Here we are! The end of the year, and as usual I have a lot of reading to finish to hit my goal of 65 books. I always seem to find myself a little bit behind at this point in the year, and this year is no different. I need to read eight books over the month to hit my target. Doable, but I definitely have work to do! Here are my plans...
The City We Became - N.K. Jemisin
In Manhattan, a young grad student gets off the train and realizes he doesn't remember who he is, where he's from, or even his own name. But he can sense the beating heart of the city, see its history, and feel its power. In the Bronx, a Lenape gallery director discovers strange graffiti scattered throughout the city, so beautiful and powerful it's as if the paint is literally calling to her. In Brooklyn, a politician and mother finds she can hear the songs of her city, pulsing to the beat of her Louboutin heels. And they're not the only ones. Every great city has a soul. Some are ancient as myths, and others are as new and destructive as children. New York? She's got six.
I'm a huge N.K. Jemisin fan, but I've been putting off reading this one, I think because her Broken Earth Trilogy was so world-changing for me. I don't want to be disappointed. Luckily, someone in my book club chose it as this month's book, forcing me into action.
Agatha Christie - The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding
Poirot is asked to attend a Christmas celebration in order to apprehend a jewel-thief who has taken advantage of an unwary eastern prince.
I always like to read at least one Christmas-themed book during December and this one fits the bill perfectly! It's Christie, Christmas, and blessedly short!
Book 3 - By the fall of 1963, the Civil Rights Movement has penetrated deep into the American consciousness, and as chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, John Lewis is guiding the tip of the spear. Through relentless direct action, SNCC continues to force the nation to confront its own blatant injustice, but for every step forward, the danger grows more intense: Jim Crow strikes back through legal tricks, intimidation, violence, and death. The only hope for lasting change is to give voice to the millions of Americans silenced by voter suppression: "One Man, One Vote."
I started this powerful trilogy earlier in the year, right before John Lewis' passing. With everything that's happened this year, it seems like the right time to finish it.
Sarai Mio - Sonia Ognibene
Sarai Mio tells the story of an artist named Sandro, who often goes to a cemetery in Bologna to draw one of the statues decorating a tomb. One day, he sees a young woman with red hair walking among the tombs and tries to follow her.
I've fallen completely in love with Sonia Ognibene's Italian readers. They help me keep up my Italian, while also offering a fun and entertaining mystery. They're also the perfect length - short enough to keep my attention, but not too short.
Ring Shout - P. Djèli Clark
IN AMERICA, DEMONS WEAR WHITE HOODS. In 1915, The Birth of a Nation cast a spell across America, swelling the Klan's ranks and drinking deep from the darkest thoughts of white folk. All across the nation they ride, spreading fear and violence among the vulnerable. They plan to bring Hell to Earth. But even Ku Kluxes can die. Standing in their way is Maryse Boudreaux and her fellow resistance fighters, a foul-mouthed sharpshooter and a Harlem Hellfighter. Armed with blade, bullet, and bomb, they hunt their hunters and send the Klan's demons straight to Hell. But something awful's brewing in Macon, and the war on Hell is about to heat up. Can Maryse stop the Klan before it ends the world?
P. Djeli Clark has become one of those authors whose work I immediately purchase sight unseen. I was waiting a long time for this release, and I'm excited to see what magic he spins with this tale.
Before the Devil Breaks You: Diviners Book 3 - Libba Bray
After battling a supernatural sleeping sickness that early claimed two of their own, the Diviners have had enough of lies. They're more determined than ever to uncover the mystery behind their extraordinary powers, even as they face off against an all-new terror. Out on Ward's Island, far from the city's bustle, sits a mental hospital haunted by the lost souls of people long forgotten--ghosts who have unusual and dangerous ties to the man in the stovepipe hat, also known as the King of Crows. With terrible accounts of murder and possession flooding in from all over, and New York City on the verge of panic, the Diviners must band together and brave the sinister ghosts invading the asylum, a fight that will bring them fact-to-face with the King of Crows.
I've been listening to this series on audio book, and it's so much fun and incredibly well-acted. Listening to the audio version also gives me the opportunity to fit it in while working, giving me more time to read overall.
Wild Card!
This time around I only have one wild card, instead of my usual two. We'll see what slides in here!
Do you do a TBR? What books are you looking forward to reading this month? Share in the comments!
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