With holidays in full swing, it’s time for fewer work hours, longer sleep duration, and time to be with family and friends. Holidays always brings with it a sense of love, joy, and comfort. So what better time to catch up on your reading list, huh? And if you don’t have one, here are some of the best books you can read this time of the year:
On Earth, We’re Briefly Gorgeous By Ocean Vuong
Rich in poetic prose, and as gorgeous and delicate as a lily, this book is one son’s recollection of the joys, struggles, and horror that he experienced living the immigrant life in America. It showcases how families can be deeply rooted in tradition and the differences in experiences that immigrant children face.
It’s the debut novel of American poet, Ocean Vuong – a series of letters addressed mainly to his mother. This is one of those literature that needs to be read, and it’s the perfect book to have by the fireplace after everything’s died down after the Christmas festivities, and all you have is a glass of eggnog, and the new Hamilton Khaki King watch on your wrist.
Little Women By Louisa May Alcott
If you haven’t read Little Women yet, the holidays are ripe for you to brush up on the novel. Held as one of the most progressive novels in its time, Little Women is about four sisters and the lives that they led. It’s a classic, and the Greta Gerwig’s film adaptation is due in cinemas on Christmas eve. So before you see it, make sure you read the novel first.
What’s great about Little Women is that not only was it ahead of its time, it’s a novel that discusses the importance of choices. And in this social and political climate, it can be a guiding light towards young women – that they have the right to their own decisions, whether be it shunned or not by society.
Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone By JK Rowling
Sure, you’ve read this book a whole lot. But the holiday season gives the best weather for this book to be revisited. Harry Potter, the beloved book series, has been in the annals of history well before the series’ end, and it will be one of the few YA books that will stay there. There’s no stopping it.
And if you don’t want to read it, you can recommend it to your niece or nephew who’s visiting for the holidays. There’s nothing more that screams holiday bonding than quality time with your family. So go ahead, indulge yourself. You know you want to.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas By Dr. Seuss
If you want a book that will be a hit with the kiddos, look no further than the classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas. In its beloved comic book adaptation, you can show and read to your audience how obsessed Whoville is with Christmas, and delightfully charm your way into the kids in your family at the same time.
A Christmas Memory By Truman Capote
Semi-autobiographical, A Christmas Memory, retells the story of a boy who makes fruitcakes for his favorite cousin. The cousin in question is an older woman who’s fond of the boy. It’s a wholesome story that warms the heart. Written in true Capote fashion, you get a dose of great pace, lively dialogue, and a wistful ending.
Call Me By Your Name By Andre Aciman
This book is not for the faint of heart. An introspective look at the mind of a young, confused boy, Aciman dug deep for his readers to truly feel and experience how his protagonist is thinking, feeling, and struggling with. If you’ve seen the widely successful film, you have to read the novel.
It’s a tough read, sure, but don’t give up on it. Patience is a virtue, especially in this coming-of-age tale. What you’ll find is literature so beautiful and profound that you’d be thankful that you stuck it out. And, the second book is sure to be in the works, as well as the movie so you’re basically giving yourself a leg up.
Takeaway
Reading might be the last of your planned activities these holidays. But trust us, the parties and get-togethers will have downtime in between, and so having a book with you will be a lifesaver. Plus, reading is a form of relaxing activity, so even if you’re not a book reader, you’re still giving yourself a favor by doing so.