My LINKcat AccountOn December 7th, an alert appeared on my phone that informed me that this date had the earliest sunset in the Madison area. Those of you who have followed my meandering introductions to the list of new book titles with their blurbs over the years, know that I pay very close attention to when we get more light at the end of the day (because in the morning you’re mostly sleeping so the change isn’t quite as noticeable). As I have previously noted, the earliest sunset is not when you think it would be – at the Winter Solstice (December 21st)—but it does indeed begin on December 7th. The sunsets at 4:22 p.m. CST on December 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th. Then on December we gain a minute of daylight -- on the evening end of the day. We will gain a whole 10 minutes by December 31st – at that end of the day. Sunrise continues to be later and later until about the 28th of the month when the sun rises at 7:29. It stays at the time until the 8th of January. That’s when we start gaining daylight at both ends of the day. It always lifts my heart a bit, in these dark days of December, to get past the earliest sunset days. If you’re reading this on the publication date, then we have already sailed past those longest, darkest days, and have already gained a minute. There are still plenty of long winter’s nights ahead which are just perfect for settling into a good book with something warm to drink and a blanket or pet or spouse on or near your lap. Enjoy!
New Non-Fiction
“The Paranormal Ranger: A Navajo Investigator’s Search for the Unexplained” by Stanley Milford, Jr. A Navajo Ranger recounts his experiences investigating paranormal and unexplained phenomena within the Navajo Nation, blending his heritage with his law enforcement training to provide a chilling and factual perspective on cases ranging from mysterious livestock mutilations to sightings of cryptids and unidentified aerial phenomena.
“Bark!: The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, Reactive Dog” by Zazie Todd. An author and dog trainer offers science-based solutions and practical tips to help dog owners address fear, anxiety and reactivity in their pets through positive reinforcement, ensuring our furry friends feel safe, secure and happy.
“The Basketball 100 (Sports)” by David Aldridge & John Hollinger. Profiles the NBA's 100 greatest players, exploring their unique stories and contributions to the game, while addressing key debates about championship value, statistical significance, and which player deserves the title of ultimate GOAT.
“Believe: The Untold Story Behind Ted Lasso, the Show That Kicked Its Way into Our Hearts” by Jeremy Egner. The television editor for The New York Times explores the production and creation of the award-winning, fan favorite TV show Ted Lasso highlighting the Apple executives, writers and international casting that catapulted the show into a pop culture phenomenon.
“Water, Water: Poems” by Billy Collins. The former Poet Laureate shares a collection of sixty poems that explore the ordinary and extraordinary aspects of daily life, blending clarity with a touch of mystery, and capturing both familiar and unusual moments with his signature lyrical style.
New Fiction
“The City and Its Uncertain Walls” by Haruki Murakami, translated by Philip Gabriel. Explores a familiar town where a Dream Reader interprets dreams, and shadows detach from their owners, weaving a love story, a quest, and an ode to books and libraries into a parable reflecting the complexities of post-pandemic life.
“Brightly Shining” by Ingvild Rishoi, translated by Caroline Waight. Ten-year-old Ronja and her sister Melissa take over their father's job at a Christmas tree stand in Oslo, facing challenges and dreaming of a better life as they try to support their struggling family.
“The Fabled Earth” by Kimberly Brock. Southern mythology and personal reckoning collide in this A A sweeping story inspired by the little-known history of Cumberland Island when a once-in-a-century storm threatens the natural landscape.
“The Night Before Christmas at Dunder Mifflin” by Brian Baumgartner & Ben Silverman. It's Christmas Eve at Dunder Mifflin and Michael Scott is missing, leaving the office to be surprised by a Santa and his beet-loving elf who sneak in with absurd gifts, tacky decorations, and a holiday spirit that promises an unforgettable holiday.
“Eleanore of Avignon” by Elizabeth Delozier. In 1347 Provence, midwife Elea Blanchet becomes an apprentice to the Pope's physician and must navigate the complexities of her social status, a burgeoning career in medicine and the impending Black Death while facing accusations of witchcraft.
“The Lies We Leave Behind” by Noelle Salazar. While rescuing wounded soldiers in the Pacific Theater, nurse Kate Campbell is injured and reassigned to England where she cares for injured soldiers, falls in love with a charming officer, and must confront a secret from her past that compels her to return to the dangers of the front lines.
“The Sound of a Thousand Stars” by Rachel Robbins. Jewish physicist Alice Katz, defying her family's expectations, joins the secretive government project in Los Alamos during World War II, where she meets Caleb Blum, an Orthodox Jew in the explosives division, and amidst the race to develop a weapon before the Nazis, they navigate fear, uncertainty, and an unexpected romance.
“Pony Confidential” by Christina Lynch. Pony, a rebellious horse determined to reunite with his long-lost owner Penny, escapes and embarks on a cross-country journey to clear her name after she is wrongfully accused of murder, using his keen understanding of human nature to seek out the true killer.
“Time Will Tell” by Rita Mae Brown. Amidst managing her busy fox hunting season and caring for her hounds, "Sister" Jane Arnold stumbles upon an expensive watch while helping to corral a neighbor's escaped cows, leading her into a murder investigation where she must connect the clues and confront a clever adversary before more blood is shed.