Christmas Holiday Reading List

Christmas holiday season is coming up and that means it is the perfect time to stay inside and read a great book. Even if you aren’t a big reader, these are all of my current faves, from all genres, meaning you might just discover one you love.

1. The Thursday Murder Club

Age appropriate for: Year 7- UVI. Parents will love it. Grandparents will love it even more.

Vibe of book: Easy read but major page-turner. Makes your heart happy. Fireplace, hot chocolate and this book in hand= excellent combination.

This book is such a good holiday read. The characters are so lovable. You will laugh, you will cry, you will gasp (there are so many plot twists oh my god). I haven’t met one person who didn’t like this book.

2. Mexican Gothic

Age group: Year 9 up.

Vibe of book: Mexico old money rich meets mysterious countryside house.

The main appeal of this book is the moody, gothic descriptions that quite literally transports you to rural Mexico. A quick read but so much suspense and so many surprises along the way that will leave you jaw-dropped.

3. The Vanishing Half

Age group: Year 9 up.

Vibe of book: Intertwining lives. Intertwining secrets. Mothers, sisters, daughters, twins.

This book is a mental rollercoaster in the best way possible. It makes you think so much about identity and self, as well as exploring crucial racial issues during the 1950s onwards. Seriously a must read.

4. My Dark Vanessa

Age group: Year 10 up.

Vibe of book: Teacher student romance. Creepy, slightly disturbing, but such an addictive read.

I finished this book in 2 days. By no means is this a heart-warming coming of age novel, BUT the plot is psychologically thrilling and could definitely be made into a critically acclaimed Netflix show.

5. The Other Black Girl

Age group: Year 9 up.

Vibe of book: New York editor aesthetic but sprinkle in some drama, mystery and surprises.

A perfect beanbag book if you understand what I mean. Engages in interesting ideas about race and white-majority workplaces, whilst maintaining an ideal balance of suspense and humour.

6. Flowers for Algernon

Age group: Year 9 up.

Vibe of book: Based on a true science story. Not in a factual or boring way, but in a well-written, makes you laugh and cry type way.

I didn’t really know what to expect when I started reading this book, but honestly by the end I was so sad I had finished it so quickly. It is such an unexpected and heartwarming novel about a very dumb man who takes part in a scientific experiment to become a genius. Actually fascinating.