Introduction:
"Long dark nights, a constant cycle of grim news, frenetic holiday shopping, and festivities-that-can-turn-into-obligations: 'Tis the season that calls for either an immersive, transportative novel (such as Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch or Jhumpa Lahiri's The Lowland) -- or, if it's cheer you want, a smart, charming diversion. Last year at this time, I decided to create a list of books that hit the literary sweet spot where entertainment and substance intersect -- books that emphasize the light in enlightenment. It was so much fun, I'm doing it again."