The Write Now! Coach Holiday Book List
by Rochelle Melander
It’s getting to be the time of year when I want to sit on the sofa, sip tea, and read books.
Who am I kidding. It’s ALWAYS that time of year for me! Only, I can’t—because writing, work and dogs. You get it. (The picture at left is how I tend to read–with two dogs on my lap.)
Even so, I’ve read 115 books this year—so far—and I wanted to recommend a few that I thought you might like.
Distraction and Focus
I remain constantly fascinated by how hard it is to focus, even if you don’t have ADHD. I’ve been reading many books to figure out why this happens and how to fix it. One of my favorite books in this category is Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention and How to Think Deeply Again by Johann Hari.
Wintering
At the darkest time of year, I turn again to the wonderful book Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May.
I’ve also found comfort in this tiny book by the incomparable Christina Baldwin: The Seven Whispers: A Spiritual Practice for Times Like These by Christina Baldwin
Mysteries
The Stranger Diaries Elly Griffiths. This four-book mystery series follows Detective Harbinder Kaur. I’ve read and loved all four of them and am very jealous of anyone who hasn’t read them yet!
The Night Raven by Johan Rundberg is the first in a series of three middle grade mysteries from a Swedish author. When an infant is left at the orphanage with a mysterious note, 12-year-old orphan Mika decides to find out why. In the process, she forms an unlikely friendship with a detective and together they’ll get to the bottom of it.
The Accidental Alchemist by Gigi Pandian. Alchemist Zoe Faust is used to strange happenings, but when a gargoyle comes to life and then a dead body lands on her doorstep—well that might just be too much to handle. This is the first in a series.
Short and Delicious
The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa (translated by Stephen Snyder) The Professor has just 80 minutes of short-term memory. The housekeeper has a young son, nicknamed Root by the professor, and an ability to know just what the professor needs. This touching tale can be read quickly, but you’ll want to savor it.
Sweet Bean Paste by by Durian Sukegawa (translated by Alison Watts) Sentaro once wanted to be a writer. Now he’s got a criminal record and spends his days making dorayaki, a type of pancake filled with sweet bean paste. When he meets an elderly woman named Tokue, he can’t imagine how her friendship will change his life.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold Toshikazu Kawaguchi. This is the first in a series of five books set at a coffee shop where visitors can travel through time as long as they return before the coffee gets cold. In this book, four visitors will embark on the journey to see loved ones, confront former partners, and savor connections. It’s a bittersweet read that you’ll think about long after your own coffee has grown cold.
Longer but Worth It
The Whalebone Theater by Joanna Quinn. In 1928, a whale washes up on the shores of the English Channel and 12-year-old orphan Cristabel Seagrave decides to build a theater. She has help from her sister Flossie, her brother Digby, the kitchen maid and a visiting artist. You’ll love following this family saga from 1928 into World War II.
The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradel. This heartwarming story begins with a family split in half. The father leaves his inheritance entirely to his younger daughter, Helen, who will use it to build a successful brewery. The older daughter Edith struggles to make a living and wonders about her sister and what she could have done with her share of the inheritance. Somehow the two find their way back to each other. How and why—well that’s why you have to read this!
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. This is probably one of the hardest books I’ve read. Set in Appalachia, it tackles the opioid crisis. Read it for the characters—you will fall in love with them.
Write Now! Coach Rochelle Melander is an author and ADHD-trained professional certified coach. She’s helped hundreds of people write and publish books. If you’re struggling to start or finish a project, connect with Rochelle to create a personalized plan for overcoming procrastination, dealing with distraction, and staying focused. Book a private consultation: https://writenowcoach.com/consultation/
