My December #Bookspin (20) is a seasonal #MoodRead from books that I already own and my #DoubleSpin (10) is The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson. I've been wanting to try something by him, so this little seasonal novella might be a good intro into his work.
@TheAromaofBooks
pickStraight from an OR tree farm, Jeffrey French causes quite the stir when he moves to #SweetValley! Enid immediately has a crush on him, but almost as quickly backs off when it‘s clear that Lila has her sights set on him! But the twins get involved in some the matchmaking, each supporting their bestie. Also, cousin Jenny from Houston is in town, spilling secrets & snatching Jess‘s latest crush! Jenny‘s a mystery cousin though-who are her parents?
And the big day is here—here are the winners of the 2025 National Book Award! I thought A Guardian and a Thief would win for fiction (and it is so worthy), but Raja had my heart and I‘m thrilled to see it. El Akkad as the NF winner is spot on. But I am perplexed by the translated winner. I found this book impenetrable and Sad Tiger is just so good, I really feel it should have won.
pickAmy Sutton‘s back from CT! And Liz is so ecstatic to have her childhood friend back… Enid, though, is less enthusiastic. She‘s looking forward to skiing with Liz at her Aunt Nancy‘s place in Lake Tahoe but gamely includes Amy—though her arrival changes the date & Liz keeps standing Enid up for Amy. Amy‘s tomboy klutziness is replaced with a more glamorous & boy-crazy attitude & she‘s suddenly spending more time with Jessica! True friendship wins!
Another Wally Lamb book that breaks the heart from the very first page...
pickTo raise money for new cheer outfits, Jessica comes up with a Rock Around The Clock Relay with the cheerleaders sponsored for time spent rocking in a rocking chair with an all-night party in the gym surrounding them! Meanwhile, the Droids sponsor a songwriting contest & tall, shy Lynne Henry dares to anonymously submit her song, knowing she‘s not the “Linda Ronstadt” type her crush Guy Chesney may be expecting. Liz helps this new couple form!
pickA great story of how simple mistakes can turn into major tragedies. One of the through lines I appreciated most, that hope is always good, but expectations are problematic. An emotional and thoroughly worthwhile journey.
