Here is what the IFMB crew is reading and recommending for December.
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi 
This is an autobiography about his life as a neurosurgeon who was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. It was published after he passed away from the illness, so definitely a tear-jerker, yet beautifully written and thought-provoking.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
This is also a tear jerker (they are not all tear-jerkers) yet it is a story about hope and what better time for a story about hope. This is a story of a father suffering from PTSD after serving in Vietnam. After losing his job he gets this impulsive idea to take his family to Alaska to live off the grid. His teenage daughter hopes that this move can heal her parents’ volatile relationship and become a place they can finally call home.
Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes
Rhimes is the creator/producer of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder, in this book Rhimes shows how even a successful person can feel dysfunctional in the world. She spends a year of saying yes to things she has turned down due to fear or shyness and how by saying yes she climbs out of the rut she didn’t realize she was in. This book will make you want to cheer out loud of how she remakes and takes control of her life.
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
This book is about his life growing up a mixed-race child in South Africa during apartheid. He offers funny stories as well as a realistic view of the racism and segregation left by apartheid. A well written and interesting book.
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
Told in an atmospheric take on Polish folklore, with a twist on Rumplestiltskin. Noviks books are somewhat dark, yet ultimately satisfying. Perfect read for winter.
For the Kids:
Jerica Stacey, does a kids Christmas book basket, which they put under the tree that they add to and work their way through each December. How fun is that!
I love childrens Christmas books, they have the best stories with great messages, for that reason I have a few that I alway grab each year to read again. Why Christmas Trees Aren’t Perfect, by Richard Schneider, this story is about all the trees in the forest wanting to be perfect for the Queen so they can be chosen as her tree. However, the little tree learns more about giving and charity by providing shelter to the animals of the forest. Perfect for young and old!
Hope you enjoy this months picks!
