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As we reach Christmas and the end of the year, I always enjoy looking back through my book journal and choosing some of my favorites from the year.

One of the best non-fiction books was “Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed” by journalist and author Maureen Callahan. This hard-hitting title examines generations of Kennedy men and the women in their lives. Far from the usual lionizing of the political dynasty, this book calls out the misogyny, physical and emotional abuse, murder and mistreatment of the wives, daughters, sisters and lovers of the men whose family have been called American royalty. This book pulls no punches and will stay with you long after the last page.

Fleetwood Mac is one of the most popular and successful musical groups ever. All five members were exceptional musicians and while the songs of Stevie Nicks were some of their most successful, keyboardist and songwriter Christine McVie more than held her own. “Songbird: An Intimate Biography of Christine McVie” by Leslie-Anne Jones is a long-overdue book celebrating McVie’s life and her musical legacy. 

If you enjoy suspenseful fiction with lots of twists and turns, “Middle of the Night” by Riley Sager is one of the best. Years after his childhood best friend went missing, a man returns to his hometown to try and solve the mystery and finds himself drawn into an unsolved murder that leads in unexpected directions.  This is a page-turner that will keep you guessing!

It’s always fun to discover a new author and for me this year it was Grady Hendrix. He’s been writing bestsellers for years and has a huge fan base, of which I am now one. He’s a very skillful writer, blending horror, hilarious satire and heartfelt emotions. He has a new book coming next month but in the meantime, as you celebrate Christmas, “The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires” will keep you entertained with a genuinely scary plot and a cast of memorable characters.

Merry Christmas and happy reading in 2025!