Holiday Reading
It’s that time of the year again : the holiday season is coming and I couldn’t be looking forward to it more! Christmas has always been that magical time of the year for me : I love what it means in terms of school (semester over!), in terms of family and friends (seeing all those I love and don’t get to see often enough) and all the beautiful, glittering decorations. Christmas is that time of the year where I fully embrace my cheesy side! 😛
One of my favorite ways to get into the holiday spirit is, obviously, reading. I had a great time last year, reading books that took place during that joyful time of the year! I also know I’m not the only one who likes to celebrate by reading, so I though I’d do a post of books I’ve enjoyed in the past and what I’m reading this year. I welcome your comments on these books, or your suggestions for other holiday-related books!
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Read in the Past
First, let’s take a look at some favorites read in my pre-blog era :
The Autobiography of Santa Claus by Jeff Guinn : An original tale that really brought warmth to my hearth! The story of Santa, told by Santa, with a collection of other historical characters. I’ll admit it went a bit too magical even for my taste, but I still enjoyed it. Also fun : the story is divided in 24 chapters, meaning you can read one chapter a night before Christmas. How fun is that?
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott : This is one of my favorite books of all time, but the winter season has always been the one where I enjoyed it the most. It’s a classic with a magical quality to it.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens : The most classic of holidays classics! I read it for the first time in English two years ago, in a beautiful edition illustrated by Robert Ingpen. But illustrated or not, it is a short read that was completely worth my time.
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Read last year
Now, let’s take a look at what I read last year : I also linked the titles to my reviews.
Secret Santa by Sabrina James : This was a cute YA read, taking place in high school with a fun (and sometimes confusing) mix of characters. It’s also a quick read, I liked it!
Ex-Mas by Kate Brian : A very cute young adult novel for fans of the Holidays season, romance and road trips. This one felt like the book version of a romantic comedy movie. Again, a really quick read.
Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle : Again, a YA book. This one was fun because it took three great authors, with three different stories that are lightly linked together.
Over the Holidays by Sandra Harper : This one was of the “chick lit” genre (if you’re willing to call that a genre) and it was really fun. It mixed the Season, family and questions about life everyone can relate to, without getting too heavy.
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What I might read this year
Now, a look at what I might read this year! Some of these books I already own, but I don’t know yet what I’ll have time to read.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
The Stupidest Angel by Christopher Moore
Two very different books, that were both recommended to me last year when I was looking for interesting holiday reading. In fact, I got a copy of each at the time, but the season ended before I had time to read them. Maybe this year?
But there are plenty of other holiday-related books around, and I’m pretty sure this year isn’t the year I’ll get to read them all! One thing I discovered it that the romance department is filled with holiday books, but I’ve never been a huge romance fan (except for that strange Nora Roberts period in my teen years…. ahem, back to the subject now!), so I don’t know how much I would enjoy these (if you’ve read them and have an opinion on it, I’d welcome it! :D). But what I absolutely love about these, is how fun the premises are! Christmas is a magical time, and authors are definitely embracing it!
I linked to the Goodreads descriptions so you can take a look at those that could interest you 🙂
The Christmas Cookie Club by Ann Pearlman : I’ve just started this one, and I’m curious to see where it’s going because the first 45 pages were really depressing! The reviews last year were fairly good though. Also : cookies recipes!
Home in Time for Christmas by Heather Graham : The premise says : “Melody Tarleton is driving home for Christmas when a man—clad in Revolutionary War-era costume—appears out of nowhere, right in the path of her car.” Teehee! I love those incredible stories when characters travel through time!
Last Christmas by Julia Williams
Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul
Christmas at Harrington’s by Melody Carlson
It Happened one Night by Lisa Dale : This romance takes place in Vermont, where my in-laws live, and which I love. It’s reason enough for me to want to read it!
The Snow Globe by Sheila Roberts
On Strike for Christmas by Sheila Roberts
What are you planning on reading for the holidays (if you are planning such a thing, of course!) Any books on my list you would recommend over the others?
I have never considered making special plans for the holidays, but I might want to. I should maybe finally read A Christmas Carol this year.. And I know I have to read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn sometime, not sure if it will happen over the holidays, but who knows?
I hope to read Let it Snow, Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares, and there was one other book that now I can’t remember, gah!
I read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn as a young girl and really enjoyed it. I actually recently acquired a copy so that I could read it again… Initially I wouldn’t have said it was a holiday read, but there are some rather striking scenes that do involve Christmas, so I would certainly read that one!
No specific Christmas reading for me, at least none that I’m aware of. Just slowly trying to make it through the books that I have, based on whatever strikes my fancy!
I will be reviewing 3 of these this December. Great post!
I don’t normally do much holiday-themed reading – maybe one Christmas book a year? – but I’ve read and loved several of these, and was thinking about re-reading Let it Snow this year. Or maybe L. Frank Baum’s The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, which I don’t really know anything about, other than it was a free download for the Kindle.
…and you should definitely read The Stupidest Angel. Every Christmas season needs more zombies. 😀
I loved Ex Mas! Thanks so much for the other Christmas-y book suggestions!
I have a ton of books I plan on reading over the holidays but The Christmas Carol (same edition), is the only “Christmas” book that I plan on reading. Great post.
The Stupidest Angel looks really funny, but I like books that seem to tease the holidays. I’m really hoping to read Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris this year.
I’d love to read lots of holiday books, but I will probably on get to read one or two. Enjoy
That is such a great list, none of which I have read. This year I plan to read The Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris for Christmas.
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