Happy holidays, everyone! As we race towards the end of 2023 I’ve realized I need to take a break and reset so I won’t be posting again until next year. This year has been more challenging than expected with my health so I need to adjust my routine and schedule, meaning there are likely to be changes to The Gilmore Guide to Books. I’m just not sure what that means so bear with me.
Despite the onslaught of chaos and toxicity in the news that is currently fraying my brain and threatening to unravel me completely in 2024, 2023 had some wonderful, fresh, startling, beautiful reading. Hopefully, I’ll have my traditional year end lists up after the new year.
Until then, I wish you all a peaceful, happy holiday. Be kind to yourselves and to others. Last, but certainly not least, thank you so much for continuing to support this blog and allowing me to chatter on about books (and sometimes more than books). I hope my reviews have helped you find great reading and that there are many more wonderful books to come.
I recently remembered this holiday experience I had years ago. It feels like the right time to share again. It’s a little wordy, but so am I. ❤️
Happy holidays to you, friend! Wishing you health and amazing reading in the new year.
Thank you and the same to you! I love seeing pictures of you and your boys- so happy and bright. They always make me smile.
I was deeply touched by your previous holiday experience that you linked to. Thank you so much for sharing that. Many blessings to you this holiday season and in the coming year. I applaud your efforts to take care of yourself. Thank you for all you do to enhance my reading life.
Oh…thank you! It makes me so happy if someone can find a book they love after reading my review.
It’s a bit sad, but I’d completely forgotten about that night until recently. Such a kindness. I’ve tried to do the same kind of thing for strangers. Always makes me happy.
What a touching story! Wishing you a wonderful, restful holiday season. Enjoy the break! I always love your book reviews, so I hope you’ll continue writing them. Looking forward to your year end list.
Thank you! It helps knowing that I’m not just writing into the void. I’m using the break to find ways to get the most out of my energy and stay sane in the upcoming year.
Catherine,
I hope you’ll continue with Sarah’s Bookshelves podcast; but if not, I wish you the best! Over the years I have often checked your blog for a review of a particular book I’m interested in. Your reviews are thoughtful and thorough!
Sincerely,
Sally Mentzer (sarahjane_books)
Oh, the podcast is one of my top priorities! I love doing it and have fun with Sarah. I just need to adjust my routine due to my MS and stay sane in the upcoming year.
What a wonderful holiday story from 2007. Thx for sharing. It touched me that that really happened. A real gift. Wow.
I hope you are all right health-wise and can reset. Of course I really value your reviews here and love your blog so I hope it continues. I also like your book tidbits on the podcast too. If you get down about the political mess in the States, keep driving north into B.C. – don’t look back. Though hopefully the whole NW will always be a progressive bastion far from the rest. Merry Christmas. & happy reading.
Thank you! Maybe the PNW will secede with California if things go as badly as are predicted!
Books are my sanity so I just need to figure out how to expend my energy on the positive and ignore the negative.
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
You have definitely helped me find many great books to read this year. I love reading your reviews.
Looking forward to reading your reviews in 2024.
Thanks for sharing that story it was lovely.
What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing. This is a good time of year to remind ourselves of the importance of kindness. Thanks for all your great book reviews! I hope 2024 is a good year for you.
I think we’re going to need reminding of kindness and grace throughout 2024.
Thank you for supporting my blog!
What a beautiful story at a time when the world is filled with hate and unkind stories. Thank you and hope the coming year brings you better health outcomes
Thank you for supporting the blog! You’re right about hate and I’m afraid it’s only going to get much worse in 2024.
I am sorry to hear about the healthy challenges! Chronic illnesses SUCK. So much of our life isn’t in our control or our control is oh so tenuous. Good for you for taking a break and prioritizing rest. I hope you the holiday season is as restorative as can be! Thanks for all the posts and your participation on Sarah’s podcasts. You, Susie and Sarah have such a huge impact on my reading!! So thank you for that!
You’re so kind! I know you understand better than most. I hope you’re doing well. 2024 is not going to help any of our stress levels.
Best to you, Catherine – put your feet up and have a happy, restful holiday.
Happy holidays! I rarely leave a reply but I love reading your blog posts.
I also got down with the news, so I’ve limited myself on social media since Thanksgiving. I now only listen to a few news podcasts, NPR, and read the BBC News website. My sources seem more balanced and I see the enraged posts. I feel so much better for it!
Thank you so much for your support and for commenting! You are wise in your decision to step away from the news. That’s part of what I’m trying to figure out for 2024. My current routine won’t work.
Wishing you a restful break and looking forward to your review of the year’s best reading!
Thank you! It’s been really nice. I’ve looked at my 2023 tracker and my lists are going to be weirder than in any other year!
Thank you for sharing that holiday story! What a lovely thing to have happen. I wish you good health and happiness in 2024, and that your blog becomes whatever you need it to become for your happiness!
Laila, thank you! I’m so grateful for your support. I hope you’re doing well. It seems as if the news is just getting worse and worse so hope we can both find ways to de-stress.