Just In, Our December Reading List is Finally Here!

Life

Dec 7

The books & reads our staffers can’t get enough of

D.E.A.R. For those of you who may not remember those 4 letters, turned acronym, stand for Drop Everything And Read. D.E.A.R time isn’t just about reading; it’s about getting lost in a really good book. The kind of book you can’t put down, or the kind you look forward to picking up, and definitely the kind you want to curl up with. Thanks to the events of 2020 this December feels cozier than ever. With WFH orders still in place, homes have become even more the comfy setting for a good book. This month we looked to our staff and gathered their favorite reads to get lost in. Whether you’re into heartwarming novels, non-fiction reads or something more classic you’re sure to find a good fit in this bunch. So keep scrolling to a new venture to dive into as we slide into the end of the year.

Writer Kelly Carbone @kelly_carbone

Normal People by Sally Rooney
This novel, set in Ireland, follows the relationship between Connell and Marianne as they navigate adulthood. Tackling themes such as mental health issues, class distinctions, and Ireland's lad culture, this book is more than just your average rom-com. Raw, non-cliche, and emotionally captivating, it is the perfect example of how one person can truly change another's life. It's a great read for any time of the year.

Delicious! by Ruth Reichl
This novel follows the story of Billie Breslin as she transitions from life in California to her new NYC job as a writer for one of the most well-known food magazines of her time. Things get even more interesting when she finds letters hidden in the company's library, detailing a young girl's plea for advice from one of the magazine's most famous chefs as they both adjust to life during World War II. Determined to find the author of these letters, the rest of the novel focuses on her journey to dig up the past. Full of history, enigmatic characters, romance, and tantalizing descriptions of NYC's food scenes, this is the perfect cozy and comforting read, great for those cold November days.

The Best Worst Man by Mia Sosa
This novel follows the story of wedding planner Lina Santos as she struggles to keep her business afloat. Just when she thinks she's found her ultimate saving grace she's hit with a suckerpunch - she'll need the help of her least favorite person to land the job: her ex-fiance's brother who just so happened to convince his brother to leave Lina at the altar. This fun hate-to-love romance full of sarcasm and light and airy moments will leave you right in your feels. It's the perfect escapist novel for this time of year.

Writer Jake Levyns @jakelvns

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
I recommend this novel to everyone who asks. The story, which takes place in the idyllic suburb of Shaker Heights, Ohio, follows a nuclear family and the slow collapse of their tightly-structured lifestyle when a single mother and her daughter move to town and ultimately infiltrate their household. Easily one of my favorites of the year, Little Fires Everywhere is the perfect introduction to adult literary fiction, an easily readable and slow-burning family drama you won’t be able to put down.

Less by Andrew Sean Greer
This book, a light-hearted and comedic tale of a gay man quickly approaching middle age, has stayed with me consistently since March, a confusing and lonely month to say the least. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 2017, the story of Arthur Less recounts a short but spirited trip across countries and continents as he attempts to separate himself from all his problems. A huge breath of fresh air, to say the least, this novel is the morale boost you didn’t know you needed.

Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay
Short-form nonfiction is not a genre I have a lot of knowledge of, but it’s one I frequent more often since reading Bad Feminist. While a few years old at this point, the conversations had in this collection of essays, on intersections of race, gender, and sexuality in media, are what we need to engage everyone in our lives with right now. In a moment where removing ourselves from popular culture is more impossible every day, a quieter medium that expresses these grievances might be what you need.

Writer Katie Teas @katie.teas

1984 - George Orwell
George Orwell’s dystopian classic 1984 is a pretty relevant read as we close out 2020. The world has changed more in one year than anyone could have imagined, with the novel coronavirus pandemic feeling eerily similar to an apocalypse. Throw in one of the most controversial and polarized political election cycles that the United States has ever faced and 1984 becomes the perfect November read. Even for the less politically minded, Orwell’s most famous work is one that everyone should experience at least once in their life.

The Haunting of Brynn Wilder - Wendy Webb
For those who aren’t quite ready to move on from October’s spooky delight, bestselling author Wendy Webb is sure to deliver with her upcoming November release The Haunting of Brynn Wilder. This highly anticipated suspense novel follows a woman seeking a peaceful retreat from her everyday life but finds herself confronted with a cast of eerie characters, calling her for something ominous and unknown. Keep the Halloween spirit alive with Webb’s upcoming spellbinder, set to hit shelves on Nov. 1.

Editor Jessica Fields @jessicalauren343

Grand Union by Zadie Smith
The first short story collection by Zadie Smith is just as exciting as the beloved authors novels. If you’ve had the chance to read some of her short fiction else where you don’t want to sleep on this collection. In it Zadie writes about all types of life experiences in the modern world and though each story is its own, the book reads cohesively as though they were chapters in a novel.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
There is a reason this book has sparked a following and been dubbed a literary classic. The story of The Alchemist is enchanting, mysterious and magical. A harrowing tale about a young boy’s travels through the dessert in search of treasure and wonder, but what he finds instead is much greater. A true page turner for the first time or loyal reader.

Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton
This memoir has all the makings of a good book. It about staying strong and brave in the midst of betrayal. It reminds us that while we go through the fires of life we are meant to be warriors and each page is packed full of painful truths that ultimately bring out the best in the author. This tale of self-discovery is relatable and a good read to see yourself through when you are struggling with the wars of your world.

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