Every month I read some books, and then what I do is write a blog article about those books with a short summary of my review and a link to the full review. This way you can see what I’ve read and you can see what I thought of those books – genius eh? Every book blogger does it? Oh, ok. Anyway, here are the five books I read in December.
Please note that this article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase any products via the links below, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These affiliate links do not affect my final opinion of the product.
In December I read five books which is about average. I was under pressure (but not really though) to finish my reading goal for the year this month. My goal was sixty books (which with the five I read this month, I reached in the end) and so I was keen to try and read some books that were quick and easy reads.
This month included one of the few non-fiction books I’ve read this year and four fictional books, one of which ended up being on my final list of Best Books I Read in 2022 and my average rating was 4.35, so I would say it was a very good month for reading!
You’ve likely stopped reading by now but if you haven’t, here are the five books I read this month:
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
“The Giver of Stars was a mature and very enjoyable book. It tells the story of strong women during a time when women weren’t allowed to be strong. It is a novel about how romance and love don’t always turn out the way you want and aren’t always found in formulaic ways. Alice and Margery are great main characters and the story itself flows nicely, dipping us into different lives and unique circumstances. The fact it’s all based on a true story is also fascinating and one that makes the whole endeavour feel even more worth reading. If you’re looking for an easy, enjoyable but mature book, The Giver of Stars should be near the top of your list.”
Read my full review here | Pick up a copy from Amazon here
Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese
“Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese is a wonderfully written and romantic tale about the uphill fight Isobel has to face after her husband seemingly abandons her in America during a time when it isn’t so easy for women to make a name for themselves or even make a life for themselves on their own. Isobel’s synesthesia (the ability to see colours when people speak) adds a wonderful depth to the storytelling and character building with some of the characters already being very enjoyable. If you enjoy historical fiction and are looking for something a little more laid-back and poetic, Hester would be a fantastic option for you.”
Read my full review here | Pick up a copy from Amazon here
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder initially comes off as a book that might be more about a young person’s attempt to solve a murder – in a similar vein to stories we’ve read during our early teens. However, by the end of it, you realise Jackson has written a far more mature book, one filled with great characters, disturbing storylines, realistic family experiences and a world you’d happily jump back into again with confidence. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is fun, witty, and smart and is going to be one of my focus series going into 2023.”
Read my full review here | Pick up a copy from Amazon here
Snowed in for Christmas by Sarah Morgan
“I’m not sure Snowed In For Christmas by Sarah Morgan quite got me into the festive mood I was hoping for this year but it was very easy to read and had a lot of heart. The plot was weak and overly cheesy but the characters had humour, depth and a good sense of the occasion. It’s not necessarily a book I’ll be recommending to everybody but it’s also one of those books that when asked if someone should read it, I’d say “yeah, it’s quite cosy and an easy read”.”
Read my full review here | Pick up a copy from Amazon here
Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry
“Matthew Perry’s memoir Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing was an incredibly powerful tale of a man who, to everyone’s untrained eye had everything: money, good looks, fame, popularity, the women, the house, the cars, the career. But behind that, away from the public, the limelight and the cameras he was struggling with one of the most all-encompassing diseases somebody with an able body could suffer from – an addiction.
If you’re a fan of Friends, I’d go into this book with caution as you may never be able to watch it without thinking of Chandler differently. However, in the same breath, I’d wholeheartedly recommend reading Perry’s story. It’s real, it’s brutal and it is emotional – everything you want the memoir of one of the most famous men on TV to be.”
Read my full review here | Pick up a copy from Amazon here
So in summary…
December was a fantastic month for books. My favourite two books would have to be Matthew Perry’s memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing and A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder by Holly Jackson. Perry’s memoir was the first I’ve ever read actually and it was dark, harrowing and fantastic. Holly Jackson’s first book in her series is a fantastic book that offers up twists, a gripping plot and a genuinely likeable relationship.
What books did you read this month? Have you read any of the books above? Did you enjoy any of them?
