What book took you out of your comfort zone this year?⁣ For me, that book was Hamnet. Being a huge fan of classic literature, I had long been intrigued by this historical fiction based on William Shakespeare's family, but I was intimidated. I struggle hard with sad and heavy reads, and I knew this book was said to be both. It just so happened that I ran across Hamnet at a used book sale, though, so I mustered up every measly ounce of courage and picked it up. Truth be told?  It was even more devastating than I had imagined, and my mama heart struggled hard as I read these pages. There were many times when I had to set it aside, have a good cry, distract myself with something else for a while, and then dive timidly back in. That said, this book was beautiful, you guys.  Raw, piercing, sacred... The writing was stunning, and I have never read a more poignant and accurate depiction of grief.  It both gutted me and touched me with its beauty.  For a book to have affected me as deeply as Hamnet did, I cannot give it any less than all the stars.⁣ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐