Reading Wrap-Up for December and January Plans

[@kChandler10]

I am sorry for your loss. Thank you both and Teddy for taking care of your friend and being sensitive to what she needed in the last few days of her life. 😢❤

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you so much. ❤️

[@MJ-in-Canada]

We should all be so fortunate as to leave this world holding the hands of our beloved friends with “the goodest of the good boys” on our bed.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I agree!

[@marjoriedybec3450]

absolutely.

[@awebofstories]

I really love that Truman Capote collection and I get a little happy zap every time I see someone talk about on BookTube! I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. I lost one of my dear friends earlier this year and the grief has been hard. Teddy's awesomeness brought tears to my eyes.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend. Grief will mess you up for a long time, so hang in there. ❤️

[@Elizabeth-Reads]

Your story of Leone’s passing made me cry. Heart wrenching, but what a beautiful way to pass, so glad you, Joel and Teddy could be there with her. Sending you both love. ❤

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you-and sorry to have made you cry!

[@mariyamak]

I'm so sorry about the loss of your friend. Thank you for sharing. One can only wish to be surrounded by dear friends and the goodest boy when one passes.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you ❤️

[@evajanczaruk8790]

My sincerest condolences for the loss of your friend. The tender, intuitive heart of a well loved fur mate is not a surprise but Teddy is definitely the goodest of good boys.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you ❤️

[@seasheleyes]

I think that being with someone that you love at the point of death is a gift to everyone involved. It is ultimate love in action. It definitely reminds us of how important our relationships are. I know that many people don’t want people to cry when they are gone, but I don’t agree. I want to be important enough to be missed. I think that grief is most important to processing the loss of people that we love. Grief is difficult, but is beautiful. You are a lovely couple.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you ❤️ I agree that tears are therapeutic and very helpful in releasing heavy emotions.

[@FMsukina]

I'm sorry for your loss. I'm sure Leone was thankful to have you, Joel, and Teddy with her.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you ❤️

[@katrianamacmillan]

I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend Leone. Providing hospice care at home is no easy task. I hope you, Joel, and the rest of her friends who helped make that happen take comfort in knowing you helped her pass peacefully on her own terms

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you ❤️

[@cherylferguson2128]

I'm so very sorry for your loss- your care and love for her was a tribute to her well lived life.I am a hospice social worker and have been for 20 years and it's always so wonderful to see and hear about friends and family who come together and provide loving care -end of life with Hospice at home. When people find out that i'm a hospice social worker, they always say the same thing, " it must be so depressing." The truth of it is that's when you are able to help people support and care for the people they love at end of life, it's actually very life affirming. I hope that memories of happier times with your friend. Give you comfort and peace. You are all (teddy included) very special people.

[@joelmcclanahan9004]

Thank you! And that on for the work you do! I can see the reward in helping families! It takes a special person to do that! ♥️

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you for everything you do. It’s such a vital service-all of the hospice providers we met were wonderful, kind, and understanding. My therapist even started out as a hospice provider. It is a profession that I have a profound respect for. And I think you’re right about the process being affirming. When I spoke to my mother on Christmas Day and told her that we were spending the day with our ailing friend, she said that what we were doing is what Christmas is actually all about-and that was very good, necessary perspective for me ❤️❤️❤️

[@Tisaya]

Haven’t finished a book in 2025 yet, so I’m giving Joel’s beard a 5 ⭐️.😄 Hapy new years.🍀🎉🥂

[@SupposedlyFun]

Happy new year! I also give it five stars! 🥂

[@joelmcclanahan9004]

Thank you! Happy New Year! ❤

[@sharonhoevel9889]

Desert Solitaire...classic Edward Abbey. So good!

[@readandre-read]

I'm so sorry about your friend, Leone. What a gentle, peaceful way to pass, surrounded by beloved friends and sweet Teddy. I read the Capote every year! And it's so emotional every time! I also read Catcher in the Rye every year, sometimes at Christmas. It's my favorite novel.

[@SupposedlyFun]

It’s so nice to find another Christmas-Catcher in the Rye reader! And thank you.

[@MizzInterpreted]

Joel might like The Comfort Of Crows by Margaret Renki. She tells about her backyard and the plants and citters that visit throughout the year.

[@joelmcclanahan9004]

Thank you! I’ll look for it.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’ve heard good things about that book.

[@cherylynlarking191]

All of Amor Towles books are amazing. The descriptive passages are exceptional. Rules of C and Lincoln Highway were great.

[@SupposedlyFun]

The writing in the beginning of Gentleman in Moscow is staggeringly good.

[@catedee5012]

Teddy is so sweet and loving. Leone must have been so comforted and calmed to have him with her. I am sorry for your loss. Thank-you for doing a video in the midst of your grief.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you. Teddy really is the goodest boy!

[@julieg_quebec-julesselivre8641]

Trying to catch up on your videos and I’m really sorry for your loss! 😢 Letting a loved one go is a hard thing to do! Hugs to you both!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you so much. It means a lot.

[@dmurfval702]

So sorry for your loss of your dear friend. Joel's beard looks great. Glad Teddy is feeling better. Let's hope 2025 is a good reading year.

[@joelmcclanahan9004]

Thanks!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Amen to that! Happy new year and happy reading!

[@baddnerves3321]

Sorry for your loss. Had multiple people lost to brain tumors, so my heart goes out to you both. Looking forward to your best books of 2024 video

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you for your kind words. I’m so sorry you’ve been through this multiple times.

[@azu_rikka]

Sending love during this difficult time❤. Without being prompted, I would have remarked on Joel's beautiful two- toned lush beard. You can be proud of it, it is unique!

[@joelmcclanahan9004]

Thank you! I call is Salt & Cayenne Pepper!! 😂. ❤

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you ❤️

[@faithwarren9212]

A Gentleman in Moscow was one of my 5* reads for 2024. I wound up doing half on audio and reading half digitally; it worked out to be a great mix. Enjoy! I'm sorry to hear of the passing of your dear friend. Editing to add: Thanks for the Desert Solitaire suggestion, Joel. It sounds like a book I would enjoy. I just ordered it through my local bookstore.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you so much. Happy new year and happy reading!

[@joelmcclanahan9004]

Oh good! I hope you enjoy it

[@stacielara9856]

Teddy is an angel and so are both of you ❤

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you ❤️

[@jewelsjournals]

So sorry for your loss! May you find peace while leaning on one another for comfort. ❤

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you ❤️

[@MountainShadow8]

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear friend. How fortunate that you and Joel and the extraordinary soul that is Teddy were able to be with her. On a bookish note, I'm glad you enjoyed Truman Capote. He is a favorite of mine. Thank you for sharing - my hopes for a happier New Year. 💖

[@SupposedlyFun]

Amen to that-happy new year!

[@marjoriedybec3450]

Joel, you might want to read "Be Ready When the Luck Happens," by Ina Garten. Also, "The Table Comes First" by Adam Gopnik is a fun audiobook that I think he would really enjoy (note it is a slight slog in the very beginning but it loosens up quickly.) Greg, now might be the right month to discipline yourself to read a pulitzer prize winner, especially a shorter one. You'll feel good for having done it and it will kick off your reading year with a blast! Also I hear the Cher memoir is pretty interesting. I'm sorry to hear about your loss, especially one with whom you shared your beloved holiday celebrations. Here is how "A Christmas Memory" fits into our annual celebrations. A couple nights before Xmas we set aside 60-90 mins (although it really on takes about 10-20 mins), pour some eggnog or other festive libation, snuggle together just the two of us or we invite neighbors or friends who will listen. Then one of us will read "A Christmas Memory" aloud. We have switched off once but usually the one who starts, finishes (usually bawling.) It never fails to make us feel the importance of found family, of tradition, of love, of just a tiny bit of attention. Its a beautiful story to share with friends because its surprisingly unknown. I wouldn't borrow that plastic covered book from the library. Read your nice vintage copy. If you want the other stories, those are available in used bookstores too. I'm so glad you discovered it and love it as I do. I wish we could read it aloud together some December. It might be wise for Joel to finish it next December depending on how heavy his heart is right now. marjorieapple.substack.com

[@SupposedlyFun]

I definitely want to get back to my Pulitzer Project in 2025. I love your Christmas Memory ritual! Especially since we’re huge fans of eggnog. What great fun!

[@joelmcclanahan9004]

Thank for the book recommendations. I’ll look for them.

[@Ali-AvidReader]

I’m so sorry for your loss, go easy on yourselves.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you ❤️

[@sarahwiltshire5851]

So sorry to hear about the loss of your friend - a beautiful and comforting way to go with Teddy and wonderful friends close by - thank you for sharing. Fantastic Joel beard. Happy New Year - with great reading ahead xx

[@joelmcclanahan9004]

Thank you! Happy new year.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Happy new year! I love Joel’s beard.

[@neetupd8510]

Very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. Hope 2025 is a year filled with great health and lots of cheerful moments for you, Joel and Teddy!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Happy new year and happy reading!

[@schoolbeginsaftercoffee4759]

My sincere condolences on the loss of your dear friend. I am enjoying the informal book club. Will definitely join you in reading Desert Solitaire.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you ❤️ I’m excited to start Desert Solitaire.

[@PaulaBlazer-n7l]

❤ Teddy ❤ Thank you for loving us humans! My sympathy to everyone. Thank you for sharing. LOVE always

[@SupposedlyFun]

Teddy is the best! And thank you.

[@steveberns1421]

Thank you for sharing your reading and your lives! I am so sorry that Leone has passed, and it inspiring how you, Joel, and Teddy were here for her. I want to share that you have helped me to come off of my “high horse” in therms of reading only “literary fiction”- cinnamon bun books have been such a comfort in difficult times! I look forward to your “best of” video. And ma I respectfully say that Joel’s beard is fantastic! Happy New Year!

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’m so glad you’re enjoying cinnamon bun books and that you’re finding comfort in reading! And yes, Joel’s beard is spectacular!

[@joelmcclanahan9004]

Awe, thank you! Glad we were able to help you branch out with cozy books.

[@LouiseReader]

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend Leone, but what a beautiful death you both and Teddy were able to give her. And so lovely to read her favourite book now.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you ❤️

[@Nina_DP]

I have a copy of Desert Solitaire, and now have a reason to pick it up. Condolences again, Greg and Joel, on the loss of your dear friend. Congratulations on the 2M views milestone. Well done. Wishing you (and all of us) a better than anticipated New Year. 🤞

[@joelmcclanahan9004]

Thank you! Looking forward to hearing about your reaction to Abbey’s book.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you ❤️ We’re so excited to start Desert Solitaire.

[@larajean1]

I"m sorry for your loss but what a beautiful story of Leone's peaceful passing. Thank you for sharing it.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@rschreuer]

Lots of love and support on your loss journey. It sounds like she was surrounded with your love when she needed it most and it sounds like a beautiful friendship. Hugs

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you so much.

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

Condolences on the loss of your friend. 💐

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you ❤️

[@marciajohansson769]

Such a beautiful tribute for your friend Leone. I am happy to donate to PP in her honor. Love and blessings in the New Year

[@joelmcclanahan9004]

Thank you! You are such a wonderful person! ❤

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you ❤️ Here’s to a happy and healthy 2025. Your Christmas card is so beautiful! We may frame it.

[@catherinejager3264]

Don’t worry, lots of people confuse us with Iowa 😂 Oh my goodness guys, I feel your pain. My husband died of metastatic melanoma - part of which was in his brain, and ultimately caused his demise. It was a heartbreaking experience so I’m feeling you. What a fortunate woman Leone was to have all three of you as supportive and compassionate friends ❤🥲

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and your kind words.im sorry you and your husband went through that. ❤️

[@Roscoethecat]

I read The Snow Child, To Kill a Mockingbird (audio book read by Sissy Spacek), Merry Christmas Cupid and Breathing Lessons in December. I finished The Berry Pickers on New Years morning. I'll read Small Joys next.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I hope you like Small Joys as much as we did!

[@onourpath]

I think you being there for her will eventually be a lasting comfort for you; clearly, it was a comfort for her. I feel this so much -- my son has a brain tumor, and it has its own horrible language of medical jabs and indignaties. I'm so sorry you went through this -- it's a heavy weight. I think there is meaning in this kind of thing, but it's a hard row to hoe. Rely on each other! 💚 (Joel's beard should have a channel of its own. 😂 Looks fantastic! 😍)

[@joelmcclanahan9004]

Thank you!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you so much for your kind words. It means a lot. And I’m so sorry that you and your son are going through such a hard time. ❤️❤️❤️

[@karenmoore4430]

Dear Greg and Joel sending hugs to you both. I am going to try and get The Most sounds like a Women’s Prize book.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you. The Most does actually sound like a Women’s Prize book!

[@jozefdewit7413]

Happy new year!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Happy new year!

[@gamewrit0058]

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤

[@SupposedlyFun]

❤️📚🥂

[@annegibson6072]

Joel, did you see where the follow up to the Daniel Black book is being released in January? I know you loved Don't Cry for me. I read a hysterical Christmas book called To Hell with Hallmark.

[@joelmcclanahan9004]

Yes! I am excited about Isaac’s Song! I’ll look for To Hell with Hallmark.

[@SupposedlyFun]

We’re so excited for the new Daniel Black book.

[@bc-mv5se]

Ps dude. no. U need to catch up on jonathon strange, paranesi and Susanna clarke. Where u been? Dude?!

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’ve already read three of Clarke’s books-including Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell.

[@bc-mv5se]

Dude! That sux about ur dog. Please give ur self time off this winter. I went thru this too. Just tell us about books u actually read. And read a ton. It'll help.