What Do We Want To Be
Plus 2024 Favorites and News
Dear Friends,
Happy New Year!
Everyone has their traditions and rituals from resolutions to goals while ringing in the new year. Mine have changed through time (I hope so because 2025 Patti cannot keep up with 1987 Patti). This year, I basked in the beauty of South Carolina and spent time with family who are now spread far and wide.
A decade ago, our family started choosing our “Word for the Year,” that is meant to describe what we want in the new year. They roll their eyes at me, and they pretend they don’t want to do this, but then they do, and it opens our hearts. This year, after the words were uttered, I noticed something. Not one person had chosen something they wanted to HAVE but instead had chosen things they wanted to BE.
What an amazing thing — to think more about what you want to BE than what you want to have, own, possess, or earn. This made me think about how almost everything we do get in that realm may come from who we are, and who we want to be.
We chose words like “inspire”, “growth”, “clarity” and “health.”
What word would you choose?
THE STORY SHE LEFT BEHIND
With my novel THE STORY SHE LEFT BEHIND coming out in ten weeks, I am buoyed by the Most-Anticipated lists from AJC to Book Nerd to Netgalley, and by the beautiful early reviews and blurbs (like the one below from William Kent Krueger, whose powerful stories I adore). I’m excited to tell you of some incredible plans coming up and working on book tour logistics. I have been working on this novel for years, and I have so many stories to tell you!
THE BOOKS I LOVED IN 2024
I do have one resolution — to keep better track of the books I read. As I look back at this incredible year of reading for pleasure, for blurb, and for our show, Friends & Fiction, it feels nearly impossible to choose, but I decided on the ones that made me feel the most, the ones I can’t forget.
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon — I know you’ve already heard from me about this book, but if you haven’t read it yet, this is your sign. Pick it up. Thank me later.
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan — I was so profoundly moved by this slim volume that takes place in Ireland that I have rarely had a conversation this holiday season when I haven’t recommended this book. I will—no doubt—read it again.
The Call of the Wild by Jack London — Yes, an 1800’s book but one that will give you all the feels about what it means to love. I loved it so much that I gave my son a vintage edition for Christmas.
Clear by Carys Davies — I initially read this book for research for The Story She Left Behind, and fell into such a trance that I forgot about my book all together.
All The Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker — Again, you’ve heard me talk about this book, but I still can’t quite nail down WHY this book has so affected me. But then again maybe that’s the point—we never need to know why.
These five books have not left me: I continue to think about their characters and choices. And what more could we want from a book?
And many more — including the beloved 2024 books by my Friends & Fiction co-hosts: Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews and A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey.
Okay, that’s enough from me for now as we round out 2024! Thank you for taking this wild ride with me the past year. We have an adventuresome 2025 coming up!
I have an announcement on Monday, January 6th about a cool LIVE Video series (with prizes!) we’ll be doing as we near publication. I’m also beginning a series of “Cut Scenes” from The Story She Left Behind, so stay tuned for all of this!
Happy New Year
With Great Love,
Patti
ABOUT PATTI CALLAHAN HENRY
New York Times Bestselling Author and Podcast Host
Patti Callahan Henry is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Globe and Mail bestselling author of seventeen novels and a podcast host. Patti is the co-host and co-creator of the popular weekly web show, podcast, and online community, Friends & Fiction.
She lives in Mountain Brook, Alabama with her husband. Her newest novel, THE STORY SHE LEFT BEHIND will be released on March 18th, 2025.
Be sure to follow Patti on social media and visit her website for the latest updates and announcements!
Human beings not human doings.
Happy New Year! I’m still listening for my word, trusting it will be made known by the twelfth day of Christmas on Epiphany. It keeps iterating and I so appreciate that you do this with your family!
Peace and blessings with you, and thank you for the book recommendations. I look forward to yours! 🩷💫🥳