson, a former nurse and author has a lovely way of telling a funny tale – see wedging yourself into a supermarket fridge freezer or falling into a refuse centre skip whilst wearing your best sequins. But I personally prefer Baker’s chatty journalist style. Both books had me nodding and recognising myself far too often for comfort.
Long Bright River – Liz Moore
This is a tense and twisting crime thriller about the ties that bind sisters, even when they follow very different paths in life. Mickey and Kacey grew up in poverty, daughters of an addict and taken in by their grandmother. Whilst Kacey has been drawn into prostitution and heroin addiction, her sister is a cop, who usually plays by the rules. But when her sister goes missing, and there is a string of sex worker murders, Mickey will do anything to find Kacey, and bring the murderer to justice. I don’t enjoy many police procedurals these days but I found this a good read. Another book with no quotations marks though – why is this a trend?!
When You Were Older – Catherine Ryan Hyde
The last Catherine Ryan Hyde book I read, years ago, was “Pay it Forward”, which had me sobbing uncontrollably – and embarrassingly – on a train. “When You Were Older” didn’t quite have the same emotional pull but was nonetheless a good read. On 9/11, Russell’s mother’s death inadvertently saved his life. A phone call meant that he never went to the office at the World Trade Center that morning. Instead, he found himself hitching a ride back home, to look after his older brother Ben, neurologically damaged in a tragic boating accident as a teenager. Seeking solace, he finds himself falling for Anat, an Egyptian-American working in her father’s bakery, but their heritage makes them a target for discrimination and violence. It’s a tender story and well written, although the ending was a little too simplistic to be truly satisfying.
Honour – Elif Shafak
This is the third book by Elif Shafak that I’ve read this year, and her writing stays with you long after the final page. Honour follows the destinies of two Kurdish twins, Pembe and Jamila. Pembe moves to London, struggling to stay loyal to family tradition whilst fitting into a new world. Jamila remains as a midwife in Turkey. The book explores shame and honour, and their implications in a patriatchal society. The characters are flawed, but they are human. Once again, Shafak gives a fascinating insight into a different and difficult world.
People Person – Candice Carty-Williams
As much as people raved about Carty-Williams’ debut novel “Queenie“, I much preferred this one, her second full-length novel. Unusual circumstances throw Dimple Pennington and her four half-siblings together, all with little in common apart from a shared charismatic – but mostly-absent – father. And yet the strength of family – albeit a highly dysfunctional one – shines through. It’s a beautifully crafted and funny story, with characters that are likeable, even when they are flawed.
Notes On An Execution – Danya Kukafka
This five star book has definitely made it on to my favourites list for 2022. A serial killer is facing the final 12 hours before his execution, and although his story is told, the focus is on the women that have been in his life and impacted by his behaviour. His mother. His former sister-in-law. And the detective that continued to search for the killer long after the trail had gone cold. I was invested in each and every story as we get to know Ansel Packer through their different perspectives. It’s chilling, intense and thought-provoking, and flips the serial killer trope on its head.
Tin Man – Sarah Winman
Finishing the year strongly, Winman’s lyrical writing beautifully describes grief, depression, friendship and longing, yet is never too heavy or dark. The first part of the book is written from Ellis’ perspective, lonely and drowning in sadness. He remembers the people he has loved, and those that have loved him. His best friend Michael. His wife Annie. Their unshakeable bond. The second half of the novel switches to Michael, in love with his childhood friend but selflessly refusing to pursue his desire, apart from one glorious summer in France. It’s a relatively short read at just over 200 pages, which means you can truly immerse yourself in this bittersweet tale of love, regret and beauty.
Currently Reading:
This Is Not A Pity Memoir – Abi Morgan
This is My America – Kim Johnson
Wild – Kristin Hannah
My favourite books of November and December 2022 were People Person by Candice Carty-Williams, and Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka.. My only DNF this month was The Storyteller of Casablanca by Fiona Valpy, which I sadly couldn’t get into. What books have been on your November and December Reading pile? And what books are you looking forward to reading in 2023?
