Eight Holiday Reads

I'm beginning to get in xmas mood. My fingers itch to light candles, bake cookies and turn pages of heart-warming and fantastic books. If you are still looking for a book you could read during the holidays, here are my suggestions. 

I read all of them and not all of them show a connection to Christmas, but they all have something about them, which makes me want to snuggle up on my couch with a hot chocolate and start a re-readathon. 

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

“I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy?

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares does have to do something with Christmas. It has a lot of books and funny dares in it. This is also one of my favourite covers. I only have to look at the hearts, colors and snow and I feel like hearing 'Last Christmas' over and over again. 

 Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver

Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice—until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone.

Liesl & Po is a MG novel. It is so heartfelt and has a magic in it that needs to be discovered by you. Especially during the holidays it might help you to return to the things that are really important to you in life.

 Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out. 

Daughter of Smoke and Bone is a perfect holiday read for all the readers who are looking for something extraordinary. This book offers you a masterly build story around present and past of magical and exotic Karou.

 The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Really,really cute novel. Contemporary Romance fans, this is for you! When I turned the last page of this novel, I was filled with a warm and fuzzy feeling. You see that red word on the cover? LOVE! It's not out yet, but you could maybe lend it from a good friend or put it on your xmas wishlist.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

  

It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

The story of The Book Thief is set during World War II, narrated by death. It's something really different and I wouldn't directly describe it as a happy holiday read, but it means a lot to me. There still need to be books that surprise you, and The Book Thief is definitely one that surprised me! I never expected to like it so much (I also never expected to cry so much!!). 10, 30, 70 pages in I considered putting it aside. If you felt the same about it, give it a try!

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos. 

Clockwork Angel is a mix of paranormal elements and historic London. It is well written and definitely the right choice for all Shadowhunter fans! Historical Romance lovers who want to find a way into the fantasy genre should give it a try.

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes that the dead leave behind in the world... and the imprints that attach to their killers. 

The Body Finder is for everyone who is searching for a really sexy romance. You don't want to spend your holidays entirely calm and relaxed? Read The Body Finder, it's thrilling and mysterious!

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis, is one of the very few sets of books that should be read three times: in childhood, early adulthood, and late in life. In brief, four children travel repeatedly to a world in which they are far more than mere children and everything is far more than it seems.

A classics that can be read with the entire family. Your children, nephew, cousin etc will love the magical world of Narnia. Seven books promise a fantastic holiday read!

What book do you suggest as a perfect holiday read? Tell me in the comments and feel free to link to your holiday posts.