My Top Reads | Christmas 2022
All the books I read during the holiday season while I was on the road! plus **some book pics. I looove a good book pic. Is book photography considered a hobby? If it isn’t, then I’m calling it one and claiming it for myself.
I packed only nine books for my trip home and read 6 and a half. I consider that a win! I didn’t want to pack too many and overestimate how much I’ll actually get to read - plus books are heavy and who needs the excess luggage - but I also didn’t want to risk NOT HAVING something to read (that I want to read lol)…
Here’s what I read and my thoughts.
Amor Actually
This is an anthology of nine different love stories set during the holiday season, with all nine couples racing to their HEA before Christmas. It’s heavily inspired by the storylines from Love Actually (duh!…lol) and I enjoyed this very much. I travelled during the holidays and it was great to have multiple stories in one book.
Christmas with Charles Dickens
This is another collection of short stories (it was a theme) - this time from the works of the Charles Dickens. The version I have is edited by Caroline Taggart, who did a great job in selecting the pieces that capture the essence of Dickens' writing. It also only has 4 of his stories: includes classics such as "A Christmas Carol," "A Christmas Dinner," "The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton," and “What Christmas Is as We Grow Older.”
The stories are perfect for the holiday season, with heartwarming themes of generosity, love, and redemption - you know, christmas-y stuff.
FYI - the stories are set in Dickens’ time of Victorian England, but if you’re a Dickens’ fan or looking to get into work, this will be a great addition to your holiday reading list.
The Gods Are Not to Blame by Ola Rotimi
It was my first time back home in almost a decade, so I decided to bring my old books back with me - well some of them. The Gods Are Not to Blame is a book that I read over and over as a child. It’s a Yorùbá retelling of the the Greek classic Oedipus Rex and was first published as a play in 1968, but when I was little I didn’t know that. So, I read about Odewalebefore I knew Oedipus the King even existed.
Like the play that inspired it, the central theme is Fate versus free will. If the gods give prior knowledge via prophecy, are they to blame for the actions of complacent mortals. If you can get it, PLEASE DO. It is a classic tragedy and oh sooo good.
Hadestown by Anaïs Mitchell
I saw Hadestown live on broadway in February and it was SO GOOD. It’s a reimagining of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, and intertwines their tale with that of King Hades and his wife Persephone, taking you on a wild journey to hell and back - literally.
What else is there to say. The show is a blast. The music (live and on the soundtrack) is amazing. Reading the play was just as good. Mitchell is an incredibly playwright and lyricist.
One Last Gift by Emily Stone
The last book I read by Emily Stone (also during Christmas, in 2021) wrecked me. In a good way, I mean. It was a great book (see thoughts here).
I learned my lesson and went into One Last Gift with my tissues and tear ducts ready. Uhhh I used them! I don’t want to give too much way, so I’ll say the book is sad at its core but inspiring and very charming. I think it embodies the essence of what this season feels like for so many - especially those who are reminded of deep loss, and I think those are really important stories to tell.
“It can’t all be sorrow, can it? I’ve always been alone, so I don’t feel the lack. It’s all I’ve ever known. I’ve never experienced loss because I’ve never had a loved one to lose. But what is grief, if not love persevering?”
I imagine that grief is a hard theme to write or think about during Christmas, but if you live long enough or love enough, it’s inevitable. I guess my point is, I tried - and succeeded - not to escape “sad feelings” because it’s Christmas and it was worth it.
“I love talking about her, by the way, so if I cry, it’s only a beautiful thing.” “This is all the unexpressed love, the grief that will remain with us until we pass because we never get enough time with each other, no matter if someone lives till 60, 15, or 99.” “So I hope this grief stays with me because it’s all the unexpressed love that I didn’t get to tell her.”
The Bride Goes Rogue by Joanna Shupe
J.Shupe is a TRUE QUEEN at writing historical romances and an expert at telling passionate love stories with the most titillating scenarios. This is the third (can be read as a standalone) in a 4-book series. If you like historical romances and have not read a Shupe romance, RUN, don’t walk to get one.
The last book in the series comes out in about a month, and I’ll try to remember to review the full series in April/May.
The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer
At the time I published this post, I’m just about half-way through this book. It is a great introduction to spirituality and mindfulness and the idea of letting go which I was/am still battling with.
I love that the authors writing style is clear and concise, and not making things overly complex. It’s also packed with good practical advice for staying present and mindful, which I found to be particularly helpful during the break and my journeys. It’s a slow read for me because I’m trying not to be in the mindset of self-improvement. Less “becoming a better me” and more “okay with being me.” Wish me luck🤞🏾
That’s all I’ve got for now! I tried to mix it up a bit this month 😄. What are you reading or planning on reading? Any suggestions?
Happy Reading. xo,
Igho <3
For more on book-ish thoughts or recommendations, see here.