Lighter days ahead
Recommendations #15
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Happy Iām-not-sure-what-day-it-is time of year. What we do know is that days are getting longer and lighter from here š.
December is full of contradictions for me; the urge to rest vs. a calendar full of events, the magic vs. the mayhem, presence vs. presents, the twinkly Christmas lights vs. the never ending dark nights. You get it.
I hope you get whatever youāre craving in the next few weeks. And, crucially, I hope you have the right book to accompany you.
See you in 2026 š
Currently reading: All Adults Here by Emma Straub
What Iāve read this year -
On to the recommendations! A real mix this month (itās a month of contradictions after all), a few inspirational women, a gorgeous set of friends and a love story for the ages.
For those that are new here (hi, welcome!), I split my book recommendationās into four categories and include a mix of new releases and books Iāve previously loved that feel timely. Hopefully thereās something for you.
COSY & COMFORTING
A book that has no ulterior motive and is simply a delightful time.
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
Translated by: Ginny Tapley Takemori
Published: Jun 2018
Summary: It was Foyles book of the year in 2018 so this is by no means *new* but if you missed it all those years ago, or you had every intention to pick it up and totally forgot it existed, this is your sign.
Follow Keiko, a woman living her own life in a society where there are strict expectations and pressure to conform to the norm. Keiko tries to fit in but quite honestly she is very happy working in the shop she has worked in for half her life.
LOVE & BEING HUMAN
Everything and anything that gives insight and exposes the true messiness of being human..
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
Published: Jun 2025
Summary: š„ MY BOOK OF THE YEAR š„ One of the two five star books Iāve read this year. You will laugh, cry and ultimately feel hope in humanity (and want to hug all your friends close).
Two story lines converge. In one you follow Louisa a lonely grieving orphan who meets an artist aka her idol (and his meek best friend). In the other meet Joar, Ted, Ali and the Artist as they form a formidable friendship despite the rough hand life has thrown them. There is tragedy throughout but Backman deals with it with his usual grace and (sometimes black) comedy.
I will treasure this book.
INTENSE & REWARDING
Books that can fall on the heavier side but really give you something to get stuck into.
Educated by Tara Westover
Published: Nov 2018
Summary: This memoir will knock your socks off. If you want to feel inspired and empowered going into 2026 you must read this.
Westoverās life story would be too outrageous for a fiction book. She grew up in the rural mountains of Idaho with her *extremely* religious family. No, she didnāt go to schoolā¦ she didnāt even have a birth certificate. If you can think of the extreme opposite of that experience, that is (somehow!) where Tara ends up. She is a true hero in my eyes (and my mums!).
I donāt want to say any more and spoil your reading experience. Read it.
PICK āNā MIX
Anything that doesnāt fit into the other three (e.g. fantasy/ non-fiction) or simply something I want to recommend that fits the theme.
The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
Published: Apr 1977
Summary: Talk about a love story of the ages! If you havenāt read the book or watched the mini-series, I implore you to start the book tomorrow.
Think Pride & Prejudice if it was set in the outback of Australia in the 1900sā¦ Trust me, the comparison works. A forbidden love, a bitter twisted rich aunt and the OG Hot Priest. This book is so all encompassing it will be the perfect escape in the days between Christmas and New Year. Maggie and Father Ralph de Bricassartās love is one for this history books.
The other 5* book I read was Wellness by Nathan Smith (I wrote about that here).
Sending Christmas kindness and love to you all over the next few weeks. Thank you for being here this year and Iām excited to do it all again in 2026!
As always, please let me know what youāre reading and loving š
Happy reading xo
PS. All previous books recommendations are also categorised into ācosyā, āloveā, āintenseā and āpick n mixā shelves on my bookshop.org store (if you buy through any of the links via bookshop.org I may get a tiny kick back commission).
PPS. And if youāre still here, I get an email saying āxyz has liked your postā every time one of you clicks ālikeā and it quite literally makes my day!
If youād like to read more of my book recommendations, see my previous Substack posts here:
Take what you need | A grazing board of books | Take one, pass the rest along | A pocket of peace | A sip of comfort | A mixed bag | Strength and beauty | Steady rhythm, joy | Here comes the sun | The illusive beast | A soft exhale | Floating through change | Go on, try it | Trying to lean in |
Alternatively, you can see a summary of all the titles I have recommended so far here
Or follow me on Goodreads or the Bookshop to keep up to date with my reading:
Great book selection Hannah