Because it’s November I’m well into my annual festival of festive reading (and watching) – with the exception of our current book club read, Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women which I’m yet to finish.
Speaking of book club, since my co-hosts and I decided to form our little book club in December 2020 we’ve read 20 classic books. Some we’ve loved, some we’ve struggled with (hello Villette and The Professor), some have prompted some robust discussion (Mrs Dalloway, I’m looking at you …) and most have sent us down numerous rabbit holes to find out more – about the author, the book, the time.
Aside from what we’ve learnt, I’ve loved the discussion and the way we don’t need to censor our judgement of the book in our discussions, with each of us respecting the other’s point of view. I think it’s fair to say we’ve each got our favourites so far – and we certainly haven’t agreed on them all – but even those we haven’t enjoyed so much have left lasting impressions in some valuable way.
I’ve also enjoyed the baking – although due to clashing commitments that has taken a back seat this year (but will be back strong next year). As for what’s next? You’ll have to wait and see…
Anyways, on to what I’ve been reading.
Terror in Topaz, by A.M. Stuart
The latest in the Harriet Gordon series set in colonial Singapore (and Kuala Lumpur) – and, I think, the best …so far. At times the tension and the pace were unbearable, but in the best possible way.
I read this while I was in Singapore so it was cool to think I was walking in Harriet’s footsteps. Also cool is this blog post from the author regarding the real-life murder that inspired the plot.
None Of This Is True, by Lisa Jewell
I tend not to “read” fiction (other than classics) on Audible but on the recommendation of co-host Deb gave this one a listen. With two narrators – one being the fabulous Nicola Walker – I was gripped. So much so that I had to put it aside at times to listen to something less tense, like a podcast. The tension and encroaching darkness that felt almost claustrophobic had me, at times, wanting to scream at Alix “don’t!”.
A fabulous story made even more fabulous by the narration.
A Sky Full of Stars, by Dani Atkins
Dani Atkins writes stories that tug at your heartstrings and this is no exception. A great read but another where I needed to look away at times, yet still was drawn back in. I was also sent down a google rabbit hole reading about things like cellular memory with organ transplants.
Happy Place, by Emily Henry
Emily Henry is one of the top-selling rom-com authors at the moment and this book is a great reason why.
Christmas By Candlelight, by Karen Swan
My annual festival of festive reading isn’t festive until there’s a Christmas novel by Karen Swan. While they’re never really Christmassy in theme, they’re always set at Christmas and that, combined with a good story, is good enough for me. This one is in a Yorkshire manor house so right up my alley.
Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan
A new Jenny Colgan is always reason to cheer, but a Christmas Jenny Colgan is extra special. While I don’t get the relevance to “midnight” in the title of this one, it’s Christmassy, magical, reminded me of our visit to the Edinburgh Christmas markets in 2015, and made me want to book a trip to Edinburgh now. As an aside, it’s made me extra jealous of Sarah’s upcoming visit there a few days before Christmas.
That Festive Feeling by Heidi Swain
I love coming back to series and catching up with characters through the eyes of a new character. Such is Swain’s Nightingale Square series. Set in wintry Norfolk (UK) it’s a festive delight.
Book to Screen
The Buccaneers, one of my favourite books, has been made into a TV series by Apple and I can’t get my head around it. As far as I can tell they’ve tried to give it a Bridgerton makeover but even though the names of (most of) the characters are the same, the only other resemblance to the original novel is that four American girls travel to England and get married. End of. The two episodes I’ve watched have all the subtlety of a cricket bat, and the writing is a tad too close to the (perceived) experiences of a certain ex-Suits actress who married rather well.
Perhaps it’s because the BBC adaptation from 1995 was so close to the novel and remains one of my favourite historical series ever, or perhaps it’s because I don’t like these new characters and I don’t like the liberties taken with the original, but I’ve really struggled with the rewrite.
It reminds me of my concerns when Netflix released Persuasion a couple of years ago. As one of my favourite Austen novels, I was concerned, but upon watching, it felt as though it was the movie Jane would have made if Jane was living today. I’m not sure the same could be said for The Buccaneers and Edith Wharton. But then some would argue that even though Wharton had written her synopsis and detailed the ending the book was posthumously given, would she have actually written it that way? I guess we’ll never know.
Having said that, I have decided to try watching it pretending that there isn’t a book I love in the background and this has all come straight from the screenwriter’s imagination. If I do that, it’s an okay watch.
Your turn…
Deb, Donna, Sue, and I would love you to share what you’ve been reading…the linky is below.
And Anyways... 
Hi, Jo – I absolutely love that you devote November/December to holiday reading. Over the years, you have inspired me to do this too. I’ve recently read Truman Capote’s, ‘A Christmas Memory’ and the novella version of ‘Miracle on 34th Street.’ On my Kindle, Debbie Macomber’s ‘The Christmas Spirit’ and Jenny Colgan’s ‘Christmas at the Island Hotel’ are ready to go. And when I was walking downtown today, I spied Macomber’s ‘Christmas in Alaska’ and Sarah Morgan’s ‘One More for Christmas’ in a bookshop window. Those two books wanted to come home with me. Who was I to argue?
Thank you for the holiday read recommendations. I look forward to adding some of them to my (ever growing) festive reads pile! 😀
Arguing – as with resistance – is very often futile.
Agreed!
Always on the lookout for a new series to read, I’ve noted the A.M. Stuart one for next year. After living there in the 1960s I’m sure I’ll find lots to like in this one.
Will also look for some of your Christmas reads – they might cool me down if we have a hot summer 😎
Cathy #WOYBS
I really enjoy the Harriet Gordon series and hope you do too…
I had to read another book in conjunction with None of This is True too! But I really enjoyed the twisty tale. I also liked Happy Place (which I read while IN Maine this spring). I have yet to start any Christmasy reads yet but I did pick up a couple of books from the library for next week.
The ending of None Of This Is True left me with so many questions and googling author interviews. Very well done.
You’ve started your Christmas reading Jo. I’m not that organised. I have None of This is True on my TBR but didn’t realise the audiobook is narrated by Nicola Walker. She’s wonderful. Will have to push it up the pile now. I’ve loved seeing the classics that you’ve been reading during the year. Planning to dive into a few next year, as it’s been a while.
You’ll love the audible version – Nicola Walker is fantastic.
Hi Jo, I’m so glad you enjoyed None of This is True and I agree the production was amazing! Your holiday reading sounds fab and I don’t know how I’d go with a remake of the Buccaneers. I might add the A M Stuart series to my list as it sounds good.
It’s so good having you as a co-host as we learn so much from you!
All new titles to me – the Lisa Jewell sounds good.
It was a great listen and the ending left me with so many questions.
Oh dear! There are another long list of reads I fancy!
I have just treated myself to your new book Christmas at Mannus Ridge to get me in the Christmas vibe.
Oh thank you! I hope you enjoy it.
My friends are all into Lisa Jewell at the moment. My other book club is doing a classic – Iris Murdoch. A modern classic i guess. Just about to start. I’m sort of amazed there are so many xmas books to read! #WeekendCoffeeShare
So many Christmas books, so little time.
Although I’ve been known to indulge in a few Christmas movies, I don’t think I have specifically read a Christmas novel (except for Small Things Like These, by Claire Keegan, which was wonderful). I think I’ll check a few of your recommendations out!
Not sure if I’ll watch The Buccaneers. I haven’t read the book so maybe it won’t be disappointing?
If you haven’t read the book it will be a whole different experience…
Hi Jo – quite an interesting mix and you girls have certainly covered a lot of classic reading over the last 3 years – I’m very impressed! Not sure about the tense novels – I tend to get a little emotionally overwrought and wanting to skip to the end to reassure myself when I’m reading those types of books – I guess the Christmas fluff would have been a pleasant refresher in between.
Jo, Thank you for your weekend coffee share and book reviews. I have Happy Place by E. Henry and Christmas on the Island by J. Colgan in my TBR queue. I’ll check with my library for the other titles on your list. Happy holiday reading!
I enjoyed your update. I haven’t read any of those books though I have read one Lisa Jewell book. Those Christmas books sound great too.
I always tell myself every year to read something Christmas-y or wintery when November and December rolls around. I’m lucky if I get around reading one because I have so many books I place on hold and they arrive randomly on my library app.
That’s the problem. I’ve had books arrive randomly that I’ve had on reservation so long I’d forgotten I reserved them!
Ooh, None of This is True is going on my TBR. Tension? Encroaching darkness? Claustrophobia? Yes, yes, yes!