The books I read in December
and which ones I would recommend
I’m a book nerd. Always have been, always will be.
In 2020 I had laser eye surgery done and they told me that reading would be the one thing that made my eyes revert. I bought reading glasses last week.
If there is one thing I could never give up, it’s reading. Even if I couldn’t soak in the sweet words through my eyes, I would listen. Which I do at the gym.
Books are my world.
It’s through this lens that I would like to begin sharing the books I’m reading with you on a month to month basis.
If one jumps out at you to read, all the better. It’s how some of my favourite books have found me.
Something to note, I read self development and fantasy. Up until this year almost exclusively. I’ve made a decision to test other genres out this year so I will be holding myself accountable to that here.
Without further ado, let’s begin!
These are the books I read in December and how they came to be (cause a little story telling about the story telling is always fun).
Fiction:
Although I did not necessarily love book two in this series, I found myself wanting to complete it. I do have to admit, there were some surprise twists and turns I wasn’t expecting at the end, but it wasn’t my favourite book of the month - or even the year. Good for an easy read without too much investment.
Let it be noted that in the beginning I HATED this book and wondered if I would even be able to read it. The way they presented the enemies to lovers trope made my blood boil and I was enraged. Then the narrative shifted and it all made sense. As soon as that happened, it turned out I quite enjoyed the world building and the characters much more. Stay tuned in a further email for book two, as I will absolutely be reading it.
This book found its way to me through one of my kids. They attended a Christmas party called Wrap Your Crap and came home with a pile of books with this one in it. How could I not dip my toes into something that said “One’s a dame, One’s a dragon, They’re Detectives”. I knew it was going to be terrible and it was, which made me love it even more. I will always celebrate people writing books. It’s not an easy feat and completing and self publishing a book is a thing. Celebrating the author and I won’t be reading anymore in this series.
Here is my first foray out of fantasy and into a book about relationships. This book was passed along to me by my mother-in-law who thoroughly enjoyed it. It was sweet. Taking place during Covid on a cherry farm, it shares the relationship of a mother and her daughters through the mother sharing a story about when she worked at Tom Lake and met a famous actor. It was a very sweet read and very far from what I typically read. I did learn that Ann Patchett is considered an American treasure for her contributions to American literature, which was kind of cool.
Technically I finished this book on January 1st, but I’m including it here because I just want to talk about it with anyone who will talk to me about it. I LOVED THIS BOOK. It was hands down my favourite read of the year. I had no idea what it was about other dark academia (which is my favourite genre) and from the first page I was hooked. The whole book is a journey of the self with hell being the backdrop. Can it get any better than that!! This is one of those books I wish I could go back and start over like I haven’t read it.
Non Fiction:
This was a book that jumped out at me from another source. One of my intentions for this year is to increase my spiritual gifts, so this book felt like it fit the bill. The book is well laid out and all information is helpful, its just that it reads like a textbook. I’m someone who wants to know all about the author’s journey, and that is the only thing this book was lacking. All the tools and practices were great, there just wasn’t enough human in it for me.
Since the Fall Equinox I’ve been running a program called Lunar Witch Society. Each month we meet with a Goddess and tune into her energy. December we connected with Inanna. Through reading this book I fell in love with not only Inanna, but also Enheduanna, the first known author and poet in recorded history. Enheduanna was a priestess of the moon temple in Sumeria around 2000-3000 BCE. Her poetry and hymns about Inanna will forever be a part of my soul.
This book came as a recommendation from someone I love. They asked me to read it so that I would understand how their brain works. As much as it was a challenging subject to read about, it was also one of the best books I’ve read about mental health. It was storytelling with a comedic and honest reflection about what living with BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) looks like. I laughed, I learned, I cried. If you know someone who’s brain tells them to kill themselves, this book is a window into what that feels like for them. One of the best books I read in 2025 for me.
I completed my month with more about Inanna because she was the original Goddess who has written knowledge about her. This book shares multiple stories gathered and translated for over fifty years. The story of Innana’s descent into the underworld tells a story that feels similar to what Mary Magdalene shares in her gospel (Mary was the Goddess in October). Both women sharing about the journey into the dark to find the fullness of oneself are inspiring the framework for the next book I want to write (stay tuned).
As I begin January I’m excited for what books will find their way into my heart and home.
If you have read any of these or have recommendations, I’m always up to learn more and grow more.
My non fantasy book for January will be 1984 which I am disturbed and excited to read. The person who recommends it says it is uncomfortable in its relevance to current events. I will let you know.
Sending you loads of love for the new year,
Next Friday and Saturday I’m hosting a two day event from 12-4 pm EST. It’s called Reflect and Rise and is a deep look at who you became in 2025 and who you are becoming in 2026. We close the year, a nine year cycle, open a year and a nine year cycle, plus do a 12 month oracle spread to anchor it all in.
Cost is $333 and you can register with the link below. The event is recorded in case you miss a day, want to go through the material slowly, or need to leave during one of the days. This is a sacred ritual of slowing down and witnessing yourself. Let me know if you have any questions about it.