I have been incredibly fortunate to have been a member of the same book group for more than 20 years now. Once a month, we get together and talk about the books we’ve read. Some meetings we have amazing, in-depth discussions. Those inevitably lead to bigger life topics — gritty talks about marriage, success, race, abuse and happiness, among other things. Granted, some meetings are just about wine and being together, of course.
Every year in December, we make selections for what we are going to read during the next year. It is my favorite time — it is just like Christmas, getting a big, new stack of books. There’s so much anticipation about the joy of reading them. When I’m buying my books, I always have to get a couple of extra big, glossy coffee table tomes just for me, too.
Whether you are buying books for yourself or for last-minute gifts, here are some of my favorite reads. I’d love to hear your choices for 2022!
‘Harlem Shuffle’
“The Nickel Boys,” by Colson Whitehead is difficult to read. It will leave you wrung out and sad, but it is also powerful and shouldn’t be missed. Colson’s story is based on the real Dozier reform school and deals with Jim Crow segregation and the abuses suffered by the residents.
This year we are going to read Colson’s newest work, “Harlem Shuffle.” We typically don’t read the same author back-to-back, but this author’s talent and his ability to completely shift writing styles made this a must pick.
‘The Devil in White City’
If you haven’t yet read Erik Larson’s books, you are missing out. He reveals incredible stories that take place around historical events. They are all factual, and everything is impeccably researched.
If I had to pick a favorite, it would be “The Devil in the White City,” about the design and construction (are you surprised that I like this one?) of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and a serial killer who found his prey there.
My book group just finished another of Larson’s books, “The Splendid and the Vile,” about Winston Churchill during the time of the Blitz. My English husband read it and loved it. I promise, these books are page turners. Dig in!
‘Art Deco Style’
All of the Assouline books are spectacular. Super giftable, even if you are buying for yourself. I’m a particular fan of their decorating and travel books. “Art Deco Style” is new and is a gorgeous, fun look into the period. Their books on Capri, Tulum and Amalfi will inspire my travel plans for years.
I had the opportunity to contribute to another great Assouline book, “Travel By Design.” It includes great advice on where to go and what to see from the people who spend their time doing just that: architects and interior designers. Check it out and look for my contributions!
‘Hamnet’
My friends make fun of me that if a book doesn’t have pus or plague, I’m not going to select it. While I can admit that I am a fan, I don’t only read about pestilence. These past 15 months or so have me rethinking my fascination.
One of the truly great books dealing with the subject is “Blindness” by Nobel Prize-winning author Jose Saramago. Incredibly tense and beautifully written, it is about a worldwide pandemic of blindness and the ensuing lawlessness that occurs. It is ultimately a hopeful book, and maybe we are also seeing the light at the end of the Covid tunnel.
Next, I’m going to try “Hamnet” by Maggie O’Farrell. It is a fictionalized tale of the death of William Shakespeare’s 11-year-old son set during the plague. I don’t think I can get my book group to agree to this one, but I will let you know what I think.
‘Spring Cannot be Cancelled’
On a far lighter pandemic note, David Hockney was in Normandy when the Covid lockdown occurred, and “Spring Cannot be Cancelled” was written as a result of that time. Hockney worked on the book with art critic and longtime friend Martin Gayford, and it is filled with their ruminations. It is also full of beautiful works Hockney created while in Normandy, as well as works by other famous artists. All in all, a light and happy feast for the eyes and the heart. I can’t think of anything we need more right now.
Other notable books:
And because I could talk about this subject all day, I just had to list a few other all time favorites:
“The Power of One,” by Bryce Courtenay
“The Road,” by Cormac McCarthy
“The Art of Racing in the Rain,” by Garth Stein
“The Year of Magical Thinking,” by Joan Didion
Enjoy!
