November. I’ve been cautioned about staying out of politics and overreacting. Thanks for the advice, but it’s my blog and there are times when staying silent is not an option. The good news is that my rage of a thousand suns and despair for the future have subsided. The majority has spoken and now I’ll wait. Wait and see what happens to women, children, seniors, people of color, and the LGBTQ community. Maybe we’ll have four years of prosperity for all, growth, and renewed community. Maybe my MS will heal itself.
On to my reading. Or, maybe not surprisingly, my lack thereof. As I was prepping for this post, I looked at my reading tracker and I have only read 6 books in November. I haven’t had a month this bad in over a decade. It’s odd because I would have said I was reading all month, but if I think about it, it was stopping and starting numerous books, but being unable to stick with almost anything to the finish. That being said, what did work, worked extremely well, with some of my highest rated books of the year.
Selling Sexy: Victoria’s Secret and the Unraveling of an American Icon by Lauren Sherman, Chantal Fernandez
Published by Henry Holt & Company
Publication date: October 8, 2024
Genres: Non-fiction, Business, fashion, History, Pop culture 
Bookshop
Selling Sexy by Lauren Summers is a deep dive into the juggernaut that was Vitoria’s Secret, from the time of its inception as an upscale boutique of high-priced French underthings to its dominance in the world of lingerie. As someone who worked in retail for a decade, getting a glimpse into the mind of Les Wexner, the founder and owner of stores like Victoria’s Secret was riveting. He had no interest in fashion at all, but was able to tap into the zeitgeist of female shoppers.
If you’re interested in Wexner’s connection to Jeffrey Epstein there isn’t anything new in the book.
Bear by Julia Phillips: My review
Ghosts by Dolly Alterton: Review to follow
Published by Flatiron Books
Publication date: November 12, 2024
Genres: Fiction, Fantasy
Bookshop
I’ve been reading more fantasy recently, but while much of it has made for a superb getaway, The Courting of Bristol Keats was not for me. After the death of both parents Bristol is informed that an unknown aunt has an offer of financial help. This help is predicated on Bristol traveling into a magical world to help its inhabitants. This author previously wrote YA fantasy and after finishing this book I’d say she still does. The writing, plot, and narrative felt designed for a younger more, forgiving mind. What was definitely adult were numerous sex scenes, preparing for those scenes, dreaming of those scenes…yawn. If you like romantasy (romance fantasy) give this a try.
The Best Lies by David Ellis: Outstanding, twitchy, twisty thriller. My review
The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore: Intriguing historical fiction about the battle between Edison and Westinghouse. Stay posted
Instructions for a Heatwave by Maggie O’Farrell: Typical (in the best way) literary fiction from O’Farrell. This time about one family brought back together in the midst of a London heatwave when their father disappears. Review to follow.
That is all I have. Definitely a case of quality over quantity in November. How about you? How was your reading? What’s your mood like?
This post contains affiliate links to Bookshop.org which means if you click on a link and make a purchase of any kind, I get a small commission (at no cost to you).
*I received free copies of this book from Henry Holt & Copy and Flatiron Books in exchange for an honest review.*
I appreciate your reviews and your thoughts and you. Thanks for being you and for sharing with us. Never be anyone other than yourself. And remember, that while it appears so very bleak, about half the country does agree with you and feels the same sadness, disappointment and anger. I am proud to be among them and thankful for your voice. Take good care and try and find joy in the coming holiday season.
That’s very kind. Thank you. I’m working on recalibrating as it’s going to be a long 4 years.
I hope you have a peaceful holiday season.
I hear you! My husband, BFF, sisters, and I are trying to be resilient in the face of despair. Which brings me to the book I bought, used, at Peregrine Books on a visit to Prescott, AZ last week. Before I describe the book, I told a clerk how much I liked where they positioned the book Melania on their New Releases shelf. Way down in the far corner, so the black cover was almost invisible. The clerk nodded knowingly. Anyway, the book I bought was The Beauty of Dusk by Frank Bruni. Bruni lost the sight in one eye a few years ago, and the book, so far, deals with how people have confronted their fears and losses. It sounds dire, but it isn’t. I feel like he’s a friend since I read his newsletter every week, see him on CNN once in awhile, and he contributes to the NYT often. I recommend his weekly newsletter. He’s a true mensch.
Yes, it’s your blog! Rant away whenever you need to. Thanks for being so candid!
My mother adores reading him! I’ll look for this book, it sounds like the perfect reading for right now.
I love that you found a sympathetic book seller in AZ. Yay!
“Maybe we’ll have four years of prosperity for all, growth, and renewed community. Maybe my MS will heal itself.” Best line. And hey, this is your blog. No one is forced to read it. Keep saying what you have to say. November was a disappointing month and I have to talk about the election results since it impacts financial markets… but I did have 2 days off after the election so it was nice to just hide out and not talk to people/consume media/etc.
My best book of th emonth was “Tell Me Everything” by Strout. I also really liked Victim, Colored Television, and Wolf at the Table (although that book is very dark…). The last one was a Susie rec.
Ugh, I can’t imagine if I had to face politics every day. You must have a strong psychological constitution!
I have Tell Me Everything, but I haven’t read the rest of the books and have decided I’m going to go back and do that.
I’m sorry you had to deal with unpleasant comments. And also sorry about the mixed bag of reading. I read multiple five-star books in November – The God of the Woods, Margo’s Got Money Troubles, I’m Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself. etc. It’s been a good spell.
Happy to hear that! I haven’t heard of I’m Mostly Here so will have to look for it.
I hope all is well in your neck of the woods. Have a Merry Christmas!