I love a new pile of Christmas gifts/books. My list this year was mostly older books by authors I have recently enjoyed and want to explore further. My TBR stack is a mix, so here goes:

The Celebrants by Steven Rowley

The title and cover art belie a deeper story of enduring friendships, love, and loss. The actual celebrants are 5 college friends, whom we meet after the funeral of a 6th friend who died shortly before graduation. Before heading in different directions, they make a pact that none should die without hearing the impact they have on one another and how much they are loved. In a time of need, they can trigger the pact to gather for a “living funeral.” Rowley brings each character to life as years pass. While there were certain storylines I would have liked to know more about, it was a satisfying read.

A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci

Baldacci is a master of legal mysteries, but this one moves into new ground. It’s the story of a young white male lawyer in the deep south of 1968, who takes on the defense of a black man accused of murdering the white couple who employed him. Enter a black female civil rights lawyer who wants to take over the case but agrees to working together. Risks within the community and abuses of the legal system create a tense environment even after the final secret is uncovered.

The Loss of All Lost Things by Amina Gautier

A common theme in my reading is loss and the human response. This collection of 15 short stories explores that theme through various types of loss and change. Each story is deep with meaning on its own, and two of the stories are connected from different perspectives. I read them straight through but will likely reread them separately at some point.

Beneath the Silence by Charlene Carr

This is a powerful novel about a family broken by secrets and untold pain. The dysfunction runs deep, leading the protagonist daughter to lengths she later regrets. The story deals with the effects of lies and abuse, as well as the importance of forgiveness and knowing oneself. This is the second novel I’ve read by this author, and I’ll keep following her.

Day by Michael Cunningham

Get to know one family, for one day in 3 successive years. An unusual premise, and Cunningham has a beautiful way with words and relationships. We get to know the husband, wife, 2 kids and the wife’s brother who live together in an apartment. The wife’s brother Robbie is the one they all love most, but it’s time for him to move on. One year later is the start of the Covid pandemic. By year three, the family – and their dynamics – have changed significantly.

The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave

This is a complicated mystery that’s probably more novel than anything. Nora is the oldest child of a wealthy man, who died suddenly. One of Nora’s half-brothers believes there is more to the story told by police and enlists Nora’s help. Thus ensues a deep dive into their father’s real life and secrets. Love and self-discovery are key themes for all the characters, and the end is satisfying.

Hold Strong by Robert Dugoni, with Jeff Langholz and Chris Crabtree

Probably the most important thing I can say is this is a story I won’t soon forget. A World War II novel about American soldiers and POWs, it is a fictionalized story of true events (well documented). It’s hard to read and hard to put down. Sacrifice, bravery, putting others before oneself, atrocities, heroism…they are all in this novel. I highly recommend it.

Red Thread of Fate by Lyn Liao Butler

Dysfunction and miscommunication between members of a mixed Chinese/Taiwanese family create a tragic, but ultimately redemptive, storyline for this novel. Friends and adoption add to the drama. It’s a decent read.

Three Days in June by Anne Tyler

Tyler has been a longtime solid writer of character-centric novels. It’s rather short but has complicated characters living normal lives. The focus is Gail, over the weekend of her daughter's wedding. Between unwelcome job news, the arrival of her ex-husband (with a cat), and concerns about her daughter’s new family, Gail has difficulty concentrating on the wedding itself. The three days wrap up with a lot of new self-awareness and a satisfying ending.

American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins

I finally grabbed a copy of this, and it may be the most intense book I’ve ever read. Lydia is a Mexican bookstore owner married to a journalist whose work makes enemies. After an explosive piece – in many ways – Lydia and her 8-year-old son take off for El Norte. Their migrant journey is harsh, though points of light emerge. While there has been criticism of the author’s standing, I certainly have no standing as a white woman to judge. I’ll just say that Cummins is a powerful writer, and the novel is compelling.

We Are the Light by Matthew Quick

A small town and a mass shooting set the stage for this novel of community and healing. Protagonist Lucas, a high school counselor who lost his wife in the shooting but has been called a hero by other survivors, tells his story through letters to his former therapist. Eli, the shooter’s younger brother, seeks solace from Lucas, and the two launch a plan to restore the community. The novel speaks to the power of friendship and community in finding the light.

“Eat Pray Love” Made Me Do it, with a forward by Elizabeth Gilbert

This is a compilation of personal stories inspired by Gilbert’s memoir, Eat Pray Love. The writers are various ages, mostly women but a few men, who found the courage to make needed changes to their lives after reading the book. For some, it was immediate; others returned to the book years later. It’s a soft read and nice when you don’t have as much time to read.

Testimony by Anita Shreve

A bunch of drunken teens at an elite boarding school can be counted on to do something stupid. Such is this story, told from varying viewpoints, including the headmaster, parents of the kids involved, the kids themselves, and friends. Everyone is damaged, and guilt abounds. However, I don’t think enough focus was placed on the fact that the sexual encounter at the center involved three 18+ boys, a 14-yr-old girl, and was therefore, rape. (Not to mention, someone holding a video recorder.) Touched on, but not fully examined.