I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving feasts! Now, it’s time to feast on the words in great books. Here are my book stats for November.

Best Classic

Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. Since I read this book in high school, I knew all the massive plot twists already. That changed the reading experience, but it was still an amazing read. I was struck by how this story couldn’t be told as a modern day version since so much of the plot relies on old behavioral norms between men and women and limited communication (like not asking questions, no cell phones, no social media). Still, the atmosphere and moods in this book are off the charts.

Best Book I’ve Been Meaning to Read for a Long Time

The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich. This book won the 2021 Pulitzer. Even though Erdrich’s books deal with difficult subjects, they always feel comforting to me. Maybe that’s because her characters are resilient and she usually ends with some sense of redemption or hope—and that’s my sweet spot with books.

Best Picture Book

An Ordinary Day by Elana K. Arnold, illustrated by Elizabet Vukovic. This book will stay with me for a long time. It moved me to tears. I don’t want to tell you about the plot or subject matter because I want you to experience the book without any pretense. If you plan on reading this to young kids, I’d preview it first. This is picture book writing and illustration at its best.

Currently Reading

The Sherlock Society by James Ponti. (Middle Grade Mystery) From the publisher: In the tradition of Nancy Drew, four kids and one grandfather in Miami tackle a decades-old mystery in this first book in the action-packed and funny Sherlock Society middle grade series. So far it does feel like a funnier version of a Nancy Drew book. I’m in!

The Faithful Spy by John Hendrix. (Middle Grade Graphic Historical Fiction) From the publisher: The true story of a German pastor and Nazi resistor comes to life in the New York Times–bestselling author’s acclaimed graphic novel. This is a well-timed read since there is also a movie coming out about Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Invitation to Silence and Solitude by Ruth Haley Barton. (Christian Nonfiction ) This is way out of my comfort zone, but I’m feeling the pull to be quiet. Go figure! From the publisher: Much of our faith and practice is about words—preaching, teaching, talking with others. Yet all of these words are not enough to take us into the real presence of God where we can hear his voice. This book is an invitation to meet God deeply and fully outside the demands and noise of daily life.

The Women’s Guide to Overcoming Insomnia by Shelby Harris. (Self Help) Waking up at 3:30 AM almost every morning is taking a toll. So far I love this book as it’s going beyond sleep hygiene (cool room, no screens etc.) and diving into cognitive behavioral changes.

Currently at the Top of My TBR

Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy. (Adult Fiction) This seems like such a sweet book and the book buyer at my favorite bookstore, Fabled, raves about it. Since it’s short it might be the perfect holiday, lounging around read.

Lorrie’s Little Free Library

For readers living in Palos Verdes, here are the books that will magically appear in my Little Free Library tomorrow morning! Subscribers get to grab them first! Happy reading.

Adult Books

The Laws of Connection by David Robson. From the publisher: This groundbreaking study reveals how social connections are far more important than we thought, showing us the steps we can take to build better relationships and improve our lives.

Letters of Note compiled by Shaun Usher. From the publisher: Letters of Note, the book based on the beloved website of the same name, became an instant classic on publication in 2013, selling hundreds of thousands of copies. This new edition sees the collection of the world's most entertaining, inspiring and unusual letters updated with fourteen riveting new missives and a new introduction from curator Shaun Usher.

Middle Grade Books

Breakfast on Mars and 37 Other Delectable Essays: Your Favorite Authors Take A Stab at the Dreaded Essay Assignment edited by Brad Wolfe and Rebecca Stern. From the publisher: This book will inspire students to think differently about the much-feared assignment in elementary and middle schools around the country: essay writing.

The Elephant in the Room by Holly Goldberg Sloan. I loved this book! From the publisher: A moving story of family separation and the importance of the connection between animals and humans, this novel has enormous heart and uplifting humor from the author of Counting by 7s.

Our library is conveniently located on BASSWOOD AVENUE between Silver Spur Elementary and Peninsula High School.

Light’s out. Lorrie’s out.

But before I sign off, I hope you’ll leave a comment about the books that are currently illuminating your life.