Newly retired, I’ve mentioned to Gary over the past seven months how much I look forward to getting snowed in this winter, surrounded by books. With memoirs by Eva Kor, Graham Norton, and a few less familiar names topping the stack, I was ready for whatever Mother Nature might fling at us.

The books surround us, but there’s nary a flake in sight. Although we haven’t needed to pile up the blankets just yet, it is a wonderful situation to be in, starting a new decade with books upon books waiting to be read.

Here are the four I enjoyed in January:

Week 1: Santa Baby by Vesle Fenstermaker

If you haven’t already remarked on the author’s amazing name, take a moment and say it out loud. Several times. It never gets old!

My mom met Vesle at a writers’ conference in Indiana back in the mid 1970s. She brought home this book and delighted in showing it to us. (I remember saying the author’s name out loud with her as we grinned at each other.)

Her new friend Vesle had inscribed the copy with the following: To Joan Vayo – My sister in the craft. December 1975

It’s a fun read, about a department store Santa who is in the gig just for the paycheck. This isn’t an expose, but rather a whimsical peek behind the curtain at this fictional Santa’s life, loves, and questionable attitude toward his part-time job.

Week 2: The Life and Loves of a He Devil by Graham Norton

Oh, how I love Graham Norton! His “chat show” on the BBC is simply the best. His quick wit is magical and his interviewing skills provide a master class on how to converse with – rather than “chat up” – celebrities (I’m looking at you, Andy Cohen!). Fans should check out his weekly podcast as well.

When I saw on Facebook that Owensboro’s Books A Million was closing (pause here to squeeze out a bitter tear or two over yet another shuttered book store), we hustled across the Mighty Ohio on New Year’s Day for one last visit.

Graham’s twinkling Irish Eyes caught my attention as I gazed at the offerings on the memoirs table.

Each chapter is themed around an individual topic, including his love of dogs, his childhood in Ireland, relationships (both personal and professional), and his thoughts about America.

Particularly interesting is the story about Graham finally meeting Dolly Parton. They shot a TV special at Dollywood as the Twin Towers fell back on September 11, 2001.

In addition to being what might be referred to as a “romp,” this is a well-written memoir. Despite all the unread books piled up here at home, I may need to order copies of Graham Norton’s other works (he’s a novelist as well).

Week 3: This Is How I Save My Life by Amy B. Scher

This book caught my eye in one of the daily Book Bub emails (highly recommended for book lovers) a while back and I downloaded it for safekeeping.

Amy B. Scher tells the harrowing tale of her life with advanced Lyme Disease. Both of my parents were diagnosed and treated early with this (their home is just 20 miles from Lyme, Connecticut), and that’s the key – catch it early.

So much time passed before Amy’s problem was diagnosed that the twentysomething’s life was in near shambles. She takes a what-have-I-got-to-lose chance with experimental treatment in India. Her doctor’s work with stem cells is controversial and Amy takes her readers through every fascinating step of the way.

A blogger, Amy shares the day-to-day challenges in her “journey” (old poop that I am, that word sets my teeth on edge, as does the phrase “your next chapter“) with a rawness that will keep you up late, half-holding your breath in the hope that she recovers, both physically and emotionally.

Week 4: Surviving the Angel of Death by Eva Mozes Kor

The 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz was Monday, January 27. I spent the day with Eva Kor, one of Megele’s twins.

Being a Mengele Twin first saved her life, then nearly took her life, and eventually defined her life.

Sadly, Eva passed away last July 4, during one of her many trips back to the camp. This book carries her distinct voice and spirit.

Eva’s story of survival is remarkable, surpassed only by her dedication to spreading the message of forgiveness. Gary and I feel honored to have heard her speak and spend a few minutes chatting with her. Rest in peace, Eva.

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