Anyone need a last minute gift?  Of course, I’m going to tell you BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS!   A favorite Christmas (or any holiday) tradition is gifting a book the night before.  This could work for children or adults.   Then, they have something to occupy themselves the night before & who doesn’t love a new book to dive into?  (Parents, I can’t promise that your kids will love this more than an early video game, but here’s to hoping!)  @CaughtinSouthie and I have gone back to pick out a few of our faves throughout the year, along with a new recommendation or two.

As always thanks  for returning to the reviews and let myself or Maureen know any books you’re loving! –@glossinbossin  @caughtinsouthie, @josiegl

Some New Ones:

Sugar Baby, by Celine SaintJohn – Our main character, Agnes, is stuck in the daily repeat of cleaning luxury homes owned by gorgeous women- often stepping into their closets and occasionally pocketing their jewels.  One of her clients shows an interest in Agnes and her looks, offering to take her into the world of sugar – babying.  Who hasn’t seen the online memes of a 100 year old man and a pretty young thing?  Celine’s a newer author and chose a dicey topic without “sugar” coating it.  You’re not going to walk out of this being disgusted or jumping to the nursing home nearby, but I think you’ll be entertained and rooting for Agnes.   It also highlights family dynamics, friendships, class issues and sex in a way that isn’t in many books I’ve read.

Home for the Holidays, by Taylor Hahn– This book was sent to me by the publisher and it was perfect as I usually do one holiday book a year.  If you’re into a little romance, a little holiday and a dash of Daisy Jones & the Six vibes, I recommend Home for the Holidays.  Our main character returns to her childhood home after a bad break up only to be confronted with her mother’s addiction and the aftermath of her death.  It is in the days of grief that Mel finds comfort in her mother’s best friend who shares story after story of their glory days as promising singers chasing dreams and center stage.  It is comforting and corny all at the same time which was perfect to go with my peppermint mocha.

Undone, by Karin Slaughter – (or anything by Karin Slaughter, see previous review of Pretty Girls)  I think I’m falling into a Karin Slaughter hole – as everytime anything by her pops up on my Libby app or at a book store I have to grab it.  Luckily, her back log of books will keep me occupied until 2047.  Undone connects us back to investigator Will Trent (also a show on ABC is based on her books by this name) as he and his partner search for missing women in the greater Atlanta area.  This psychopath is obsessed with the number eleven, doing unmentionable torture to them – taking them two by two and leaving their children behind.  I’m not sure why I torture myself with these nightmar-ish books but I love them…  help me.  Slaughter does a great job of setting the scene and making you feel like you could get on the scene to solve it yourself.   For Undone – I will say there is a trigger warning beyond the usual thriller/mystery items of eating disorders.

Pulling Faves from the Past 2024 Reviews:

Thriller

• The Chain (July) – a mother falls into a chain letter nightmare where to save her own, she must kidnap the next

• All the Colors of the Dark  (October)- an epic mystery, thriller and love story wrapped in one.  It took me months to finish mostly because I absorbed every word and never wanted it to end

Romance

• Just for the Summer and Part of  Your World (July) – quick romance reads by Abby Jiminez that will take even the most anti-love skeptic flip the ages 100 mph – fast, funny and will warm your insides

Fiction

• The Leftover Woman (January) – a story that flips between a woman running from an arranged marriage in China and a wealthy NYC mother  – both who want the best for their daughter

• Margo’s Got Money Troubles  (October)- a young woman turns to Only Fans and a niche market of followers to provide for her new baby and her recently rehabbed father

Non-Fiction / Memoir

• More, A Memoir of Open Marriage (February) – a very not-boring memoir written by a wife who decides to try this lifestyle and openly shares the ups and downs of a challenging journey

Southie – Specific

• All Souls – a Southie classic by Michael Patrick MacDonald’s memoir of growing up in Southie and all that happened during the time of busing.  I taught parts of this book while teaching at Southie High – and recommend it to all!

• Small Mercies – we wrote about this one back in June 2023, but it’s worth a read if you haven’t already if you’re looking for a thriller that combines corruption, mystery and the Boston Police Department.

• Southie Girl – this was just reviewed in November 2024 and was a great quick read involving local politics and a young woman’s journey to find her version of justice.

• Lastly, we were gifted a book called Pilgrims by M.R. Leonard – about a Latin teacher who is needed to help thwart an invasion by aliens who speak the language.  We haven’t yet read this one yet, but wanted to share a local Southie author.

I’m currently finishing:

• My Friend, Anna by Rachel DeLoache Williams (also on Netflix) re: the woman who pretends to be a heiress!

If you got this far, thank you!  Let us know what you’re reading and/or what you grab for the holidays via the comments on @caughtinsouthie or catch me at @glossinbossin / @josiegl on Instagram.

FYI:  I’ve seen lots of “newer”  books lately in the Free Little Libraries around town.  Don’t forget to bring one, take one & keep them tidy.  My favorite spots include the ones in the parking lot of Julie’s Learning Center, the Laboure Center,  at the bottom of G/8th Street, and the Clock Tavern by the fireplace (take only – not a drop off location).  If you know of the other locations on the East Side, please let me know.