The advent of a new year evokes an array of emotions, starting with a mixture of both relief and sadness that the winter holidays are almost over. Then you have the excitement about the prospect of a new year mixed with some exhaustion over just getting past the last one. I propose we start each new year on February 1, so we have January to recover from one year and gear up for the next. Since that’s not likely to happen, my next proposal is to escape into some hope-inspiring fiction to help us cope with all of these inside-out feelings.
Something to Look Forward to, opens a new window by Fannie Flagg
Fannie Flagg, of Fried Green Tomatoes, opens a new window fame, delivers 30 uproarious and unexpected stories about Americans navigating life’s curveballs. From a Kansas great-grandmother struggling to connect with her great-grandchild in California to a woman taking audacious revenge on a cheating husband, these tales celebrate human resilience. Watching over them all is Special Agent Frawley, a curious alien agent sent to study humanity, only to fall in love with one of his subjects… and with her cat.
The Road to Tender Hearts, opens a new window by Annie Hartnett
Sixty-three-year-old lottery winner PJ Halliday doesn’t feel so lucky. Haunted by the death of his eldest daughter and subsequent unraveling of his marriage, PJ spends his days (and his money) at the bar. But when he learns his high school sweetheart, Michelle, is single again, PJ plots a cross-country drive to Arizona to win her back. His solo trip quickly becomes a family affair when he unexpectedly gains custody of his estranged brother’s grandchildren, recruits his adrift daughter as a babysitter, and is joined by a death-predicting therapy cat named Pancakes. Can PJ succeed at this second chance at love and parenting?
The Convenience Store by the Sea, opens a new window by Sonoko Machida
In the seaside town of Mojiko sits "Tenderness," a 24/7 convenience store that is much more than a shop. Led by the handsome and charismatic Mr. Shiba, who dishes out hearty wisdom alongside delicious food, Tenderness serves as a sanctuary for locals seeking solace and hope. Following the lives of several Tenderness customers, this charming international bestseller fits right into the current wave of Japanese healing fiction sweeping across bookstores and libraries.
It's Not All Downhill From Here, opens a new window by Terry McMillan
At 68, Loretha has a thriving business, a solid marriage, and a group of loyal friends. She is determined to prove that aging doesn’t mean decline—until a sudden, devastating loss upends her world. To keep thriving, Loretha must summon her inner strength and resourcefulness to heal old wounds and chart a new path, proving that joy is possible at any age. While navigating tough issues such as addiction and mental illness, McMillan delivers humor, warmth, and a sense of hope.
The Dogs of Venice, opens a new window by Steven Rowley
In this simple novella perfect for the holiday, Paul decides to head to Venice alone when his marriage unexpectedly collapses. In Venice, he becomes fascinated by a scruffy stray dog that navigates the city with confidence. Alongside his new friend, Paul begins a journey of healing, fostered by the welcoming people of Venice and its myriad of sights, sounds, and tastes. Paul undergoes a soul-cleansing journey of self-discovery, moving from the pain of love lost to the strength of newfound independence.
The Incredible Kindness of Paper, opens a new window by Evelyn Skye
This is a truly heartwarming story about the magic of kindness and finding love again. Childhood pen pals Chloe and Oliver, known as "Clover," were separated when Oliver mysteriously vanished, leaving Chloe heartbroken. Years later in New York City, Chloe begins leaving inspirational yellow origami roses that spark an anonymous, magical exchange, unknowingly reuniting the old friends. As secrets are revealed and hearts heal, this feel-good novel shows how kindness can capture hearts and bring two people back together.
The Adult Winter Reading Challenge at Central Rappahannock Regional Library begins January 1 and runs through March 31. Read and log five books to earn a prize! Sign up at librarypoint.org/winter, opens a new window.
Tracy McPeck is the Director of Adult Services at Central Rappahannock Regional Library. This column first appeared in the Free Lance-Star newspaper.
