November was a heavy month for me, though I read two incredible books and a charming holiday novel. One of the best books I read was All the Colors of the Dark, which has rightfully gotten a lot of attention this year on social media. One of the books I listened to on audio was so impactful, I decided to get a physical copy to keep for when I would like to revisit some components. Keep scrolling to see the 3 Books I Read in November 2024.
See my favorite reads from 2022 here, 2023 here, and check out what I’ve read here. You can see the 5 books I read in January here, everything I read in February & March here, what I read in April here, and the 4 books I read in May. Here are 3 books I read in June, 5 books I read in July, and what I read in August 2024, and what I read in September and October 2024.
3 Books I Read in November 2024
All the Colors of the Dark – Chris Whitaker
Synopsis
1975 is a time of change in America. The Vietnam War is ending. Muhammad Ali is fighting Joe Frazier. And in the smalltown of Monta Clare, Missouri, girls are disappearing.
When the daughter of a wealthy family is targeted, the most unlikely hero emerges–Patch, a local boy, who saves the girl, and, in doing so, leaves heartache in his wake.
Patch and those who love him soon discover that the line between triumph and tragedy has never been finer. And that their search for answers will lead them to truths that could mean losing one another.
A missing person mystery, a serial killer thriller, a love story, a unique twist on each, Chris Whitaker has written a novel about what lurks in the shadows of obsession and the blinding light of hope.
Meghan’s Thoughts & Rating
- An incredible read — one I’ll be thinking about for quite some time. It’s a bit of a slow burn, though it does pick up during the last 200 pages. It’s dark, repeatedly breaks your heart, and has so many plots. A love story, serial killer, prison escape, lifelong friendship, just to name a few of the plots throughout. It’s a must-read. It’s brilliant and will be one that I talk about and recommend for a while.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What It Takes to Heal: How Transforming Ourselves Can Change the World – Prentis Hemphill
Synopsis
As we emerge from the past few years of collective upheaval, are we ready to face the complexities of our time with joy, authenticity, and connection? Now more than ever, we must learn to heal ourselves, connect with one another, and embody our values. In this revolutionary book, Prentis Hemphill shows us how.
What It Takes to Heal asserts that the principles of embodiment–the recognition of our body’s sensations and habits, and the beliefs that inform them–are critical to lasting healing and change. Hemphill, an expert embodiment practitioner, therapist, and activist who has partnered with Brené Brown, Tarana Burke, and Esther Perel, among others, shows us that we don’t have to carry our emotional burdens alone. Hemphill demonstrates a future in which healing is done in community, weaving together stories from their own experience as a trauma survivor with clinical accounts and lessons learned from their time as a social movement architect. They ask, “What would it do to movements, to our society and culture, to have the principles of healing at the very center? And what does it do to have healing at the center of every structure and everything we create?”
In this life-affirming framework for the way forward, Hemphill shows us how to heal our bodies, minds, and souls–to develop the interpersonal skills necessary to break down the doors of disconnection and take the necessary risks to reshape our world toward justice.
Meghan’s Thoughts & Rating
- This was a fantastic read in a time where I was looking for hope and inspiration. I listened to it on audio and bought it from my local indie bookstore so I could have a copy to re-read when I need a little boost. Would be a great book to read for goal setting in the new year!
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The December Market – Raeanne Thayne
Synopsis
Amanda Taylor isn’t a fan of Christmas, but as the owner of a local soap shop, ignoring the holiday season isn’t an option. To forget the pain of Christmases past, Amanda focuses on making the season bright for her customers at the Shelter Springs Holiday Giving Market. But when her beloved grandmother, Birdie, starts dating the dashing new resident of the Shelter Inn retirement community, Amanda smells trouble. Fortunately, Rafe Arredondo, the grandson of Birdie’s charming suitor, is equally dubious of the match. Unfortunately, he’s just as fiery as his grandfather–and Amanda has zero interest in getting burned.
As a single father, paramedic and assistant fire chief, Rafe has more than enough on his plate. Sure, he and Amanda share a common goal in keeping their grandparents apart. Still, that doesn’t mean he should allow himself to feel as drawn to her as he does. Even if she is great with his young son. Even if she does help the burden of his own painful past feel a little lighter… But when their paths keep crossing at the holiday market, it starts to feel like fate, prompting them both to wonder if taking a chance on love might gift them everything they’ve been wishing for.
Meghan’s Thoughts & Rating
- It’s a sweet little holiday story with a happy ending. While it was a little slow at times, it was a charming novel. Like a Hallmark movie, just in novel form.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
