In case you’re new here, just know this about me: my small nightstand is mostly taken up by an unstable tower of stacked novels, memoirs, and, yes, self-help books.

Each December, I offer my favorite reads of the year. Some of these books were published during the course of that year, but most were simply new to me.

In case you’ve not heard of it or seen it, the film is set in Edwardian England...think horses and carriages. It’s protagonist, Paula, is a wealthy young woman who is swept off her feet by a handsome older man named Gregory. They quickly marry, and things start to get...difficult.

If you’re like me, and so many of the people I work with, people are relying on you to bring your A-game every single day. 

These days, there are no natural transitions and breaks in the day. We don’t have the car ride to work or the subway ride home, or even the act of shutting down the laptop so we can pack up and head home to sort out dinner.