Book of the month: December 2024

When I think about the holidays, I think about books. My dad always gave books as gifts, each one thoughtfully curated for your interests as a reader while encouraging you to examine new genres, writers, and subjects. I have discovered many of my favorite writers and stories because of the careful consideration of my father.

This is a gifting tradition that I love to continue. I think this sharing of books is as enjoyable for the gifter as the recipient. Getting to discuss the elements of a story with the person that introduced you to it is a wonderful part of reading.

This season, I am enjoying The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown, which was a gift from Christmas 2024 that I am finally diving into. Stories about sport can be transcendent, themes of navigating challenges, working as a team, rising and falling, celebrating win and accepting defeat—all while learning what we are capable of as humans.

The Boys in the Boat is the true story of the nine American rowers who overcame the odds and won gold in the 1936 Olympics. The crew was made up of young men of everyday families, far from the elite teams of the East Coast, who through their dedication, perseverance, and teamwork left a lasting impact on each other and the world.

Happy reading.