Hi all. How’s your week and holiday been? I hope you have plenty of leftovers and weekend cheer. We had a bit of a snowy week with cold temps, but it’s nothing we can’t handle, right? The people in these parts are seasoned Canadians — always ready for winter, hockey, and shoveling snow, lol.
But not me these days, I’ve got to do dreaded physical therapy exercises and then retire to the couch to have the new knee elevated and hooked up to the ice machine. It’s pretty boring stuff, but I have my reading nearby, some endless football on, and the floor heater churning out warmth. These are the essential survival materials for continued winter rehab.
You might have noticed — come Monday we’re into December! Wow the last month of the year. How’s your reading going? I think I’m on target for my yearly GoodReads goal, but we will see. It’s not over till it’s over. As long as I’m in the ballpark — it’s okay. Do you like to set annual reading goals or no? I think I set lower ones so I’m not too disappointed one way or the other.
Meanwhile I’ve looked to see what new releases are coming out this month and so far a novel titled Before I Forget (coming out Dec. 2) by Tory Henwood Hoen is getting much love on GR. It’s about a 26-year-old girl who goes home to her family’s Adirondack lake house to care for her aging father after years of estrangement and suspects he may be able to see the future.
It’s said to be a charming story of small town life, connection, and also a heartbreaking depiction of a father’s Alzheimer’s. I’ve heard it’s handled gently despite the heavy topic. Granted, the premise seems to have been done before but still it appears touching and worth checking out.
Next up is South African author Nadia Davids’s psychological thriller Cape Fever (due out Dec. 9), which is set in the 1920s and about a young Muslim maid who finds herself entangled with the spirits of a decaying manor and the secrets of its enigmatic female British owner.
It’s said to be quite an atmospheric novel that’s narrated superbly by the maid whose story of love and grief, is also said to be a chilling exploration of class and the long reach of history. I’m not sure what more to think, but it sounds a bit like a clever cat and mouse game between the two women, so I’m keen to explore whatever this shortish suspense novel serves up.
Now let’s move on to new movie releases since they’re usually big this time of year. First off, George Clooney looks to be in a cute-ish Netflix movie titled Jay Kelly (out Dec. 5) about a famous actor who takes a journey of self-discovery with his manager (played by Adam Sandler) through Europe as they reflect on their life choices, relationships, and legacies. I’m hoping between Sandler and Clooney and a bit of Tuscany thrown in there’ll be enough fun and endearing moments in this one to make it worthwhile … along with Noah Baumbach’s directing too.
There’s also another favorably rated Knives Out Mystery with Daniel Craig and cast titled Wake Up Dead Man (out Dec. 12) … but what about the comedy-drama Is This Thing On? (out Dec. 19) directed by Bradley Cooper. It’s about a middle-age comedian in NYC (played by Will Arnett) who faces divorce and co-parenting duties with his wife (played by Laura Dern) and while picking up a hobby finds in the process he learns more about himself and his relationship.
Judging from the trailer, it looks to have enough witty moments and some sweetness to it. And isn’t Laura Dern a bit everywhere these days … even a part in the Jay Kelly movie above as well. Shouldn’t she be working on Big Little Lies Season 3 due out next year?
Next are a couple bigger movies coming out on Christmas Day. Marty Supreme is a ping pong drama set in New York City during the 1950s about an up-and-coming table tennis star Marty Mauser (played by Timothee Chalamet) who goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness. Apparently it’s loosely based on the life of ping pong player Marty Reisman.
Not that I know of him, but if Chalamet is in it and he’s practiced months on end playing ping pong, then it’s good enough for me. First he was Bob Dylan now he’s hard-core into this. Who doesn’t like ping pong? Especially for those back in the 1970s, we were big into it, right? We had ping pong at the local swimming pool.
Then there’s also the epic religious musical film The Testament of Ann Lee about the founding leader of the Shaker Movement in the 18th century who’s proclaimed as the female Christ by her followers. Actress Amanda Seyfried plays Ann Lee who fights to protect her followers and their song and dance worship from persecution and the utopia they have begun to create.
It sounds a bit intense, but if you have an interest in history and world religions it might be for you. It was filmed in Budapest similarly like the acclaimed director’s other film The Brutalist — though I didn’t care much for that one — but maybe this film? The cinematography looks quite fetching.
There’s a couple other movies at Christmas — but perhaps none as big as these. You’ll likely need some comedies thrown in to go with the eggnog.
And lastly in music this month, it’s best just to ease into the Christmas tunes — new and old alike … with plenty of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, lol.
That’s all for now. What about you — which new releases are you looking forward to this month? Happy December.
You make all the movies sound tempting, but I always wait for the streaming version to apppear. Have a good month.
Thanks Mae, it’s fine to wait to stream movies. It’s often a good idea when the movies are sort of so-so. We saw the new movie Nuremberg not long ago and it seems worthwhile to stream when it becomes available. It was pretty potent & good. Happy December to you.
I like having a Goodreads goal but I’m not too bothered if I don’t meet it. I set it deliberately low this year because I knew my work situation would make a dent in my time to read. I do feel bad if I don’t finish challenges I sign up for though.
Wishing you a delightful December!
Thanks Shelleyrae. December is off to a snowy start here. And I like your approach to setting a GR reading goal. Your numbers are always high. But it’s nice not get too uptight about it. I’m impressed by the challenges you finish.
Cheers, Happy December.
Both the books you mentioned sound interesting, Susan. As to reading goals, I think I might be about done with that. I was never just obsessed with hitting a particular number, but it seems if I do decide to pick one and broadcast it, I don’t hit it. Life throws things or I get caught up in a series of long books or whatever. Take care of yourself and wishing you luck and success with your rehab of your knee.
Thanks Kay. I’m trying to be patient with the knee, though it’s not easy but next week I’ll start PT in town which will help. And I hear you about not setting reading goals. Life is busy and reading is not all about numbers etc. I like to downplay it for myself. Wishing you a happy December!
My son’s mom-in-law just had knee replacement, and she’s going through much the same experiences you are. I’m glad it is going well for you.
Thank you for sharing movies and books. You always seem to find the best of those.
Thanks Deb, I’m glad to hear about the mom-in-law going through this too. I’m starting week 3 now. Next week I’ll start PT in town which I think will help move things along. I hope she’s doing well. It’s sort of a long haul.
I do my best to scour for what’s new & good releasing. 🙂 Happy December!
I don’t think I’ll hit my reading goal this year; I’ve gotten a bit sidetracked lately and I’m not reading Sunny and Sonia as fast as I thought I would. Still have three more books to make my goal. There are on the skinny side but still… not happening! Anyway, I’ve read substantially more books than any typical year, and close to the year that holds my record for the most, so no complaints. I’m excited about various movie releases though I’m not sure if I’ll watch them. It’s been close to a year since I haven’t watched any movies or Tv shows, though I keep buying the ones I want to watch. Best of luck with your recovery. Happy reading this week!
Thanks Carmen. Regardless, you’ve had a good reading year. You’re reading award nominees and have gotten to quite a lot … so I think you should be pleased. Your book feedback is always helpful to me. I’m not sure when I’ll get to Sunny & Sonia but it looks like 2026 sometime. I hope you like it. It seems you deserve a movie or show to watch this holiday month. We recently saw the new movie Nuremberg at the theater and thought it was pretty good and potent — worth streaming once it’s available. Still might see the Springsteen movie sometime. Hope you have a happy December & enjoy the reading.
Intriguing books, but not out yet. I’m one who gets them at the library!
Hi Claudia, good hearing from you. And me too … I like getting my reads from the library. Luckily both of the novels mentioned above were on order at my library so I put my name in for the wait list. It helps me get them a bit early when they’re available. I hope all is well and I’ll stop by your site soon. Cheers.
I hope the knee recovery is going well. Thank goodness for ice machines, reading, and football!
I am not going to make my Goodreads goals this year. I feel like I’ve read less this year, but better.
Hi Helen, thanks. Yes … ice, reading, and football can do wonders for knee recovery, lol.
It seems you’ve read many good high quality reads this year, so I think that’s excellent. Regardless if you make the goal. And it’s nice when you get to a book that I’m looking to read before me — so you vet it which is helpful. It’s nice when some of our book reading overlaps. Cheers. Happy December.
Pretty snowy landscape, Susan. I love that sunlight on the horizon.
Ah, the ice machine. Rod used one on his shoulder when he had shoulder replacement surgery. Pretty handy device! Glad you have your books to keep you occupied while you recover from your surgery.
Yes, it’s hard to believe tomorrow marks the beginning of December. Crazy how fast this year has gone by. My reading goal is 65 books and I’m just about to hit 61, so I’ll have no trouble reaching my goal. I typically read between 55 and 65, but there were a couple of years when I hit the 80 range. Then of course, there were other years when I only read between 30 and 40.
Hmm, Jay Kelly sounds like it could be a good movie to watch. We’re definitely excited about Wake Up Dead Man. Is This Thing On? might be good. Laura Dern is a favorite to watch. I’ve not seen Big Little Lies. Should I? We’re finishing up Down Cemetery Road, which hasn’t wowed us. Same with The Beast In Me. Kind of a ho-hum month of shows.
Take care of yourself!
Thanks Lesley. Was Rod happy with his shoulder replacement in the long run? My first knee is fine now though there is a sound to it which isn’t too pleasant.
I think I’d like to hit 65 books for my goal but it’ll likely be a bit under that this year. It seems you’ve read a lot and it’s nice you’ll hit your goal. Not sure I could ever get to 80. You were a reading machine then.
I hope some of these movies are good. The series Big Little Lies is sort of a soap opera of some well to do chicks in Big Sur. There’s a bit of a crime/mystery to it which has the cast conniving against one another. Not sure if you’d like it or not. Season 1 was all right though Season 2 was more ridiculous. See what you think, lol. We are just finishing up The American Revolution … packed with info.
Cheers. Happy December!
Yes, Rod was happy with his shoulder replacement. It was actually a reverse replacement. He broke his arm in three places (fell off a bike) and they had to do the reverse in order to get a good fit. He just had his 5 year follow-up and all looks good.
I’ve been watching shows while riding the Peloton, so I may give Big Little Lies a try once I finish The Handmaid’s Tale. I can easily ride for half an hour if I’m watching something entertaining on my iPad. I’m also going to get back to The Bear and The Morning Show.
That’s great about Rod’s shoulder and arm. That’s hard to get such a good recovery. That’s wonderful.
Good job on your Peloton bike. 30 mins is a good routine. And I can see where watching shows would help. We finally finished Season 4 of The Morning Show. Each season gets crazier than the previous. If you can stomach that, you can watch Big Little Lies, lol.
I met my Goodreads goal several months ago now! I usually would change it but I didn’t this year!
I hope your recovery continues well!
Thanks Marg, the recovery is coming along slowly but surely. Fingers crossed.
And wow you’ve been reading lots this year. Flying through. Will you change your goal for next year? Or will your job impact that? Congrats on smashing the goal. Happy reading this month. Cheers.
It sounds like you’re doing well with your knee replacement recovery. I added Cape Fever to my TBR list. I’m glad to find another South African writer to put in the queue. Timothy Chalamet was so good as Dylan.
Hi Olivia, thanks, the knee healing is coming along … hopefully.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a South African author so I’m happy to try the Nadia Davids book. I’m glad you’re putting it on your list too. It’s on order currently at my library.
And I agree that Chalamet was amazing as Dylan. I really enjoyed that movie last year. I hope the ping pong movie will be entertaining. We’ll see.
Happy December. Hope all is well abroad.
I have a friend who is nursing her knee in much the same way. She just texted to say that she won’t make it to our book club meeting, which makes me sad because she had the perspective that I most wanted to hear on our book. I’m wishing quick healing for both of you.
Thanks Joy. I sympathize with your friend, lol. But I know she’ll likely be pleased with it when she’s fully recovered. It’s a bit of a long haul but I’m hoping around three months I’ll be feeling more mobile and normal. I feel it’s good to get it done in the winter so you’ll be ready by spring! Have a great week.
Lovely photo at the top. Winter wonderland and bet the deer go after those feeders. Must be nice seeing them though. When we lived rural we saw quite a few deer.
Lots of cool movies and books to consider here. I’m glad you always have highlights of new releases as it gives me ideas. I gave up on the Andrew Miller book but I see many people liked it and thought the writing was outstanding. Loving the Geradine Brooks book and will be interested to know what books the library has ready for you next.
Hang in there with the PT! Will write soon.
Hi Tina, yes the deer seem especially hungry and frequent here in the winter … and they have been trying to drain the bird feeders. When we remember, we take the feeders down in the evening … otherwise they’ll be empty by morning.
& Thanks for your encouragement about the “dreaded PT” … the music helps and next week I’ll be starting a PT program in town so that will hopefully move things along.
I should suspend some of my library holds … as they keep coming all at once now. But it’s ok. I’ll check back with you soon … & see what reading is on the horizon. Have a great week. & happy reading.
That is a beautiful photo of the snow. I don’t want to be there, though.
We had a quiet Thanksgiving and watched three movies on Thursday and Friday: Dark City (1998, with Kiefer Sutherland, Rufus Sewell and Jennifer Connelly, a noirish sci fi film), Noises Off (1992, with Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve, a farce based on a play by Michael Frayn), and an MST3K episode, Invasion USA. Today Glen went to an appointment with his retina specialist, and we had to get up at an ungodly hour.
Re setting reading goals, I always do that at Goodreads and like seeing how many books I have read, but I don’t worry about the end result.
I am interested in Before I Die even though both my parents had dementia in the years before they died. I am not sure how that would affect me, but the book sounds like a worthwhile read. I will wait until cheaper copies are available though.
Hi Tracy, yeah there’s much beautiful snow here, ha. But I haven’t been outside much at all since the knee surgery.
I’m glad to hear about the movies you saw … is Noises Off worth seeing?
And I hope Glen’s appointment went well at the eye specialist. Man the retina is so important … who knew?
I should look for you on Goodreads. I didn’t realize you were on there. It’s good you set a goal but aren’t overly crazy about it.
I admit I’m a bit curious about dementia novels since my parents had it a bit too. I’d like to see if authors handle the topic with the sensitivity that it deserves. We will see. I’m on the hold list for that book Before I Forget.
Wishing you a great week.
Susan, You asked if I thought Noises Off! is worth seeing. We have watched it several times and we enj0y it every time. Michael Caine is wonderful, but it is also very good as an ensemble effort. It probably depends on what type of humor you like.
Hi Tracy, good to know. I think I will look around to see if I can find and watch Noises Off. I like both actors (and Carol Burnett!). I just looked it up on IMDB and the trailer of it looks a bit funny. The movie says it came out in 1992. This might help me track it down. Thanks.
Hi Susan, Glad to hear your knee surgery is over and that it went well. I hope you recover real soon.
Before I Forget sounds like an important book but alzheimers is an illness that affected a very close relative so I tend to stay away from that subject. But I am hearing there is good news on the alzheimers front in termscof slowing down the progression.
Hope you are having a great December.
Thanks Kathy. Yeah I think the knee recovery might take around 12 weeks and right now I’m in week 3 … but at least most of the hard part is over!
And I can understand about staying away from the alzheimer’s topic … I have been there too. It’s a brutal thing. Fingers crossed some treatment will eventually be available. Hope you have a great holiday season. Cheers!
Glad to hear your knee rehab is progressing… and thank God for that ice machine, right? We got one after our oldest daughter’s knee surgery (ACL/meniscus in high school) and it’s still making the rounds among my siblings and nephews!
My reading slowed down in November (lots of travel and family events) and I haven’t paid much attention to December releases. I’m hoping to read a few 2025 titles I never got to, or possibly some backlist from my shelves. We’ll see. As for number goals, I gave up on them a few years ago. It got to where I was avoiding long books and choosing shorter books based on length alone. I still maintain my book-a-week average, but checking the numbers was stressing me out. Especially when goodreads kept telling me I was X number of books behind!
Your photo is so pretty! No snow yet on the CT coast, but my daughter got a couple of inches slightly north of here. My family in central NY has had plenty – over a foot on Thanksgiving and it keeps on coming! Happy December 🙂
Hi JoAnn, thanks. Yes, hooray for the wonderful ice machine. I’m often hooked up to it for hours on end, lol. It works well. It’s good your family can use it for decades.
I can understand about foregoing GR reading goals. I don’t like how it tells you your X books behind — oh no no. I think a book a week is what I read as well. It seems good. I try to lowball my goal setting … which seems to work okay.
Wow good to know your folks in Central NY got over a foot of snow recently. But not much in Conn eh? We’re supposed to get more snow tomorrow. I hope we get lots as it makes it fun for cross-country skiing — (for my husband). I admit I haven’t been outside much, lol. Happy holiday season to you! Cheers.