My Favorite Books of November

I’ve decided that cuddling up under a blanket to read is the only thing I like about winter.

The weather hasn’t even been harsh here in Oklahoma, but I just really don’t like the cold. My disdain toward winter weather probably is why I’ve read more during the last couple of months.

I read 13 books in November. Of those, I have two non-fiction books and a single fiction book perfect grades.

Consent

Donna Freitas is an author and respected scholar who travels around the country speaking about topics like Title IX, consent and sex on college campuses. So it may be surprising for some to learn that Freitas also is a victim.

Freitas was stalked by her graduate school professor, who was an ordained priest, for more than two years. At first, Freitas thought the professor was just being friendly and caring toward her, his student and advisee. But then the professor filled her mailbox with letters, called her nonstop, befriended her mother who was suffering from terminal cancer, and even was caught looking in Freitas’s apartment window.

Freitas struggled with the questions that plague many victims. She was uncertain at first that what her professor was doing crossed any lines. Once it was obvious that his actions were inappropriate, she was scared that she had some how encouraged him, and she didn’t know how to make him stop. Reporting her professor seemed to be her only option, but, as is the case with many victims, even that didn’t go as planned.

Abused: Surviving Sexual Assault and Toxic Gymnastics Culture

When Larry Nassar was accused and later convicted of sexually assaulting gymnasts under his medical care, it was difficult to understand how the girls didn’t know what he was doing was wrong or that their parents didn’t know what was happening.

It may have been difficult to understand how Nassar’s abuse was able to carry on for so long because outsiders of the world of competitive gymnastics don’t really understand the sport’s culture.

Rachel Haines is a two-time National Team Member, two-time National Champion and was a Division I college gymnast at the University of Minnesota. Haines also is one of Nassar’s victims. Haines tells the story of the sport she loved and its culture that allows terrible things to happen to young athletes.

Rapid Falls

I read so many books that I’m rarely surprised by a plot line. When I am, the book that surprised me immediately becomes one of my favorites. I just love a good twist.

Cara’s boyfriend, the love of her life, died in an accident 20 years ago. Cara’s sister, Anna, went to prison for killing him and has struggled with drug addiction since her release.

Anna’s life is in shambles, but Cara always pauses her successful livelihood (great job, successful husband, beautiful daughter) to rescue her sister. But when Anna decides to come clean, for real this time, she begins to remember things that others in her life can’t afford for her to recall.

There they are, my favorite books of November! I hope you find something here to read and love. As always, happy reading!