10 Books to Read Over the Holidays
10 Books to Read Over the Holidays
By: Hailey Layne
In the downtime of the holiday season, many will turn to their bookshelf in an attempt to relax. Although not all of the books are specifically related to the holiday season, these picks are vastly different and can satisfy any curious reader.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby is an American classic that never ages. In the shininess that is akin to holiday times, readers are led into a world of wealth and extravagance. Amidst all the lavishness, there is great unhappiness in East and West Egg. Humanity’s question of whether wealth equates to a good life is toyed with by the characters in various settings. The philosophical ramblings of the characters are interrupted by a fast-paced car crash and multiple parties.
Nick by Michael Farris Smith
This novel serves as a prequel to The Great Gatsby but is told from Nick Carroway’s perspective. The author composed a life for Nick completely free from Jay Gatsby. It follows Nick through his past romances and war experiences in Europe. Although it may not foster a greater appreciation for Nick, the novel allows readers to imagine what shaped the famous character and his choices.
Dune by Frank Herbert
This science-fiction novel written in 1965 was recently transformed into a movie franchise featuring actors like Zendaya and Timothy Chalamet. Relocated on a desert planet, the Atreides family must learn not only to survive, but thrive in a seemingly inhospitable environment. The novel requires full attention to the unique terminology, but the reward is in the plot. Serious thought is to be given to what a world without water would look like. As a bonus, there are 5 more novels in the series.
Spineless: The Science of Jellyfish and the Art of Growing a Backbone by Juli Berwald
Based on studies of jellyfish across the globe, this book looks closely at creatures that are typically feared. Lacking complexity in anatomy, the jellyfish makes up for it with mystery. As jellyfish blooms clog harbors and fill oceans, scientists race to understand the “whys” of jellyfish.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
The Midnight Library is an interesting take on the possibility of parallel universes and what it means to be truly happy. In a dark beginning, the main character struggles through life and attempts suicide, but does not succumb to death. Inside her subconscious, all of the possible versions of her life become available to her. Trying on new “selves” and experiencing what her life is and could have been reveals what is worth living for.
Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Set in the 1970s rock scene, Daisy Jones ventures through a world of drugs, parties, and music. As Daisy grows up and is shaped by the forces of the industry, readers are invited into witnessing what goes into rock-and-roll behind closed doors. Keeping a band together is not as simple as it seems. The human condition constantly complicates matters in Daisy’s life.
Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk
This novel is a dark thriller that is disguised by the way it is told. The main character is an elderly Polish woman who is interested in vegetarian cuisine, astrology, and William Blake’s poetry. When murders take place across the rural village, the old woman attempts to solve the mystery.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
Addie makes a deal that she is not able to escape. Readers are able to follow her across the world, and through her various romances as she lives through generations. Her love for books, music, and life is shadowed by a dark figure that haunts Addie.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou unpacks themes of injustice through her autobiography. Her prose is uniquely conversational, creating deep emotional ties to Angelou. Although this book has a heaviness to it, there is hope to be found.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Filled with the spirit of the season, this classic tale was first published in 1843. For all the readers seeking the warm, fuzzy feelings of the holidays, this novella will warm hearts. The good parts of the characters are brought out by the meaning of Christmas.
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