5 BOOK PICKS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Recommendations from Amy Jones

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Although Amy Jones rarely gets a quiet moment during her days as a stay-at-home mom of two kids, she makes sure to find time daily to escape into a book. Life just doesn’t feel right without a stack of library books waiting to be read, and her friends know they can always count on her for a literary recommendation.

 

Olive, the Other Reindeer
by J. Otto Seibold and Vivian Walsh

While listening to “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” a misheard lyric sends Olive the dog on a wacky journey to the North Pole and beyond, as she joins Santa’s team of reindeer and helps them make it through Christmas. This book is a modern holiday classic for the children’s set that parents will also enjoy.

My True Love Gave To Me: Twelve Holiday Stories
edited by Stephanie Perkins 

Some of young adult fiction’s brightest stars contributed to this charming short story collection, including Rainbow Rowell, Laini Taylor, Jenny Han and David Levithan. There’s something here for anyone, whether you enjoy celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah or New Year’s. Readers just might find a new favorite author while turning the pages.

Landline
by Rainbow Rowell

While Rowell is probably best-known for her YA chops, some of her works are geared toward adults. “Landline” is one such book. Set at Christmas, it’s a novel about a troubled marriage — but it’s complete with a time travel twist that is almost certainly unlike any other a reader might have experienced. Fun and fresh, this is an engaging way to spend those brisk winter nights.

 

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
by C.S. Lewis

An enduring literary classic and the best-known of Lewis’ well-loved Chronicles of Narnia series, “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” beautifully brings to mind the religious underpinnings of the Christmas season. A perfect novel for parents and children to read together.

The Shepherd, the Angel and Walter, the Christmas Miracle Dog
by Dave Barry

Barry, one of America’s foremost funny humans, doesn’t disappoint with this tale of the Barnes family and their misadventures involving the church Christmas pageant. Heartwarmingly humorous, this short tome will gift you a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays.