Christmas Book ListsCategory Archives

Last year I ran a series of blog posts on Christmas book giving ideas, naming my favorites from the year.  It was received well – so this is the second annual series! (I so cannot believe it’s Christmas-time already!)

A Watershed Year by Susan Schoenberger

Genre: Contemporary

Themes: Adoption, Death of a Friend

If you are looking for a book that will knock your socks off and grab you by the shoulders and shake you until you cry, this is it.  By far, one of the best books I’ve read this year.

———————————————————————————————————————

The Doll: The Lost Short Stories by Daphne du Maurier

Genre: Short Stories

Themes: Realism (Life stories), Gothic

I know, however, that this is one of the best collections of short stories I’ve read.  I can say this because this tiny little book inspires me to try my own hand at short stories, even though they’ll be no where near as perfect as du Maurier’s.  Still.. these stories have shown me the endless possibilities that can be reached with just a few pages of story – and how much wealth there is in a backstory and future that are left untold.

———————————————————————————————————————

The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson

Genre: Fantasy/Science Fiction

Themes: Steampunk, Space Western

The Alloy of Law is a fantastic mix of steampunk and western (think Firefly).  It mixes magic with gun-slinging and adds a bit of romance in just to flavor the adventure.  Even if you haven’t been introduced to the world of Mistborn (the trilogy preceding this story), it’s easy to get involved with the storyline and will spark interest in the other books.  Fantastic story, magic system and world-building, all three a must for a good fantasy book.

———————————————————————————————————————

Doc by Mary Doria Russell

Genre: Western

Themes: Old West, History

Hands down, this is one of the best books I’ve read this year.  Throw all those points above aside, Mary Doria Russell has awoken a passionate interest in those old cowboys that I never, ever thought was even there.  I fell in love with Doc Holliday through the pages of this story and… even more so in love with Wyatt Earp.

———————————————————————————————————————

When We Were Strangers by Pamela Schoenewaldt

Genre: Historical

Themes: Immigration, The Great Chicago Fire

Pamela Schoenewaldt writes so beautifully about Italy, about the culture, the food, the scenery.  She describes with a brush of truth what life would have been like for a plain girl such as Irma.  Without emotion to cloud the story (other than Irma’s own emotion), I followed the ups and downs of every event with my heart in my throat.  Honestly, this would make for a fantastic book club discussion book and I intend to write it down on my list.

Shop Amazon’s Holiday Book Deals

Last year I ran a series of blog posts on Christmas book giving ideas, naming my favorites from the year.  It was received well – so this is the second annual series! (I so cannot believe it’s Christmas-time already!)

How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr

Age Range: 14+

Genre: Contemporary (Coming-of-Age)

One of the things Sara Zarr does best is tell a bittersweet story that makes her reader think.  After reading book after book of young adult literature (most of which are mindless entertainment) it’s exhilarating to read a book that contains characters with depth, a story that has unexpected twists, and a message that is an important one.

———————————————————————————————————————

Tankborn by Karen Sandler

Age Range: 12+

Genre: Science Fiction/Dystopia

I fell in love with the emergence of ethnicity into the dystopian genre.  Kayla is different from other characters I’ve read, but not noticeably different – just its there and you can bask in its total awesomeness.  Then there’s the concept – children being created for.. what again?  Strange computers resetting minds?  Foster families?  What is going on?!  It was just so much amazing fun that my mind couldn’t grasp it fully and I kept going back to re-read and put the book down in amazement as the story progressed.

———————————————————————————————————————

Peter Nimble and his Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier

Age Range: 10+

Genre: Fantasy/Fairy-Tale

Peter Nimble and his Fantastic Eyes is a stunning, stunning debut novel. Brilliantly conceived, filled with masterful descriptions that provoke not only the imagination with sights, but also with sounds, smells and touch.  From the first few paragraphs I was spiraled into a story, much like Alice falling down her rabbit hole, and caught up in a tale of the completely fantastic and I loved every single second of it.  Every one.

———————————————————————————————————————

Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer

Age Range: 12+

Genre: Historical/Adventure

I loved this first-person narrative of Mary “Jacky” Faber, Ship’s Boy. Orphaned, Mary is left to her own devices, beginning with the avoidance of certain disreputable folks who might take advantage of her reading skills, the acceptance into a “gang” of her own, her advance received from a character who’s primary source of incoming is delivering corpses to the doctors for their research and finally ending with Mary posing as a boy to get aboard a ship, specifically, the HMS Dolphin.  (TIP: Get this as an audio series – fun for the entire family!)

———————————————————————————————————————

The Blacksmith’s Daughter by Arley Cole

Age Range: 14+

Genre: Fantasy

There’s something about good, wholesome, feel-good, fairy-tale-like fantasies that just make my heart warm, give me goosebumps and cause my to walk around my house with my nose buried in the book (or in this case, pressed to the screen of my Kindle). Arley Cole takes tried and true methods to set up the scene, providing her readers with an incredibly strong female heroine who is smart, sassy, strong, clever, and magical – all combined into a short package. And I loved her.  This book makes a fantastic choice to pre-load on the e-reader of your choice!

Last year I ran a series of blog posts on Christmas book giving ideas, naming my favorites from the year.  It was received well – so this is the second annual series! (I so cannot believe it’s Christmas-time already!)

Next to Love by Ellen Feldman

Time Period: WWII

Setting: USA

Heart-wrenching, beautiful story based around the opening of a town that receives an onslaught of telegrams after a particularly brutal battle.  This book covers everything – from Civil Rights to PTSD to Raising (or not raising) families during a very difficult time.  It’s beautifully written and I couldn’t put it down.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

Fiddler’s Green by A.S. Peterson

Time Period: American Revolution

Setting: USA

This is the sequel to A.S. Peterson’s The Fiddler’s Gun – which is also quite fantastic.  Filled with swashbuckling pirates (including Fin, our female protagonist), lots of adventure, love and more this is a book that is sure to please!

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran

Time Period: French Revolution

Setting: France

Michelle Moran is a fantastic writer – I know a lot of folks out there really enjoy Philippa Gregory but, for me, Michelle Moran does so much more.  This is a beautiful book, and the story is written so gorgeously I didn’t want it to end.  Rather than look, once again, at Marie Antoinette, the French Revolution is seen through the eyes of the very prominent Madame Tussaud.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

The Time In Between by María Dueñas

Time Period: Spanish Revolution/WWII

Setting: Spain & Algeria

It just wouldn’t be a Christmas list if I didn’t have a Spanish author on here.  I am in love with books from Spanish authors, and I’m not quite sure why.  Even though this book is translated into English (and how I wish I could read it in its original Spanish), it’s beautifully written, filled with interesting details about the Spanish revolution, and just a good, solid story.

—————————————————————————————————————————————–

Lionheart by Sharon Kay Penman

Time Period: 12th Century

Setting: England

Who hasn’t heard of Richard the Lionheart?  Sharon Kay Penman is back with yet another smashing hit.  Seriously, if you were to look up “good historical fiction” in the dictionary, I very much believe Penman would lead the list. This is an amazing look at a man who was just.. not that like-able, but Penman manages (in spite of her own admitted distaste for him), to portray him with both flaws and strengths intact.  This book was my favorite historical fiction read of 2011.

I’m getting quite a few questions directed my way on ideas for books to give for Christmas – so I’ll be doing some regular posting on those days I don’t have  a review ready to give you all my thoughts on the perfect Christmas books for various genre lovers.  Please, feel free in the comments to request books for a certain type of person – usually I can come up with a few suggestions based off a favorite book of your recipient.

There are so many great blogs out there that deal primarily with young adult literature, but this isn’t one of them.  I love YA books, don’t get me wrong – but I find if I read too many at once I tend to get a bit loopy and crave something a bit more “adult”.  That’s just my style – however, I do still have some recommendations of great YA books that would make the perfect gift this Christmas season.

Crazy by Han Nolan

Recommended Ages: 13+

Recommended for Boys and Girls

In Crazy the story of 15 year old Jason is told.  Jason has a rough life, his mother died, his father is dealing with a crippling mental illness and all Jason wants to be is normal.  But he’s not normal – he has a comedy/depressing show constantly going on in his head and he’s struggling to do things we take for granted, things like just eating real food and sleeping in a warm place.  Every time someone asks me what one of my favorite 2010 YA releases is this is the first book I talk about – because it seriously was that good.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

8th Grade Superzero by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

Recommended Ages: 12+

Recommended for Boys and Girls

This book honestly and truly surprised me.  I read it while judging in a Debut Authors contest and did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did.  Reggie “Pukey” McKnight is an African-American kid struggling with bullies and insecurities.  But Reggie has a decision to make – does he bow to peer pressure and try to make it through Eighth Grade on the sidelines, unseen and unheard by anyone, or does he find that well of courage deep inside and actually make a difference?

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork

Recommended Ages: 14+

Recommended for Boys and Girls

This book was a very emotional read for me.  I don’t want to reveal much about the story, so let me just talk about how it affected me.  Marcelo in the Real World deals with a sort of autism that allows Marcelo to hear music – which immediately made me feel a connection to the character.  As a musician myself, I found myself feeling a kinship with him.  Then there’s the religious aspect of the book – don’t get me wrong – this is not an “Inspirational Book”.  There is a beautiful message of faith in this book that challenged my own thoughts and brought me closer to my own faith as a result.  A very, very thoughtful book and a wonderful gift.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

The Prince of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Recommended Ages: 15+

Recommended for Boys and Girls

I am not going to deny it.  I am a Zafon fan-girl, and it doesn’t stop with his adult books.  The Prince of Mists is a nail-biting, scary book that deals with everything from sunken ships, to graveyards, to evil ghosts and clowns.  I read it in a single afternoon and then read it again the next week – when I wanted another thrilling little scare.  But, I am a wimp – so you can trust this book isn’t too scary, it just has the perfect blend of thrill, scare and fun.

—————————————————————————————————————————————–

Goong by So Hee Park

Recommended Age: 13+

Recommended for Girls

Okay, so I debated on including a Manga on this list and ultimately decided to go for it. Why? Because I know a lot of teenage girls love these books and my manga-loving sister had never heard of Goong.  A friend of mine introduced me to this series and it was my first manga, and – like a first love, it’s stuck with me.  The illustrations are beautiful, the story is fun (what-if modern day princess story) and it would make a beautiful addition to anyone’s manga collection.  Make sure you get the volumes used though or your pocketbook might just hate you!

I’m getting quite a few questions directed my way on ideas for books to give for Christmas – so I’ll be doing some regular posting on those days I don’t have  a review ready to give you all my thoughts on the perfect Christmas books for various genre lovers.  Please, feel free in the comments to request books for a certain type of person – usually I can come up with a few suggestions based off a favorite book of your recipient.

My niece and nephew are quickly growing out of the picture book phase, but over the last few years we’ve collected our favorites.  I know several readers here (and friends of mine) have children that are just now entering that phase, so this list is for you all.  Please, feel free to chime in the comments with your favorites!

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems

Other recommend books by this author: Elephant and Piggie series, Knufflebunny series, Leonardo the Terrible Monster

Pigeon was a HUGE hit with Cole and Grace.  This is just the first of many fun, laugh-out-loud books by author Mo Willems.  Willems was a writer for Sesame Street once upon a time and it’s easy to see he knows exactly how to get to kids.  The illustrations will have you laughing so hard you cry and every book he writes has a little lesson neatly wedged into the story.  Everything by Mo Willems comes highly recommended from this happy Aunt and her niece and nephew.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt

Other recommended books by this author: Chester the Cat series

While Scaredy Squirrel is a hilarious little creature all by himself, this book and Melanie Watt’s Chester books vied for this spot.  We loved both series equally, but Scaredy won out – simply because I’m a list girl and Scaredy does love his lists.  Yet another series that will have you laughing out loud and reaping the rewards of children’s giggles as you work your way through the books.  Fantastic additions to any child’s library!

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

Fox in Socks by Dr. Suess

Other recommended books by this author: Too many to name!

When my nephew was little-little he would love having this book read to him.  He’s quite the reader himself these days and loves the sounds of words, so I think that may have had something to do with how much he loved this book.  I spent the summer taking care of him when he was two, and to this day I can still recite portions of Fox in Socks by memory – which is a great way of getting a laugh out of him still to this day.  Of all the Dr. Suess books out there, this one is my favorite.  The tongue twisters entertain both the adult and the child and it’s so easy to read with animation when the reader is entertained.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

Crazy Hair by Neil Gaiman

Other recommended books by this author: The Dangerous Alphabet

I started bringing home Neil Gaiman’s picture books after discovering him through his adult books.  I was so charmed by the stories in Neverwhere and Stardust that I wanted to experience his children’s stories, and Grace and I immediately fell in love with Crazy Hair.  You see, in the mornings.. Grace has massively crazy hair and so for several mornings after our first reading of this book we’d check her hair for all of the things that were contained in the book.  Yet another great source of giggles and laughter.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

Cowlick! by Christin Ditchfield

Other recommended books by this author: None

Just like Gracie has crazy hair, Cole struggles with an unmanageable “cowlick!” that gets out of control when his hair gets too long!  This book was one of his (and his daddy’s) favorites – featuring a super cute explanation of where the hair issues come from.  Filled with more giggles and fun, this one wraps up my lists of favorites.

You’ll notice I didn’t include a lot of very popular favorites.  These books were ones we didn’t “hear” about from anyone and we went through a lot of trial and error to find books that were fun to read over and over and these are the top five from that list.  Of course, there are always more out there and I highly recommend Danielle’s blog at There’s a Book for new and upcoming titles for children as well.

I’m getting quite a few questions directed my way on ideas for books to give for Christmas – so I’ll be doing some regular posting on those days I don’t have  a review ready to give you all my thoughts on the perfect Christmas books for various genre lovers.  Please, feel free in the comments to request books for a certain type of person – usually I can come up with a few suggestions based off a favorite book of your recipient.

I used to be a much bigger fan of mystery than I am these days.  Today, I’m a bit more picky and the mystery’s I read have to have more substance then just a lot of “bang-bang-shoot’em-up”, as my nephew, Cole, likes to call it.  So with that said, here are my recommendations, and a list of some great books both new and old for you to consider giving to the mystery lover in your life.

The Likeness by Tana French

Series: Book 2 of the Rob Ryan and Cassie Maddox mysteries

Place: Dublin, Ireland

Don’t let the fact that this is book 2 convince you not to buy it.  While the 1st book, In the Woods, was also fantastic, I think Tana blew the mystery genre out of the water with The Likeness.  Filled with twists and turns, this is one book that will take quite a bit of effort to put down.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

Series: None

Place: England.

Yes, this is an old story – but it’s fantastic and not a book many have read.  My first experience with this book had me shivering and staying up all ours of the night, aching to find out just what was going on.  Combine this book along with a copy of  The Moonstone and you’ll have a hit gift.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

Deal Breaker by Harlan Coben

Series: Myron Bolitar, Book 1

Place: USA

I know, I know.. this book is 15 years old, but honestly – this is one of my favorite mystery series.  It is the only one I’ve managed to keep liking over the years and I love that Coben hasn’t gone the route of Stuart Woods and James Patterson with massive amounts of violence and sex.  Plus, this will have you laughing your socks off.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Series: None

Place: Spain

Many times, when a book hits the best seller list, I find myself a bit wary, thinking there is no way the book could live up to the hype I inevitably give it in my own mind.  This book lived up to the hype and more.  You either love it or hate it and this is one I absolutely loved. Forbidden romance, gothic mystery, Spain.. how can you go wrong?

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

The Distant Hours by Kate Morton

Series: None

Place: England

I got chills just remembering this book.  This is not a “bang-bang” mystery, but, like Shadow of the Wind, a more gothic mystery that takes its sweet time unfolding.  Filled with descriptions of a creepy castle, three bizarre sisters and a mystery between two generations this book will have your loved one snugging under a blanket and reading every opportunity they get.