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December Reading Wrap Up

January 10, 2021      milelongtbr      8 Comments

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Hi, friends!

I’m a little bit late getting my monthly wrap-up posted for December, largely because I read 14 books making it one of my biggest reading months ever.

These were all enjoyable reads, but for this post, I’m breaking them down into books I loved and books I liked. Let’s get started!


Books I Loved


1. Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala

First, we have this Queer YA romance. I’m so glad  I read this book in the final days of 2020- it immediately slid in to take a spot as one of my 5 Favorite YA reads of the year. 

This book is an absolutely delightful YA read. I love the characters Raffy and Luca and their journey as they navigate first loves and coming out, as well as how to really show up for each other.

The premise of the Cosplay competition a’ la Project Runway was so much fun, and I absolutely loved it even though I’ve never been to a Comic-Con. 

Many thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the advance copy.


2. Little Cruelties by Liz Nugent

Next up is this multigenerational family drama. Little Cruelties is a completely engrossing read. I couldn’t put the book down as I tried to find out what would happen next to the Drumm brothers.

This book is dark and twisted, the Drumms are anything but a happy family, and their continual betrayals and cruelties to each other are awful yet in families things are often more complex than they appear.

Read this if you like reading about dysfunctional families or enjoyed Ask Again, Yes.

Many thanks to Scout Press and NetGalley for the advance copy.


3. The Rib King by Ladee Hubbard

The Rib King is a riveting work of literary historical fiction centering around black employees in a white household struggling to maintain their affluent lifestyle. The characters in this book are so complex and fascinating- they are ones that will stay with you long after finishing the book.

The author has seamlessly woven the history of the time and commentary on a number of social issues such as race and class disparities into a fascinating narrative. Despite the story being set 100 years ago, the issues raised are still relevant today, making this an especially important read.

Many thanks to Amistad and NetGalley for the advance copy.


4. The Truths We Hold by Kamala Harris

Hearing the story of our soon-to-be Madame Vice President in her own words was nothing short of inspiring, and reading this book left me confident in her leadership.

This book tells Harris’ story of being raised by a single mother who challenged her and taught her to believe in herself in her abilities. It goes on to talk about her early career in politics and the policies she believes in the most.

So much of Kamala’s appeal is in her relatability and insistence that government must work for everyone- even those in the most marginalized groups, and this book shows both her heart and struggle which is why she is a fantastic leader.


5. The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

I’ve seen a lot of buzz about these books and finially decided to see what the hype is about. Well, it lived up to it, guys!

With his marriage on the line Minor League Baseball player Gavin joins the Bromance Book Club – a gathering of guys who read romance novels in an attempt to keep the ladies in their lives happy.

This book is funny, sweet, and steamy and easily became one of my favorite romances of the year. Now I just need to get a hold of the rest of the series!


6. After All I’ve Done by Mina Hardy

“She’s lost her best friend, her husband–and possibly, her mind.”

After All I’ve Done a delightfully twisted domestic suspense/thriller with multiple POVs, and the ultimate unreliable narrator- one dealing with memory loss. I did figure out a couple of the surprises relatively early on in the book, but there were a lot that I didn’t guess, some that were absolutely shocking.

This was an enjoyable psychological thriller and I look forward to reading more from the author.

I loved the multiple narrators for the alternating points of view and thought they each brought something unique and exciting to the story. Highly recommend the audio.

Many thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the advance copy.


7. The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict

I’ve been an Agatha Christie fan for about 20 years- I couldn’t have been more than ten years old when my mother first gave me a copy of And Then There Were None. In the years since then I’ve reread that favorite many times and regularly read other titles by the author.

This book imagines what may have happened surrounding the author’s mysterious 11-day disappearance in 1926. There are a number of details about Christie’s life as well as a book within a book, making this the perfect read for fans of her work.


8. Dear Child by Romy Hausmann

Hausmann has given us a complex and well written psychological thriller. There are so many twists, yet the story is never hard to follow.

This is an impressive debut and I look forward to reading more from the author, though I did feel the ending was a little rushed, especially in comparison to the depth earlier in the book. Still an enjoyable standout thriller.


Many thanks to Flatiron Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.


Books I Enjoyed


9. Dear Emmie Blue by Lia Louis

Dear Emmie Blue is such a charming and heartfelt read! It has such a lightness, just like Emmie’s balloon and there are so many good and kind characters that it warms my heart.

Much more than a romance novel, this is a story of unexpected things giving us far more than the plans we have in mind.

Many thanks to Emily Bestler Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.


10. The Perfect Guests by Emma Rous

After enjoying Rous’s debut novel The Au Pair I was eager to read more from her.

The Perfect Guests is a gothic thriller full of suspense, family drama, and multiple timelines. I love the “Clue” and Agatha Christie vibes, as the guests are summoned to a dinner party at Raven Hall, a long abanonded mansion, for a game.

Sadie is desperate, so she accepts the job acting as a guest in a murder mystery . But could it be too good to be true? She soon learns of a tragedy that occured there years ago, when the previous owners lived there. But is something sinister still inhabiting Raven Hall?

I had some suspicions that ended up being correct, but there were so many twists that therer were still a ton of surprises in store. I love how everything connected, albiet in a very tangled way.

Many thanks to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advance copy.


11. The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

 

The Wife Upstairs is Jane Eyre reimagined as a modern gothic thriller set in Alabama, where Jane meets recently widowed Eddie Rochester.

Jane sets her sights on him, but she may be in for more than she’d realize as it becomes clear he’s not just mysterious- he’s hiding something. I loved all the twists and how Hawkings pays homage to the Bronte classic throughout the novel while giving readers a new book.

It’s a suspenseful and twisted book full of surprises, and I think Jane Eyre fans will appreciate it and thriller and domestic suspense readers will love the book as well.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advance copy.


12. Too Much and Never Enough by Mary L. Trump

This book by Mary L. Trump, the President’s niece reveals Trump family history that lead to him becoming the man he is. There are also a number of details of the questionable choices and actions he’s made over the decades.

The author is a psychologist, so this adds another level of insight to her revelations. Many parts of the books are hard to read. Still, Mary L. Trump’s insight is something that is worth being shared and I’m glad I read this book for deeper understanding.


13. In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

This cute Christmas romance was a fun read for the holidays!

Mae gets stuck reliving her Christmas holiday after an accident sends her back to the past. The Groundhog Day vibes were fun, though I was honestly expecting more of an emotional punch with this one.

Still, it’s a fun ride as Mae realizes that this may just be an opportunity for her to save her annual holiday spot and reveal her feelings for her longtime crush.


14. The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley

Finally, we have this chilling wintery thriller by Lucy Foley. A group of friends goes away to celebrate the new year, but one of them doesn’t make it home.

With close quarters, no outside access to their remote location, and enough tension that anyone could have a motive it’s clear that one in the group is a killer.

This book had a lot of tension and I loved the atmosphere and messy character relationships, though the book wasn’t quite as shocking as I’d hoped. Still, it’s a fast and readable thriller- perfect for snowy days!


There you have it, friends!

One of my best reading months ever to wrap up the wild year that was 2020.

Have you read any of these titles? If not, I hope you’ve at least found one to add to your own TBR!

Tell me one of your favorite December 2020 reads in the comments!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lucy says

    January 13, 2021 at 6:35 am

    This sounds like it was an incredible month! I think my favorite read of December was either The Kingdom of Back or Winterwood 🙂

    Reply
    • milelongtbr says

      January 20, 2021 at 2:06 am

      Thanks! Glad you loved that one

      Reply
  2. Elysian Bookgraphy says

    January 16, 2021 at 5:08 am

    Great✨ So many good books

    Reply
    • milelongtbr says

      January 20, 2021 at 2:07 am

      Yes, it was an awesome month!

      Reply
  3. Kesu says

    January 16, 2021 at 12:52 pm

    So many interesting recommendations. Sadly I haven’t read any of this books.

    Reply
    • milelongtbr says

      January 20, 2021 at 2:07 am

      Hopefully it gives you an idea of ones you may enjoy!

      Reply
  4. Harishma Ansari says

    January 18, 2021 at 10:15 am

    Wow! Great wrap up! I got so many inspiration for my next read. Thank you

    Reply
    • milelongtbr says

      January 20, 2021 at 2:07 am

      Glad to hear that, thank you!

      Reply

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💕Big books in little hands make my heart happy! 💕Big books in little hands make my heart happy! 💕

Do you remember when your love for books began? 

Mine has been going strong for many years. I remember a Disney book version of Bambi was the first book I ever "read." 

Really, I'd only memorized it, but that was definitely the start of me reading on my own and I haven't slowed down since!

P.S. - If you're looking for dino book recommendations. I've got you! 🦖😂🦖 Let me know if you have any we should check out !
Time travel books tend to be some of my favorite r Time travel books tend to be some of my favorite reads, mainly because of their tendency to be thought-provoking and packed with emotions. 

Before The Coffee Gets Cold is such a unique twist on time travel. 

It's set in a tiny, magical Japanese cafe where one seat has the ability to take you to another time to visit someone.. but there are rules. Lots of rules.

You must remain in the seat, you must be meeting someone who has also been to the cafe, and you may only stay for the length of time it takes your coffee to get cold. And nothing in your journet can change the present. 

This book explores a number of different relationships as people take a chance to revisit missed opportunities , despite the limitations. 

The story is nothing short of beautiful. It didn't quite carry the emotional punch I was expecting/hoping for, but it didn't make me love this charming and unique story one bit less. 

The characters are so nuanced- you'll feel for each of them as the go on their journey within thr cafe and within themselves to learn that even if you can't change the course of, the experience will surely shape your future. 

This is a shot read, and one I highly recommend.

I read it in translation from Japanese and love the insight into the  culture it provided. 

Whats the last book you read in translation?
💕Happy Caturday! 💕 It's been getting HOT he 💕Happy Caturday! 💕

It's been getting HOT here lately, so my plan today involves my pink chair, sunshine,  and Concrete Rose, which I'm about halfway through and loving so far.

As always I'm hoping to squeeze just one more book into the month after I finish it! 

Are you trying to finish any books this weekend ? 

Would you rather read outside by the water or inside, cozies up with a blanket ?
💕🌸On Wednesday we read pink! 🌸💕 Altho 💕🌸On Wednesday we read pink! 🌸💕

Although I've been reading A LOT of pink books all month.

I've also been playing around with designing and printing some bookish products and am loving how they turned out!

Do you like collecting any bookish stuff like bookmarks, mugs, or tees? Let me know in the comments!
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Just popping in before I start my new Friday Night routine of starting a YA novel and opening a bottle of wine. 

I LOVED Megan McCafferty Jessica Darling books as a teen, but hadn't thought about them much until I learned they're being re-released this year with adorable new cover art.

I relate way too much to the forward by the lovely @rebecca_serle and am excited to start reading Sloppy Firsts tonight!

Do you remember these books from your younger days? 

What did you love reading as a teen? 

Have a lovely Friday night and let me know in the comments!
Samantha Irby @bitchesgottaeat is quickly becoming Samantha Irby @bitchesgottaeat is quickly becoming a go-to author for funny essays. 

I read Irby's most recent collection in November and decided this was the perfect time to check out another one.

The content is similar and the authors voice shines through in these personal essays. I definitely recommend these books if you're looking for a good quick read with lots of laugh (but prepared for lots of bathroom and sexual humor.) 

Are you reading any nonfiction for Black History Month ?

I have a couple other hopefuls in this category, but as always it's a struggle fitting them all in - especially in this short month!
A million years ago Vicki @antipodeanbookclub tagg A million years ago Vicki @antipodeanbookclub tagged me in her fun #bookstagramvirtualtravel challenge. I’ve posted some pics in my stories of my past travels, but I’m just now getting around to a post featuring this pic from Valentine’s Day in 2019.  
 
I don’t think I’l EVER be over this view from my Air BnB on Lake Atitlan in Guatemala or the absolute perfection that was this trip. 
 
Travel is one of the things I’ve missed the most over this past year, but thankfully escaping into my reading has helped fill that void. 
 
Last year my reading took me to over 23 different countries. 
 
So far in the first few weeks of 2021, my books have taken me to England, Scotland, Afghanistan, Australia, France, Canada, The Netherlands, France, and all over the United States. 
 
I’m hoping for many more in the coming months - with a focus on Own Voice Stories and so I made a little reading passport to keep track of all the places I get to go. 
 
I’ll have a highlight for the challenge and have been making some cool stickers and graphics to go along with it. 
 
If anyone wants to joing my #readingpassportchallenge let me know and I’d be happy to share resources for templates as well as book recomendations for different countries. 
 
What’s a place you’d love to visit once it’s safe? Have you read a book that takes place there?
💕💕Happy Valentine's Day, Lovelies!!💕💕 💕💕Happy Valentine's Day, Lovelies!!💕💕

Hope your day is filled with all kinds of love and hopefully some time to read too!

 Tell me your favorite type of flower in the comments! 💐

I love peonies ! 😍🌸
THIS BOOK!   I took a quick snap of my pizza last THIS BOOK!
 
I took a quick snap of my pizza last night since I missed National Pizza Day earlier in the week. I planned on posting last night but after some debate decided to start Instructions for Dancing and time got away from me.

Basically, I spent every waking minute reading until I was done, save for the break I took when the book gave me literal goosebumps and made my hair stand on end. 
 
The Sun is Also A Star is one of my all-time favorite YA books, so I requested Instructions for Dancing knowing little about it other than it was by Nicola Yoon.
 
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If you’re lucky enough to have an ARC of this one please go read it ASAP because I have thoughts… and all the feels for this book. 
 
If you don’t go preorder it!  The book comes out 01 June 2021. I’ll have a full review closer to Pup Day but definitely add this to your TBR if you loved  In Five Years, Oona Out of Order, or The Sun is Also A Star.

Whats one of your favorite YA reads ?
Finlay Donovan is many things. She's a writer, a m Finlay Donovan is many things. She's a writer, a mother, a divorcee, and... a killer?

This book is a delightful and hilarious account of a struggling romance writer and single mother who gets solicited to commit murder after a slight misunderstanding at a Panera. 

There's no way she would ever do something like that, though?

 Right?

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It's a little campier than your average thriller but Finlay is such an honest and relatable heroine you won't mind if the storyline is a wild ride. 

Many thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.
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