November's Book Club Wrap-Up: What I Read And Watched… and What I Didn’t
November’s Book Club surprised me in the reading department. I usually fly through several books each month, but A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara ended up being the exception I didn’t see coming. I picked up the Audible version narrated by Matt Bomer, fully expecting to fall right in with it, but by Thanksgiving I still wasn’t past the first few chapters. The pacing felt slow and heavy, and I struggled to connect with the characters in a way that made me want to keep going.
I finally peeked at more reviews—something I rarely do mid-read—and they were incredibly mixed. That made me feel a little better, because I’m not someone who quits books lightly. It genuinely bothers me to leave something unfinished, but sometimes a story just isn’t the right fit for this season of life. So, for November, I gave myself permission to let it go.
That said… I did make plenty of time to watch some really good (and in a few cases, unsettling) things this month.
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What I Watched in November
Stranger Things
With Season 5 finally out, I couldn’t help jumping back in. I forgot how much fun this show is to revisit—nostalgic, a little creepy, and weirdly comforting in that very specific 80s-adventure way. It’s wild and chaotic in the best way, and it ended up being exactly what I needed to unwind after long, busy days.
Land Man
Land Man ended up being such a good surprise this month. The characters pulled me in right away, and the pacing felt steady in a way that kept me invested without overwhelming me. I loved how the story slowly unfolded with just enough tension to keep me curious. If you’re into character-driven shows with a little grit, this one is absolutely worth adding to your list.
Sean Combs: The Reckoning
This one was deeply disturbing and incredibly heavy. It’s not an easy watch by any means, but it felt important, and it definitely sat with me long after the credits rolled. It’s the kind of documentary that forces you to pause, process, and really sit with what you’ve just seen.
The Beast in Me
A tight, well-done thriller that scratched the itch for something suspenseful without being overly dark. If you love mysteries that keep you guessing, this one is a great pick. I found myself totally pulled in by the pacing and wanting just one more episode each time.
All the Christmas Movies
And in true November fashion, I settled into a whole lineup of Christmas movies on Netflix. My favorite? My Secret Santa. It’s sweet, predictable in the best way, and exactly the kind of cozy comfort movie I want while easing into the holidays.
Looking Ahead to December’s Pick
One Day In December by Josie silver
Grab your copy HERE!
So for December I picked up One Night in December for our next book club read, and it ended up being exactly what my heart needed. It’s the sweetest holiday romance—light, charming, and filled with that cozy predictability that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and read just one more chapter.
Even though you can see where the story is headed, the joy is truly in the journey, not the destination. After feeling a little stuck in November, this book felt like a breath of fresh air and such a welcome reset. I already can’t wait to hear what you all think of it.
November’s Book Club recap isn’t as stacked as usual, but that feels right for November—busy, full, and already pulling us into the holiday season. Sometimes reading looks like devouring five books in a row, and sometimes it looks like giving yourself permission to set one down and lean into comfort shows, thrillers, and Christmas movies instead.
Here’s to hoping December brings even more stories that grab us right from the start.
Let me know in the comments: What did you read or watch this month that you loved?
xx,
Kim
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