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’Tis the season to read a great book—and here at The Novelry, we have a host of avid readers desperate to lay down their laptops, pens and festive wrapping paper, and pick up a cozy novel (or ten).
On our creative writing courses, we like to say each writer has two pedals: a pedal for reading, and a pedal for writing. When you can’t do one, do the other! We can often be very hard on ourselves at the very thought of taking a break from our writing. What if we lose our flow? What if we fall behind our self-imposed deadline? Shouldn’t I keep going without taking a break? To those writers, we say: rest is important, and so is reading. It’s work. Reading broadly across your genre and in others will only ever help your fiction. And who doesn’t love curling up with a great story against a dark wintry evening?
To celebrate the festive holiday, on our blog today our team of writing coaches and book editors share what they’ll be reading this Christmas. From the latest book club releases to children’s fiction classics that can be read again and again, if you’re looking for an all-encompassing tale to dive into, we’ve got you covered.
Happy reading!
Classic re-reads
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The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper
Chosen by Katie Khan
The story begins on a frosty Midwinter’s Eve as Will Stanton awaits his eleventh birthday and wishes beyond anything it would snow. But with the snow comes the Dark, and the Dark is always rising... This beloved children’s fiction classic features all the hallmarks of perennial British middle-grade fantasy: from the Chosen One trope and the wise magical mentor archetype (think Gandalf or Dumbledore), to shadowy evil organisations and the weaving of myth and legend perfect for Philip Pullman and Alan Garner fans, The Dark is Rising sequence has it all. I was introduced to this book by my Year 5 teacher Mrs Murphy, and (like many adult fans!) I re-read it every few years; the wintry prose is stunning, the plot engaging, the magic inspiring... A recent BBC Sounds podcast adaptation has brought the novel to life for new audiences, and if you’re new to Susan Cooper’s fantasy, I hope you adore it too.
I love this book series as much as an adult as I did when I was ten, which makes it my perfect festive read.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Chosen by Lizzy Goudsmit Kay
I’m in a bit of a reading rut—no one’s fault but my own!—so I’m returning to the only book I’ve read more than once. I need a dark, atmospheric read that I know will keep me turning the page—even if there are a few pauses throughout the festive break to wrap presents and over-indulge in good food. I find it very easy to lose myself in The Secret History and, as both a writer and an editor, I learn something new with every read.
If you’re looking for an example of a stellar mid-point, this should be top of your list.
Heartburn by Nora Ephron
Chosen by Louise Dean
The late great Nora Ephron had some balls when it came to writing. She began her writing career at Newsweek at a time when women weren’t accepted as writers and took a job as a mail girl, and went on to claim her place: fierce, funny and centre stage. We say at The Novelry that writers get to perform alchemy and make gold from their sorrows. Nora took some bad luck (her second husband’s affair when she was pregnant) and span from it comedy gold with her first novel—Heartburn (1983). The book is on our list of Hero Books at The Novelry where it stands proud. From the preface onwards, we have Nora raising her middle finger to the man who let her down with some writing that forty years later would strike a reader as brave. Nora shows us that fearless is best when it’s not humourless. Let it snow!
This Christmas I’ll be enjoying myself by settling into the happy relationship between author and reader, one of true friendship, where you are utterly complicit and entirely on their side, through right and wrong (and relishing the latter).
—Louise Dean
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
Chosen by Imani Campbell
This book has been on my TBR for ages so it’s about time I pick it up. I’m traveling to see family overseas for Christmas, and it’s long enough to get me through two twelve-hour flights. I’m excited to dive into 1960s student life in Tokyo.
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
Chosen by Simran Sandhu
Not to be that children’s book editor, but like so much of the world, I return to this modern classic series from Pullman that held so many firsts for me, growing up. It’s a masterclass in crafting and feels like such a safe pair of hands for the holiday period (we’re not talking about The Secret Commonwealth). It’s got everything you need in a sweeping fantasy adventure: talking warrior polar bears; a cheeky, entitled and lovable main character; anti-authoritarianism in bucket loads; hugely fallible parents; fated first-love; and magic talking soul-animals that are with you for life! Even if Pullman himself is not a vibe right now, his world-building is legendary, his pace quick and his sweet romance completely adorable. And it has snow—so it counts as Christmassy!
I like to binge the whole thing over the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve so I’m ready to take on the world like Lyra come January 1st.
Against a Dark Background by Iain M. Banks
Chosen by Craig Leyenaar
Having read his Culture novels and dipped into his crime novels, I’m very intrigued to read this—one of his earlier science fiction novels and not set in the Culture universe.
Recent releases
Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan
Chosen by Libby Page
I absolutely loved Jenny Colgan’s previous novel, The Christmas Bookshop, which was a joyful celebration of books and reading, full of plenty of mystery and romance. So I am very excited to read the follow up, Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop. Jenny Colgan’s novels are always such a comfort—full of beautifully drawn settings, relatable characters and a hearty serving of cheer that is just what I need in the middle of winter.
The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett
Chosen by Amanda Reynolds
I loved Janice Hallett’s debut novel The Appeal, which was read by The Novelry book club, so I’ve been saving this follow-up to read in December. Cosy crime with real edge, I will pour myself a glass of something festive and dive in, knowing it will be a real treat!
Yellowface by Rebecca F. Kuang
Chosen by Josie Humber
I find the Christmas break the absolute best time to catch up on the books people have recommended me over the year, and this one has probably had the most passionate responses I’ve heard in a while.
It’s the book that’s had everybody talking, and it’s time I found out why!
Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett
Chosen by Georgia Summers
I was extremely lucky to receive an early copy of Emily Wilde’s cozy new adventure, and Christmas feels like the perfect time to dive right in. I absolutely adored Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries, so I’m looking forward to re-acquainting myself with the fierce scholar and her infuriatingly charming academic rival Wendell Bambleby.
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Stillhouse Lake series by Rachel Caine
Chosen by Andrea Stewart
I’ve had this series recommended to me by multiple people, and I’m currently going through a lot of thrillers! A woman’s husband was a serial killer, and she didn’t know. She now has two kids to protect from both him and stalkers who think she had something to do with his murders. I’m enjoying the first book immensely, and so far it’s a masterclass in tension and character. I can’t wait to see where the series goes!
The Winter Spirits: Ghostly Tales for Frosty Nights
Chosen by Francine Toon
This short story anthology showcases the talents of some of my favourite contemporary historical and gothic fiction writers such as Imogen Hermes Gowar, Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Elizabeth MacNeal, Andrew Michael Hurley and Catriona Ward. I’m looking forward to reading by the fire, preferably with a glass of mulled wine and a thunderstorm outside.
Who doesn’t love the strange cosiness of a spooky tale over the festive period?
The Ice Children by M.G. Leonard
Chosen by Piers Torday
M.G. Leonard is one of the great storytellers for young people of our generation, and this beautifully produced, frosted hardback edition of her acclaimed fairytale retelling is calling to me from my skyscraper of a TBR-pile this Christmas. I’m hoping there are villains to chill my soul, and heroic adventure to warm my heart; just the thing to keep me company between Christmas and New Year.
My True Love Gave to Me, edited by Stephanie Perkins
Chosen by Melanie Conklin
This collection of young adult short stories is the perfect read for a busy holiday season. Each story is wildly imaginative, heart warming, entertaining, and under ten pages.
Perfect for reading before bed or under a cozy blanket with a warm cup of tea!
Remember, Remember by Elle Machray
Chosen by L.R. Lam
I’ve been sent this wonderful proof for a debut alternate historical novel reimagining the Gunpowder Plot which I’m very excited to get stuck into. It stars an escaped slave working to save her brother and wanting to take down the transatlantic slave trade itself. I can tell it’s going to be so, so good.
I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home by Lorrie Moore
Chosen by Evie Wyld
I’ve been wanting to read this story of ghosts and love between brothers since it came out. The blurb says it “opens a trapdoor in reality” so I’m going to go through that.
Hercule Poirot’s Silent Night by Sophie Hannah
Chosen by Gillian Holmes
I always pick something light and escapist, and this year I’ve been looking forward to reading Sophie Hannah’s take on Hercule Poirot. I’ll be reading this on Boxing Day, when all I’ll want to do is lie quietly, let the food digest and rest my little grey cells.
I love that time between Christmas and New Year when not much happens and you can read all day without feeling guilty.
Non-fiction
Enchantment: Reawakening Wonder in an Exhausted Age by Katherine May
Chosen by Alice Kuipers
I’ll be reading this again over the Christmas holidays when I know my reading and writing life will be disrupted by four kids and wildness. This book is rooted in the beauty of small moments—something I need to seek and hold when the season is crashing over me. We’ve had loss this year, and so Christmas will be poignant. For any members of The Novelry who read Enchantment this season, do enjoy the Catch-Up TV session with Katherine May as a festive bonus with a bow on top!
What To Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff
Chosen by Tash Barsby
I’m not usually one to reach for non-fiction but in this case, needs must... I’ll be reading What To Expect When You’re Expecting, in the desperate hope it will prepare me to welcome the newest addition to The Novelry team in April 2024! Then, to counteract the light panic Heidi Murkoff’s wisdom will no doubt induce, I’ll be seeking comfort in a trusty thriller—Jack Jordan’s brilliant Conviction.
A Memoir of my Former Self by Hilary Mantel
Chosen by Kate Riordan
This collection of the late great Dame Hilary’s writing came out in October and it’ll be just the ticket for those strange liminal days between Christmas and New Year. Some of it will already be familiar from other collections or the press, but it will be both satisfying and a solace to have so much in one volume. For those who’ve never dared approach Wolf Hall and the rest—put off by the word counts and the prizes—you might be surprised how funny her writing is, alongside all her trademark meticulous brilliance.
Inciting Joy by Ross Gay
Chosen by Emylia Hall
When it comes to Christmas reading, I like to be in safe hands. I tend to revisit old favourites rather than taking a risk on something new; a frankly quite guarded approach that’s not my usual vibe. However this year I’ve been saving Ross Gay’s essay collection Inciting Joy, because having dipped in I’m confident that it’ll be very good company indeed—I mean, he writes about skateboarding, hello! And how joy and pain are “fundamentally tangled up with one another”... I’ll be reading this as both a resolution and promise for the festive period—and far beyond.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Chosen by Mahsuda Snaith
After a busy year of writing and reading it seems like an odd choice to pick a book that delves even more into the creative craft. However, I’m choosing to take this winter to recharge my creativity so that I’m inspired and ready for the new year and I can’t think of a better way of doing this than re-reading Big Magic. I remember reading this book and learning so much about my own creative process from it, so I can’t wait to dive back in and see how much of that learning stuck and what lessons I need to hear again. As always, Gilbert’s writing is fresh, wise and humorous and I know having her comforting words of advice will be just the ticket to take away the guilt of inevitably not writing very much (or anything!) during the festive season.
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