Our Favorite Books

Reads we loved most this year. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( December 23, 2023 Good morning! If you'll have some time on your hands during the holiday break, it's the perfect chance to sink into one of [our favorite books of 2023](. Looking ahead to the new year, I've got lots of excitement in store after [the huge surprise I shared this week]( — but we're also keeping an eye on how the 2024 election could change, thanks to [a shocking verdict for Donald Trump](. Those stories and more, coming right up...   Riveting Reads [Illustration of a hand holding a mug with books inside]( Getty Images The Wake-Up Call community is filled with certified bookworms, and the team who brings you this newsletter is no different! We rounded up [the best books we read this year](, with can't-miss recommendations from me, Molner, and more of our team. [SEE OUR PICKS](   More Stories [Donald Trump]( Getty Images Disqualified: A blockbuster ruling from the Colorado Supreme Court this week determined that Donald Trump is ineligible to be on the state's presidential primary ballot, citing his actions leading up to the Jan. 6 insurrection as a violation of the 14th Amendment. [Here's what you need to know about where the case goes next.]( Health watch: As we head into the holiday break (and the travel that comes with it), the World Health Organization has identified a new strain of Covid-19 as a variant of interest “due to its rapidly increasing spread.” We've got the details on [where the virus is spiking](. A difficult diagnosis: One year after we learned that Celine Dion suffers from a rare neurological disorder known as stiff person syndrome, the singer's family shared [a heartbreaking update about how she's doing](. On the lookout: We got a doctor to explain [everything you should know about breast cysts](, including what's inside them, whether they can cause cancer, and when it's time to get a checkup.   Katie's Corner [Katie Couric and her daughter Ellie]( Getty Images Earlier this week, I shared a thrilling personal update — my daughter Ellie is having a baby! Here's [the moment she shocked me with the news](. [SEE THE SURPRISE](   Saturday Spotlight [Erin Andrews]( "I Had To Get Help" Sportscaster Erin Andrews shares a vulnerable look at how infertility affected her career, her mental health, and her marriage. [Read More »]( [Characters from Hallmark holiday movies]( The Secret Sauce Hallmark's holiday movies might be formulaic, but the strategy behind the repetitive storylines is intentional — and deeply fascinating. [Read More »]( [A Kindle, Ugg slippers, moisturizer, AirPods]( Last-Minute Magic Need a gift that'll arrive in a flash? We rounded up fast-shipping finds from Amazon that will please anyone on your list this year. [Read More »](   What We're Loving [Hands holding balm from L'AMARUE]( L'AMARUE Whether it's eczema or painfully cracked heels, many of us are struggling with chronic skin issues this winter. If you're looking for a solution, we'd suggest what TikTok calls "slugging" — layering your moisturizer with an occlusive balm on top to seal in all that hydration. We're obsessed with [this magical, multipurpose balm]( from L'AMARUE, which can also be used to remove makeup or tame unruly hairs. Don't you just love a multi-hyphenate? [TRY IT FOR YOURSELF](   One More Thing There's nothing quite like the luxury of cashmere, but the price point can be prohibitive. That's where our savvy shopping comes in: We scoured the Internet in search of high-quality, low-cost treasures and found [10 fabulous cashmere sweaters for less than $200](. You're welcome. [SHOP HERE](   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.](   Thank you for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you next week! [Alternate text] Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.