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Monday, November 30, 2020

Books I Read in November

Hi there! It's time for my monthly book review and I read some pretty great ones this month. I can't wait to share them with you! 

You all know the drill here, I read some books and grade them on a letter grade scale (once a teacher, always a teacher), and then if you've read them I'd love it if you left me a comment below telling me your thoughts. 
First up...
Christmas Shopaholic-- this book was EXACTLY what I needed in the beginning of November. I had just read some heavier books and with all the stress/anxiety of the news/eleciton I needed a fun and lighthearted escape. The Shopaholic series is always over-the-top ridiculous but I walk away from reading them in a happier mood. They are sweet, cheesy and completely predictable... but when you're in the mood for that there's nothing better. It's kinda like the book equivalent of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Needless to say, I loved it. I give it a solid A. By no means was this a deep read that will stay with me for years to come, but it was great for what it was: a book rom-com.
The Cozy Life-- Oh wow, this book was a perfect read for this time of year! I am very much a warm-weather lover. I love to be outside hiking or playing with my kids in the pool as soon as the warm weather hits. Every year I struggle a little bit as it starts to get cold. This book was my way of psyching myself up for cooler temps and it worked! This book is by a Danish author and discusses the Danish/Norwegian concept of hygge. After reading it, I did a whole post about hygge here. I have actually started a new hygge-like routine each morning where I make my first cup of coffee, turn on the fireplace, turn on the Christmas tree and these string lights, tell our Google Home to "play soft music" (it always gets it just right), and then I do my gratitude/positivity journal and say my morning prayers. It has been such a peaceful way to start the day! All because I read this book! So needless to say, this one is getting an A+.
The Path Made Clear-- Well first of all this book was written by Oprah and was described to me as "Oprah's tips for how to live a successful life". As soon as I heard that I knew I had to add it to my book list! This book was a sweet, positive, uplifting read about the different things Oprah thought were important for reaching your personal goals/contentment. She starts each chapter with her own thoughts or personal stories on the topic, and then adds wise words from some of the many famous people she has interviewed. It was fun to read what famous authors, artists,  musicians, politicians, and others thought was important to share about their path to success. This was an easy book to read, and easy to pick up/put down. I will say it wasn't nearly as in depth as I was hoping... it was all kind of, well, fluff. I give it a B+.
A Man Called Ove-- Oh this was so sweet! I was very emotionally invested in this book. I chuckled out loud a lot while reading, but there were other parts that made me get emotional/teary. It is such a sweet read about a grumpy old man and his obnoxious (to him) neighbors that move in on his street. They become a part of his life and turn his grumpy world upside down. It was turned into a movie in Sweden a few years ago but Tom Hanks is producing an English language one now. I would love to see both! If you're looking for something sweet and heartwarming to read, I would definitely recommend this one. A trigger warning though, this book does discuss some heavy topics like suicide and miscarriage. I'd hate for anyone to read it from my recommendation and be upset by those. I give it a solid A.

So now I am looking for all the light/upbeat/holiday books for the month of December. I would love any recommendations you may have! I did just have a historical fiction novel I've been waiting on forever finally become available at the library, so I will read that first. After that though, I would love any suggestions you may have! You all always come through with some great books for me to add to my list!

I hope you all have a great Monday!

9 comments :

  1. I love the Shopaholic series. I think I'll be reading her new book this month, though I heard mixed reviews on it. I loved Ove, his new book Anxious People was one of my favorites of this year.

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    1. Apparently I am the last person to have read A Man Called One!! It was fantastic. I need to add Anxious People to my list! And Sophie Kinsella's new book. Thank you for the recommendations!

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  2. A Man Called Ove is always one of my top recommendations. The Swedish movie version was on Netflix one time, although I think it's gone now, and they did a great job. I'm interested in the Oprah one.

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    1. I need to try to find the Swedish version online somewhere!

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  3. I have never read the Shopaholic series. Adding that to my list. Especially the Christmas one.

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    1. They're so cute! If you love chick-lit, you'll love them!

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    1. It was just the sweetest! The ending was so heartwarming

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  5. Hmm....thinking I might need a book from the shopaholic series. Light is defintiely on my list!

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