I'm breaking with my typical Three on Thursday post this week to share with you…
For the Love of Reading: December 2024
It’s the middle of the month and I still haven’t shared what I read in December. Let’s fix that today.

The Stolen Child by Ann Hood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest novel by Ann Hood, a story of heartbreak and loss and hope with a touch of mystery, too. The narrator alternates from 3 perspectives and this creates an engaging and compelling plot. The setting is richly drawn and feels entirely authentic, with detailed information on the world of art, WWI, and the experience of life in America in the mid 1970s. It’s a well written and consuming tale about how brief moments and encounters can impact an entire lifetime.
The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was completely enchanted by this wonderful memoir. Kelly Bishop is frank and honest about her life, sharing her successes and failures from Broadway to the big screen to television. She has a dry wit that is charming and her story is compelling. It was like sitting down to have a glass of wine and a catch up with an old friend. Highly recommended, particularly for fans of Dirty Dancing and The Gilmore Girls.
Orbital by Samantha Harvey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When they get back how will they even begin to say what happened to them, who and what they were?
This is not a book I expected to like. Science fiction is not my favorite genre and short books often leave me disgruntled and wanting more. However, Samantha Harvey creates a fascinating microcosm of the world as her astronauts orbit the earth and contemplate life in all it’s glory and fragility. With practically no plot at all, each chapter represents one single orbit, and reflections and thoughts of each character as they consider humanity, the environment, and the loved ones they left behind on Earth. It’s thought provoking and meditative and I highly recommend it.
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
People aren’t themselves when they’re grieving.
I was hesitant to read this book, worried that it would go over my head or I wouldn’t enjoy it. And, frankly, none of the characters are very likable, nothing much really happens, and there’s very little setting. In other words, all the things that generally make me love a book are simply not there. And yet, this exploration of grief and the effects it has on individuals, families, and relationships blew me away. The language is gorgeous, precise and exquisite. There are passages that cut like a knife, exposing human vulnerability and emotion. The characters are flawed and awkward and have stilted conversations, particularly around intimacy and relationships. They are also sensual and have a propensity to hurt each other that feels incredibly real, particularly for anyone who has come from a dysfunctional family. And haven’t we all? Rooney sees us for who we are and writes about it and makes the world better because of it. Highly recommended.
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is charming and delightful and a perfect read for the holiday season. It’s witty and completely engrossing to the point where I didn’t want to put it down. The romance is predictable in an enemies-to-lovers way but I don’t have any issues with that at all. Like a good game of Clue, it’s straight up fun with a little bit of suspense to keep things interesting.
A Christmas Memory, One Christmas, & The Thanksgiving Visitor by Truman Capote
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When Ann Patchett recommends a book I pay attention, so when she mentioned this as the perfect thing to read over Christmas, I brought it home from the library. I sat down with it on a quiet afternoon and didn’t get up again until I was finished. It’s charming and heartfelt and full of nostalgia for childhood. Capote’s recollection of his time in rural Alabama as a boy depicts the true meaning of love and friendship along with the importance of a good fruitcake recipe. It’s a book I know I will return to each holiday season.
And that’s a wrap on my 2024 reading. 79 books total and most of them were pretty good.
Comments (9)
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You finished the year with some great reads, Carole! As always, love your reviews.
You did finish the year strong, Carole! I have added a couple of these to my TBR list! Thank you!
You had some pretty good reading in December! I was disappointed that none of my libraries had the Truman Capote stories but maybe I’ll buy a copy to read during the Christmas season this year. I’ve added The Stolen Child to my list. Thanks for your reviews!
Wow! I don’t think I have ever read that many books in a row that I rated so highly. Thanks, as always for your reviews, Carole.
As always, I enjoy your reviews Carole. I had read The Stolen Child, but I’ve added Orbital to my TBR list as well as the Capote book. (Actually, just requested both of those from my library!!)
I appreciate your reading reports; I add to my reading list from them!
I got Intermezzo from the library last month, and I was not in the right headspace to read it. So I didn’t make it to discussion. I read the first couple pages and said, Nope! But I was just coming off Ministry of Time. Too different!
I really loved Orbital, and I think I need to read it again because I’m sure there’s much that I missed on my first read. And I’m feeling like I kind of want to reread Intermezzo after our discussion! Did you listen to Kelly Bishop’s book? I loved hearing her story in her voice.
Orbital was a favorite of mine last year. The story is so heartrending and so heartwarming. Also, the story is a wake up call. Intermezzo was in my top 10 this year and I’m very happy to see someone who agrees with me! You read so broadly and I love seeing your reviews.
I wanted to love the Sally Rooney book, but I struggled so much due to lack of quotes. I gave up trying to read it.