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How much are we loving this cold and snow?!?! If you’re not a reader, you probably hate it. This is my happy weather: grab a mug of tea and a book, huzzah! Thanks to the weather I was able to read three more books than last month.

Of the 16 books I read in November, 10 were four stars or better, which is a fantastically high ratio and definitely not the norm. Here are those 10, in no particular order:

It’s Ok That You’re Not Ok: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn’t Understand by Megan Devine is a non-fiction, very emotional, reflective and sad book with a medium pace that’s not just about how we grieve but also how we handle those who are grieving. I sincerely wish I’d found this book when I went through my miscarriages. A fantastic book that everyone can get something out of, especially if you know someone who is grieving, and you feel uncertain in how to best be there for them.

The Book of Goose by Yiyun Li is an extraordinary novel of loosely historical fiction. I found it very challenging, emotional and medium paced; roughly 350 pages. It’s a bit fantastical as it follows two girls and their imaginations; a fascinating look into peoples emotional worlds.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry is a contemporary romance of roughly 370 pages. Emotional, lighthearted and very funny, it’s a medium paced novel about two people in the publishing industry (so of course I loved it).

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune is a contemporary romance of roughly 300 pages with a medium pace. It’s emotional and reflective (those are kind of my jam right now) and it’s also hopeful. A little too neatly tied in a bow at the end for my taste, but I can’t discount how much I got into the story.

English Creek by Ivan Doig, the first book in the Two Medicine Trilogy, is historical fiction about Montana, like much of his writing. It’s reflective and slow-paced (my husband can’t stand his books because he feels like nothing ever happens because they’re so slow). I love Doig, however, and if you like his style this book is excellent.

Dear Life by Alice Munro, the queen of the short story, is reflective and slow-paced. Roughly 330 pages. I find I have to take my time with her stories and take breaks in between. They’re densely packed with our human foibles and emotions.

Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez is roughly 360 pages, medium-paced, and I found it emotional, reflective, and a in parts unbelievable but overall a really good historical fiction novel about a Black nurse in 1970’s Alabama. It almost read like a YA novel and I would think it would be good for ages 14 and up even though it’s technically an adult book.

Prisoner of the Black Hawk, the second book in The Mapmaker Chronicles, by A.L. Tait, and Breath of the Dragon, the third in the series. These are roughly 240 pages a piece and are excellent sequels to the first book (which doesn’t always happen in a series). They’re adventurous, mysterious, and fast-paced, much like the first. If you enjoy Young Adult (YA) books this is a great series! The fourth book in the series is already slated for release and you can pre-order it now. These are perfect for kiddos right around age 9.

Cursed by Marissa Meyer is the second and supposedly final book in this duo. It’s a YA fantasy book of roughly 480 pages that’s adventurous, challenging, mysterious, and medium-paced. If you liked Gilded, the first in the series, you will love this sequel. This series says it’s for 12-18 year-olds, but I’m thinking closer to 14 and up.

I’m currently reading:

-Lucy By the Sea by Elizabeth Strout (my current favorite author)

-Torch by Cheryl Strayed

-Finding Your Own North Star: Claiming the Life You Were Meant to Live by Martha Beck

-The Secrets of Midwives by Sally Hepworth

I’d like to thank everyone for their emails (I’m sorry if the “g” off the end of the email address threw a bunch of you), I’ve added quite a few books to my TBR (to be read) pile thanks to your responses. Grab a mug of tea and drop me a line about what you’re reading.

Sunday Dutro is an avid reader and eBook convert living in Thompson Falls with her beautiful family and an enormous “to be read” pile. Reach her at [email protected].