Written by Blake Smith
Chilly weather, fuzzy socks, warm fires and hot cocoa. Or perhaps it’s sizzling weather, sun, sand and ice cream? Regardless, there’s pretty lights lingering behind every corner and tree with Christmas almost here!
School is almost out, work is slowing down, and the days are getting shorter, which means that it’s the perfect time to curl up with your favourite books. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I myself go through almost five different novels if not more. There’s just something about the season that makes you want to get lost in a different world. However, it can be overwhelming and slightly paralysing planning which books to read over break. So, we did the work for you.
Below are 5 novels that you are sure to love and make this break unforgettable! Tell us in the comments below what you will be reading this Christmas break!
The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien | Goodreads
“Then something Tookish woke up inside him, and he wished to go and see the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick.”
One of the greatest adventure tales ever written, The Hobbit is one of my favourite books to get lost in over the holidays. The Hobbit is not only filled with dwarves, dragons, and wizards, but also many lifelong lessons as well. This book will teach you that size has nothing to do with courage or bravery, and that “going out your door can be dangerous business.”
11/22/63 by Stephen King | Goodreads
“But I believe in love, you know; love is a uniquely portable magic. I don’t think it’s in the stars, but I do believe that blood calls to blood and mind calls to mind and heart to heart.”
At least one Stephen King novel had to make the list simply because his stories are usually emotionally taxing and it takes a while to recover. Hence, why this novel is perfect for the break. Sure, its length is formidable, but you will be so wrapped up in this book within the first 200 pages it will be hard to remove it from your hands.
11/22/63 is about a high school teacher that stumbles upon a portal to the past and is on a mission to stop the Kennedy assassination. However, it seems as if the past doesn’t want to be changed. That begs the question if the past is best to be left alone? Tell your friends and family we are sorry for recommending this to you because when you start it, you’re not going to put it down until finished.
The Grand Tour by Adam O’Fallon Price | Goodreads
“This intermittent desire to desire unselfishness was, of course, in itself entirely selfish.”
What do you get when you put together a washed-up alcoholic author and his awkward teenage superfan? An amazing book, that’s what.
Richard Lazar has come out of retirement and written a mildly successful new novel and he needs someone to drive him cross-country for his tour. However, he never expected that someone to be a weird teenager that drives him mad 99% of the time. But, he also never expected that someone to change his life either.
The Grand Tour will make you cringe. It will make you cry. It will make you scream because the characters can be endlessly frustrating. But, it will also warm your heart, which is something we all need this holiday season.
Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty | Goodreads
“She knew now that there were darker forces in the world than she had ever imagined, and brighter ones, too.”
Set in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, Serafina and the Black Cloak takes place in one of the oldest mansions in the United States—the Biltmore Estate. Serafina lives in the basement of this magical dwelling and none of its inhabitants know she’s even alive. She sneaks around at night, keeping watch over the castle and all who live in it. But, when children start mysteriously disappearing and even witnessing a disappearance herself, Serafina realizes her Biltmore home may not be as safe as she once thought.
Get lost in the ballrooms, attics, and secret passages of the Biltmore with Serafina and see if you can help solve this dreadful mystery!
The Harry Potter Series by J K Rowling
“Mistletoe,” said Luna dreamily, pointing at a large clump of white berries placed almost over Harry’s head. He jumped out from under it. “Good thinking,” said Luna seriously. “It’s often infested with nargles.”
We had to do it. It couldn’t not make this list! From Butterbeer to the grand feasts that take place in The Great Hall to the sweaters Mrs. Weasley hand knits for everyone; the Harry Potter series always sets the mood for Christmas.
At Hogwarts, you’re always guaranteed to have a white Christmas. There’s always going to be a fire crackling in the common room. There’s never a shortage of friends to play Wizard’s Chess with (besides Hermione—she thinks it’s barbaric). Plus, mistletoe always tends to pop up seemingly out of nowhere, ensuring that you’re going to take part in some heated snogging. When it comes to getting lost in books during the holidays, Hogwarts is the place to go.
