Are you ready for Jolabokaflod? That’s the Icelandic book flood. Every Christmas Eve the Icelandic people celebrate with a new book on Christmas Eve, tucked up with a cup of hot cocoa and maybe some chocolates. I’m all set! I have new books, cocoa and chocolates (from See’s!).

So, how are you this Christmas Eve? That’s the first question. The second is, what are you reading this holiday week? Do you have time to read? I’m tucked up at home, quite content with what I have. I have two good books. I’m reading a mystery.

I bought a copy of Murder at an Irish Christmas by Carlene O’Connor. I love the cover. I enjoy O’Connor’s stories about the O’Sullivan family of six, and the oldest sister, Siobhan, who is a Garda. This year, the family intended to have a week’s vacation visiting with brother James’ fiance’s family, but a murder in West Cork interferes with Siobhan’s plans.

I’m also reading a book that was a gift from a friend who knows how much I love Broadway, Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway by Michael Riedel. The theater columnist for the New York Post submitted his manuscript for the book just before Broadway went dark due to COVID-19. It’s about the 1990s on Broadway, a fascinating gossipy book about that decade.

My readings right now feed my passions, Ireland and live theatre. I’m very happy with what I’m reading.

How about you? What are you reading, or what did you read this week?

If you don’t stop in tomorrow for my Christmas piece, I wish all of you peace and hope for the year ahead. Take care of yourselves!


End of the year note: I’m going to run my Favorites of 2020 list on Wednesday, Dec. 30 next week, so we can all talk about what we’re reading on New Year’s Eve, if you’re around. Friday, Jan. 1 will be my Treasures in My Closet post.

But, I wanted to, once again, ask if any of you would like to write a post about your favorite books of 2020. It might have been a lousy year overall, but I think it was one of the best years for books in quite a while. As in other years, I’ll spread out the posts. But, if you’d like to write a post of 2020 favorites, let me know. You can let me know here, or email me at Lesa.Holstine@gmail.com