12 Books For Christmas
These twelve books are great Christmas gift ideas for any reader in your life! Don’t forget one for yourself too ;)
1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo
A simple tale about a shepherd boy on a journey in search of treasure, this popular book is full of wisdom and will have you reflecting deeply on your own life. A beautiful gift for any type of reader – just check they haven’t already read it!
2. The Humans by Matt Haig
Equally funny and thought-provoking, The Humans tells the story of an alien inhabiting a human on earth, in order to prevent a discovery that will see technology advance beyond what the aliens think humans are capable of wielding. Sounds like sci-fi but it’s actually all about what it means to be human.
3. A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman
You may have heard of this one from the movie that was based on it. Ove is a widower who is tired of life and is trying to kill himself – but keeps getting interrupted by the neighbours. This is one of those novels where I really did laugh and cry.
4. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Another book with a movie to its name – set in Nazi Germany, the story follows Liesel, a girl who falls in love with books at the most dangerous time to do so. Zusak’s writing is particularly beautiful and evocative, and avid readers will appreciate his craft.
5. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
For children aged 12 or over or those adults who still love children’s fantasy (like myself). Neil Gaiman has a knack for writing tales that appeal to both. The Graveyard Book is a standalone fantasy novel about a boy is raised by a graveyard – and it’s brilliant.
6. The Name Of The Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
For lovers of fantasy and those who have grown tired of waiting for the next GOT instalment. The story follows Kvothe from his childhood, when his parents are killed, to his growing up and attending the Academy to become a magician and learn more about his parents’ deaths. The prose is quite poetic at times, particularly for a fantasy novel.
7. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
The first non-fiction on the list; Brené Brown is a researcher and thought-leader who rose to fame from her Ted talk on vulnerability. This book explores how the courage to be vulnerable can lead to great success, parenting, love and creativity.
8. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Another non-fiction, this one for the creative friends and family in your life. Eat Pray Love author Elizabeth Gilbert explores the mystery and processes of creative living, in a way that is inspiring and relatable.
Even my pooch is a fan!
9. The Beast’s Garden by Kate Forsyth
A retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairytale, but set in Nazi Germany. The heroine, Ava, marries a Nazi officer as it is the only way to save her father’s life. One for the romantics.
10. So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson
A fascinating look into public shaming and its links to the internet and modern technology, by British journalist Jon Ronson. Known for some great Ted talks, Ronson is witty and relevant as he discusses this modern phenomenon.
11. Frogkisser by Garth Nix
If you have to buy for middle-graders, this could be the book for them. Garth Nix turns typical fairytales on their heads in this adventurous romp where the headstrong Princess Anya attempts to defeat an evil sorcerer, and turn some frogs back into princes along the way.
12. Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
Winner of the Orange Prize for fiction and the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, this is a moving and beautifully written story about a hostage situation in South America which lasts for several months. The hostages include a famous opera singer and wealthy Japanese businessman. Over that time unlikely friendships and relationships emerge in and between the hostages and terrorists.
