Top 10 Christmas Reads

Have a Christmas mood in November? I am one of these people, I put my Christmas tree right after Halloween and take it down closer to March :). Christmas and New Year have such an atmosphere, warm, cozy, and heartwarming, my favourite holiday season. Unfortunately, I haven’t read that many Christmas-themed books (compared to my other reads at least) but I still have an amazing list to share with you all which I hope you will enjoy! And we will start with “A Christmas Carol”..:

  1. “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens: A classic that beautifully captures the transformative power of the holiday season. As the story follows the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly and cold-hearted man, on Christmas Eve. Through ghostly visits, he learns the true meaning of Christmas, embracing generosity, kindness, and the joy of giving, making it a story about the power of compassion.
  2. “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg: A heartwarming children’s book crafted around a magical tale of belief and wonder. This enchanting book follows a young boy’s magical journey aboard a mysterious train, the Polar Express, to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
  3. “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry: A very touching story about a couple, revolving around the themes of love and sacrifice. They each make a significant sacrifice to buy a Christmas gift for the other, unknowingly giving up their most loved possessions, highlighting the depth of their love and selflessness. (Some people find this one amusing, I think it’s cute).
  4. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson: A heartwarming and humorous story about the unruly Herdman children, who join a church’s Christmas pageant and end up unexpectedly teaching the congregation the true meaning of Christmas.
  5. “Holidays on Ice” by David Sedaris: A collection of funny stories that offer a unique perspective on the joys and challenges of this holiday season. Filled with anecdotes, family traditions and more!

These books in my opinion perfectly capture the meaning and atmosphere of Christmas through different lenses, from classic stories to heartwarming ones, ensuring a delightful reading experience during the holiday season.

Chicken Soup for the Soul

I have been gatekeeping these books for a while now but they should get the recognition they deserve!

“Chicken Soup for the Soul” created by Jack Canfield is a book that is not talked about enough. And guilt pressures me now as I remembered it only while creating two previous posts on reading slumps. I cannot believe that I missed this one and I’m about to recover myself.

Chicken Soup for the Soul is a series of books where every single one is dedicated to one specific theme. Each book has a similar opening: “Chicken Soup for the Soul: 101 stories about…” and the topic. As you might have guessed it’s not some ordinary series, it truly is a magical one. All of their books contain 101 stories, but not fictional, real-life, personal ones! Thousands of people from all over the world send their stories to the publishers, which later on are carefully chosen for the new novel. Some of them are sad, some of them are happy, some are amusing and others are scary, but every single one with no doubt teaches you an important lesson. You get overly emotional, you sob, you laugh, you learn. It motivates you and inspires you. People share their most beloved, secret stories with millions of readers. It’s like making a hundred and hundreds of pen friends!

Remember when I said that “All the Flowers in Paris” is the only book that made me cry?

I lied. This one did too. Not once, and not twice, but dozens of times. And I’m so glad that one day I was introduced to this series. And now I want to introduce you all to them.

Here are some of my personal favorites:

  • Chicken Soup for The Soul: 101 stories about happiness
  • Chicken Soup for the Soul: Runners: 101 Inspirational Stories of Energy, Endurance, and Endorphins
  • Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas Magic: 101 Holiday Tales of Inspiration, Love, and Wonder
  • Chicken Soup for The Soul: 101 motivational stories

Please check out this book, read it once and believe me you will get addicted.

Top 10 books to fight Reading Slump

Fell into the reading slump? No worries, happened to the best of us! You know what might help? Not quitting reading and throwing your books away!  but this list of easy read suggestions which will put you back on track! Let’s dive in:

  1. “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams: A hilarious science fiction tale filled with absurdity that makes a light, and entertaining read.
  2. “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: A famous classic that explores themes through a simple yet profound story about a young prince’s journey across the universe. (When I was young I thought it was a fairytale, and maybe it is, read it and tell me what you think:)
  3. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho: A compelling and philosophical story about following your dreams and destiny, wrapped in an adventurous narrative which makes the story more exciting.
  4. “Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood” by Trevor Noah: A memoir that combines humour and heart, offering insights into Noah’s rocky upbringing or his ‘difficult’ life during the apartheid era. (Sounds difficult but start reading and you might actually be invested)
  5. “Milk and Honey” by Rupi Kaur: A collection of poetry that delves into themes of love, loss, trauma, and healing, with powerful and concise verse.

*This one is absolutely golden, so sweet, interesting and motivational. And overall most of the poetry books are easy to read. 

  1. “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens: A blend of mystery and coming-of-age set in the marshes of North Carolina, offering a realistic portrayal of a natural world and a compelling story.
  2. “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon: A unique and touching novel narrated by a teenage boy with Asperger’s syndrome, embarking on a quest to solve a neighborhood mystery.

If you have your recommendations of the books that helped you with fighting the reading slump feel free to comment on them below!

Top 5 books for cozy fall read

There is nothing like cuddling up with a good book on a chilly fall evening. I’m excited to share my top five book picks for your fall reading list. Grab a cozy blanket, pour a cup of your favourite tea or coffee, and let’s start reading these beautiful books that will definitely add specialness to your fall evenings.

1. “Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery

A famous classic that perfectly captures the spirit of autumn, “Anne of Green Gables” is a novel set in the beautiful countryside of Prince Edward Island, Canada. As Anne Shirley overcomes the ups and downs of life while surrounded by the vibrant colours of autumn leaves, you can follow her experiences. This touching story of family, friendship, and self-discovery is the ideal reading material for fall nights.

2. “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern

Enter the magical world of “The Night Circus” with Erin Morgenstern. The most interesting story of a magical competition between two young illusionists. This novel’s surreal appeal makes it the perfect pick for those autumn nights when you want to escape into a world of imagination and mystery, as the circus is only open at night and provides a wondrous selection of enchants. (Might also count it as a Halloween-dedicated read)

3. “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett

The timeless classic “The Secret Garden” beautifully illustrates the wonder of nature and change. Discover a hidden, abandoned garden with young Mary Lennox and experience the wonder of nature’s regrowth as seasons change. This inspiring tale is a representation of transformation and hope, making it the ideal fall read. 

4. “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” by Truman Capote

The lively New York City of Truman Capote’s novella may be a long way from the peaceful countryside, but the gorgeous prose and interesting characters make it the perfect setting for a fall evening. Watch the mysterious Holly Golightly’s adventures as she negotiates the busy city streets and her own complex emotions.

5. “The Pumpkin Spice Cafe” by J.S. Malpas

Consider including “The Pumpkin Spice Cafe” on your fall reading list to get into the true spirit of the season. This appealing contemporary romance novel is set in a charming village and tells the tale of love, friendship, and fresh starts. Join the characters at the cafe for a warm and comfortable reading experience. (Also perfect for a rainy day)

These five books are ideal reading partners for your cozy fall evenings since they offer a beautiful combination of classics, fantasy, romance, and charm. Let me know in the comments if you have read any of these books or if you have reading suggestions of your own!

Enjoy your fall reading journey!

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