9 Unexpected Narratives for Your December Book Stack
Some of these books cover territory that isn’t often written about (for example, women in war). And others manage to travel through already trodden territory (for example, Silicon Valley) in new and interesting ways. These are not loud, flashy books. But you may find them to be powerful ones.
The Shadow King by Maaza Mengiste
Join goop Book Club and read The Shadow King with us during the month of December. It combines an intriguing plot, characters that don’t feel fictional, and stunning writing. The novel opens as Hirut is on her way to meet someone from her past, a journey that pulls her back into memories of Mussolini’s 1935 invasion of Ethiopia—and toward the women who defined it.
Wintering by Katherine May
“Wintering is a season in the cold,” writes Katherine May. “It is a fallow period in life when you’re cut off from the world, feeling rejected, sidelined, blocked from progress, or cast into the role of an outsider.” In her new book, May weaves together an uplifting narrative about making space for ourselves and for others to winter. (You can also listen to her on The goop Podcast.)
This Is All I Got by Lauren Sandler
Journalist Lauren Sandler chronicles a year in the life of Camila, a twenty-two-year-old woman and a new mother, who is navigating poverty, homelessness, university systems, so much red tape, family relationships, and love in New York City.
Bright and Dangerous Objects by Anneliese Mackintosh
A quiet novel about a deep-sea diver named Solvig who is considering pursuing a mission to become one of the first humans to colonize Mars and also considering becoming a mother. It’s a story that feels both peculiar and familiar at once.
Negotiations by Destiny O. Birdsong
Destiny O. Birdsong’s striking debut poetry collection explores complicity, rebukes systemic racism and hate, and celebrates the lives of Black women.
Days of Distraction by Alexandra Chang
This debut follows a young woman from Silicon Valley to a college town in Upstate New York, riding through career and relationship highs, lows, ambiguities, and hilarious mishaps.
The End of the Day by Bill Clegg
At the top of our stack to finish over the holidays: Bill Clegg’s second novel (his first was Did You Ever Have a Family), which brings together estranged characters over once tightly held secrets.
Finna by Nate Marshall
Finna is an outstanding collection of poems from multihyphenate Nate Marshall (his titles include author, editor, rapper, playwright, and professor). The pages just about sing to you.
Cheeky by Ariella Elovic
In this colorful graphic memoir about the body, illustrator Ariella Elovic takes the reader on a journey toward self-acceptance. We’ve just begun and already want to share it with a friend.
We hope you enjoy the books recommended here. Our goal is to suggest only things we love and think you might, as well. We also like transparency, so, full disclosure: We may collect a share of sales or other compensation if you purchase through the external links on this page.
