What I Read and Loved | November 2023
2023 has been such a great reading year for me. Even though November was a busy month, I ended up reading eight books. I enjoy few things as much as reading a book in front of my Christmas tree, with my favorite blanket and a cup of coffee by my side. That happened a lot in November, and I hope you, too, found moments of calm and joy in the busyness of the holiday season beginning.
Now, onto the books!
What I Read
Harper is living with her best friend in New York City. She wants to be a writer but is struggling to realize her dream. She applies for an influencer's assistant job, even though she knows nothing about the woman she'd be working for, a wife and mom named Charlotte. Charlotte has built an empire as a marriage, parenting, and wellness expert and has the wealth to prove it. Harper is shocked and delighted when she's hired, even though it means relocating to Nashville. As Harper gets to know Charlotte and the frantic culture of the workplace she's created, she has second thoughts about the job and the person she's working for.
Under the Influence is a fun, quick read, and those fascinated by influencer culture like me will probably enjoy this debut novel, written by a woman who worked for Rachel Hollis. I found the story predictable, and several characters could have been more well-developed, but I'm still glad I picked up the book.
The author of The Hours is back with a new novel that follows a family over three years as they face crumbling relationships amid a worldwide pandemic. Day is presented in three parts, each occurring on April 5 in 2019, 2020, and 2021. The story begins with Dan and Isabel, who live in Brooklyn with their two kids and Isabel's brother, Robbie. Their marriage is in trouble, Robbie is looking for a new place to live, and Isabel is frustrated with Dan for pursuing a music career instead of a stable job. Dan and Isabel both seem to love Robbie more than they love each other. Dan's brother, his child, and the child's mother also factor into the book as it progresses.
There were some beautifully written passages in this novel, but some sections were too flowery and overwrought. Isabel made some fatphobic comments, and I'm not sure if Cunningham meant for her character to have that mindset or if his own bias seeped into the text. I appreciate how skillfully Cunningham addressed the COVID-19 pandemic without actually mentioning it by name, but overall, I liked this novel instead of loving it.
I finally read a book that had been on my TBR for years! The student and staff book club I lead at one of my schools was reading books featuring antiheroes for November, and I knew We Have Always Lived in the Castle would be a great fit, and it was.
The story follows two sisters, Merricat and Constance, who live in a gothic house with their eccentric uncle on the outskirts of their town. Constance always stays inside the house, and when Merricat ventures into town, she's mocked, talked about, and stared at. The sisters are ostracized because Constance has been accused of killing their parents and other family members.
This classic novel is weird and occasionally creepy, which makes it a perfect fall read. I loved the bond between the sisters and how Jackson portrayed the damage of gossip and greed.
Claire Keegan is the queen of short books that pack a strong punch. Her newest release, So Late in the Day, contains three short stories about people who aren't getting what they want. In the first story, a man reflects on his failed relationship and the woman who left him. The second story is about a woman's residency writing in a famous house by the sea. One day, an academic wants to see inside the home, and the writer goes out of her way to meet his requests. The final story is about a married woman who wants to have an affair. She seeks out a man at a bar, goes home with him, and gets far more than anticipated.
Keegan captures humanity so well. She gets the messiness of emotions, the exhaustion of longing, and the heaviness of love and infuses her characters with all that realness. I'll read anything she writes. I already want to reread these stories.
This book is pure eye candy, starting with the cover. I thoroughly enjoyed this look at homes around the world, though this book could have used more cultural and economic diversity.
Another book full of eye candy is this one about the style of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. Known for her chic, minimal, and neutral style, CBK's looks resonate even now, decades after her death. I loved this look at '90s fashion and was reminded that simplicity is always in style.
This doorstopper of an Irish novel follows four members of the Barnes family. Dickie is married to the beautiful Imelda, and they have two kids, Cass and PJ. Dickie took over his father's car dealership and garage, and thanks to the recession, he's losing money, and the dealership is on the verge of bankruptcy. Imelda is angry with Dickie for losing the wealth to which she's grown accustomed. Cass is tired of her parents' constant fighting and can't wait to leave town with her best friend, Elaine, and start college at Trinity in Dublin. PJ is lonely, so he starts talking to a friend online who offers him a place to stay if he wants to run away.
There is much to admire about The Bee Sting, but what I found most impressive is how Paul Murray brought these characters to life. I thought I knew who Dickie and Imelda were, but through flashbacks, you see their histories and understand why they turned out the way they did. Cass and PJ are complex kids with different personalities and needs, and their identities match their ages.
The ending of this novel is unlike anything I've ever read. Murray crafts this book's finale with expert tension, slowly building to an earth-shattering conclusion that'll leave readers talking. The Bee Sting is definitely in my top three books of the year. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
I picked up Terrace Story on a whim after Max, one of my favorite bookish Instagram/TikTok follows, gave it a rave review.
The novel begins in Brooklyn with Annie, Edward, and their daughter, Rose. When Stephanie, Annie's friend from work, comes over, something magical happens, and a terrace appears outside their small, cramped apartment. They're in shock but grateful for the extra room, so they keep inviting Stephanie over. The extra space has a cost, unfortunately, and that cost is explored as the novel continues.
Terrace Story is a mishmash of genres, including literary fiction, science fiction, and magical realism. It's the type of story I don't usually read, but I'm so happy I stepped outside my comfort zone for this book. I mostly read this book on my lunch breaks at work, but I think reading this in one or two sittings would be better since the plot and intersection of the characters can sometimes be confusing. Even so, I enjoyed this book immensely and would recommend it to anyone who appreciates weird, well-written books.
What I Loved
HOME ITEM: Candle lamp
I've always enjoyed candles, but I'd often get annoyed by the uneven burning, smoke, soot, and wick-trimming necessary to ensure a good burn. Enter candle lamps. Now, I can enjoy my favorite candles without any of those cons. Candles burn evenly and last much longer. Plus, the lamps are safer than traditional candlelight, which I also love. I've purchased candle lamps for my bedroom, study, living room, and even got one for my mom. I'm all in on these lovelies.
COMEDY SPECIAL: The Old Man and the Pool
Mike Birbiglia is one of my favorite comedians and storytellers. His latest special is all about facing mortality. I laughed out loud throughout the entire thing, but, as always, Birbiglia’s work is also full of poignant, sweet moments.
MUSIC: Over the Rhine’s Christmas albums
Over the Rhine has been one of my favorite bands for nearly 20 years. Their Christmas albums are full of mostly original songs that are absolutely gorgeous. When you want seasonal music but know you'll have a breakdown if you hear "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" one more time, these are the albums for you.
That’s it from me! Leave a comment and share what you read or enjoyed in November.
I love Mike Birbiglia! Can’t wait to watch
I’m definitely going to pick one of these books to read over Christmas Break!
And order one of those candle lamps!!
Thanks Andrea 😍