What I Read: November 2023

Too few books, too long a library closure!

Every year I think November is the shortest month and this year is no exception. I only read two (2!) books this month, but spent plenty of time organizing our library holds list to be ready for Christmas. Ha! It has been extra complicated this year, though: my local library is closing on December 9th… and will be closed until early January as they move to a new location. I really had to think ahead!

Planning to celebrate St. Nicholas Day next week with your crew? Here’s a few books to try.

Here’s all our favorite Christmas picture books in one place.

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Here’s What I Read in November:

Love & Saffron: A Novel of Friendship, Food, and Love

by Kim Fay

I asked for food-related reads in last month’s newsletter, and Laura Rennie recommended this one. I’m so glad she did! It hit the spot perfectly. Imogen is a columnist for a magazine, and Joan reads her column every month. Joan sends Imogen a letter and a small packet of saffron, and an enduring friendship begins. It’s sweet and kind and makes you want to spend time in the kitchen, and has just enough twists to keep you engaged and ready to see how it ends.

Goodreads | Bookshop | Libro.FM

The True Saint Nicholas: Why He Matters to Christmas

by William J. Bennett

I remain skeptical on how much of this is fact, but Bennet tells the story in a compelling way that really carries the reader along. Easy enough to read in one or two sittings, hopefully next to a lighted Christmas tree and with a warm beverage.

Goodreads | Bookshop | ThriftBooks | Libro.FM

I did finish The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart about Money by Ron Leiber, which I reviewed last month. The book finished well, and I can definitely recommend it. We’ve already implemented Lieber’s easy allowance system in our house, and been able to use it as a teaching moment when my children emptied SEVEN boxes of brand-new tissues all over their bedroom floor one morning, not 24 hours after my daughter promised she would not do that again. They had to pay me for the tissues out of their allowance, and I think them handing me back the physical money was one step in the right direction. So much of parenting is such a long road… I’ll take any glimmer of hope that we’re doing it “right”.

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What I’m Reading with the Kids:

We’re reading a few St. Nicholas books ahead of December 6th. I’ve got full reviews of all of them here.

We finished Charlotte’s Web — what a delight to read it for the first time with Arthur and let him meet Wilbur and Charlotte (I predictably cried when Charlotte died, even thought I don’t like spiders!). We also watched the 1973 animated movie version, which I totally forgot was a musical and now the songs are permanently re-stuck in my brain. Next up, we’re listening to two different versions on audio: one read by E.B. White himself, and one with a full cast, including Meryl Streep. I’ll report back on which version my kids prefer.

Scott and Arthur re-read Big Foot, Little Foot by Ellen Potter, a story about a Sasquatch and a boy who become unlikely friends. Arthur plans for the second in the series to be our next read aloud (I think there’s 5 or 6 in all).

And we’ve just started the second book in the Heartwood Hotel series, The Greatest Gift. It’s already just as cute as the first one!

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What Books I’m Gifting this Year:

For Arthur, age 6.5:

• The Wild Robot Protects (#3 in the series)

• Luna and the Treasure of Tlaloc (Brownstone Mythical Collection #5)

• Audio Credit for The Buccaneer’s Code (The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates #3)

For Tennyson, almost 4:

• Tales from Deckawoo Drive #7: Mercy Watson is Missing

• Tales from Appletree Farm (an Usborne/Paper Pie collection) — We received a well-loved hand-me-down copy of this from a friend and Arthur is the one who finally read the spine off of it. Ordered a replacement copy so Tennyson can enjoy Poppy & Sam, too — and so Arthur can practice his reading skills.

• Blueberries for Sal & Old Rock is Not Boring — Two of her favorites that we read this year.

Scott’s have to remain a secret until January since I think he reads this newsletter. ;)

Need a book suggestion for someone in your life? Hit “reply” and tell me what they like — I’ll send you a recommendation (or two!)!