Hello and Happy Monday! Today I’m sharing the books that I read during the month of December. Ready?

We Are the Light by Matthew Quick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I never give half star ratings, but in this instance this book really is 3.5 and I’m rounding up to 4. I’m doing that because, while I was engaged for the first half of the book, I was also a little bored and a little annoyed. It felt a bit repetitive and the Jungian analysis content was just too much. However, as more details were revealed and the characters became more relatable, I found myself thoroughly invested in the pain and trauma this community experienced and in the brokenness of the main characters. I read the final 1/3 in one sitting and I was sobbing at the heartfelt and moving (although slightly predictable) ending. Highly recommended, muddling through the first part is warranted, the pay off is definitely worth it.

Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The edge is a shantytown filled with gold seekers. We are fugitives, and the law is skinny with hunger for us.
This book felt both like a coming of age story and a memoir as the main character recalls the events of the summer when she was 16 and she and a boy from out of town set a chain of events in motion with a random piece of art they created. The teenage angst is so well written, it brought me back to my own summers of feeling out of place and wondering what the world had in store for me. Definitely recommended.

The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times by Michelle Obama
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I’m always up for wisdom from Michelle Obama and this book delivers plenty of it. From getting through the pandemic to raising her daughters, from thriving in her role as FLOTUS to simple memories of childhood, her words are a balm to my soul.

Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
An easy read about a family celebrating Christmas on Nantucket. Sometimes funny, often relatable, and occasionally heartwarming, this book is perfect for the season. It’s definitely a light read and, while I’m not sure I’ll be rushing to read the rest in the series, I’m glad to have spent a few days with the Quinns.

Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a delightful and charming way to end my reading for 2022. The characters are lovable and flawed, the setting is seasonal and festive, and the story is predictable in a perfectly wonderful way. I finished wanting more and I can’t think of better praise for a book than that.

And that closes out my year of reading for 2022. It ended on a lovely note, I must say.