December reads for when you’re cooped up inside this winter

“The Lincoln Highway” by Amor Towles. This author never disappoints. The main character here makes some decisions that will make you cringe, but the story combines pathos, humor, and tragedy making for a satisfying read.

 

“The Neighbor’s Secret” by L. Allison Heller. A delightful and devilish dive into the secrets of a neighborhood anyone can relate to. The book club politics are spot on. I think all of our reading groups should adopt their theme drink idea.

 

“Going There” by Katie Couric. The journalist is brutally honest in her telling of her life and career. My takeaway was that she is smart and driven and that some journalists are ruthless in obtaining interviews, have amazing experiences, and make sick amounts of money.

Excellent as an Audible book as she narrates her own memoir. 

 

“Fuzz” by Mary Roach. The facts about wildlife and how attempts to “control” nature can not only fail miserably, but often make things worse. Before you dismiss a book about animals, I assure you this author will educate you as she makes you laugh out loud. Roach is snarky, self-deprecating, and repeatedly hilarious.

 

“Capote’s Women” by Laurence Leamer. I thought I knew all about the ladies who befriended author Truman Capote before he outed them in his “Answered Prayers” article, but this was a far more revealing book than anything I ever read in Vanity Fair. These women were the OG of Real Housewives of New York. A fast, fun read.

 

“Getaway” by Zoje Stage. Three girlfriends on a camping trip with no cell phones. What could go wrong?

 

“Mango, Mambo, and Murder” by Raquel Reyes. This is my first book by Reyes and she is a delight. Sharp characterizations, social humor, and murder in Miami. 

 

“Billy Summers” by Stephen King. The man is a master writer. This is not a horror book, but truly superb fiction. War vet turned sniper for hire, but will only kill bad people. 

 

“The Man Who Died Twice” by Richard Osman. Second in the Thursday Murder Club series, read the first if you can, but it is not required. Both have satisfyingly complex plots but the highlight is the humor. Do not underestimate retired folks.

 

“Double Solitaire” by Craig Nova. Ugly things go on in Hollywood that require a “fixer.” Nasty subjects but not overly graphic. The fixer here begins to challenge his moral construct.

 

A DI resident asked me to mention his book “New Mindset, New Results.” Kerry Johnson is a motivational speaker and author of several well-reviewed books in this genre.

 

Go to Beckysbookclub.com for archives of these and all past reviews.