Must Reads for December ft Mahriya

Hey there everyone!

Today I am joined by the fabulous Mahriya from My Bookish Life and together we have put together a December Reads list for book lovers like us. Mahriya also has an amazing book blog running, so it would be super sweet if you guys headed over there and checked the aesthetics and content of the blog out!

1. The Scarecrow and His Servant by Philip Pullman

Philip Pullman is one of my favourite authors. Now, when I was thinking of a book to read during winter, I searched for a long time through My Goodreads list. The Scarecrow and His Servant could be classified as a ‘children’s book’. Okay, fair enough it is. But isn’t Harry Potter also classed as a middle grade novel. Yet there are still 20 year old fans! I’m always reading books out of my age zone and genre, so give it a try. It’s such a fun, light read to snuggle up to. There’s laughs, there’s cries and you go on adventures everywhere. It is written so beautifully and perfectly, I find it hard to criticise. Pullman has done great work with this short book, and I know it is perfect for any day in Winter. Sip some Hot Chocolate whilst travelling to different places across the globe.

2. Holes by Louis Sachar

Holes is a book I read in one sitting. It was the first book that came to mind when thinking about books I enjoyed. I’m always being nagged to read/listen to certain books, and I was nagged a lot to read this one. Holes is a story of a boy who goes to a very strict camp. And no, it’s not a boring old book about how the boy escapes and commits crime. No. This is more of a mystery novel, believe it or not. Again, this was written extremely well-written novel. There is another book in the series, Small Steps, which I hope to get round to reading soon. Until then, go and read Holes, I book I was fascinated by and is a perfect December read.

3. The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe by C.S Lewis

I didn’t just pick this book because it has tons of winter/December related themes in it. Yes, this book has the magical feel to it and has tons of snowflakes and is perfect for December but I also chose it because it was a book that introduced to my love of reading. If i hadn’t read this book, I probably wouldn’t haven even discovered my passion for words. Luckily, I did. And even though this is such a popular book and I haven’t read the rest of the series, I can guarantee you that you will adore this book. I actually quite enjoyed the movie too!

4. The Series Of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

Okay, this isn’t a book but a whole 13 volume series. I couldn’t decide on just one, so read the whole thing. I haven’t quite finished the series with 2 more books to read but it is amazing. It’s not fun or happy or anything of the sort. The first 6 in the series are more about how the Baudelaire orphans struggle with life. But then, afterwards, it turns out to be all about this enticing mystery! I can’t wait to read more of it but be warned these are tear-jerking books (not really) but they do grip you!

5. The Philosopher’s Stone by J.K Rowling (obviously!)

If you haven’t read Harry Potter, then December is the time to pick up the first book and dive in. And for all Potterheads out there, you might be wondering, why the first book? I chose the first in the series because it was probably the most fun, exciting non-scary (no deaths or killing) book in the whole collection. I feel Philosopher’s stone was so magical and perfect! So pick it up now and read it!

6. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

I think that this is a classic Christmas novel that we have all either watched, performed, read or studied at some point of our life. It’s not your typical oh it’s Christmas, how exciting, let’s spread the love vibe all along – it takes three ghosts for that to click in Scrooge’s mind. Nonetheless, I think it’ll make a great read curled up on the sofa as it there’s surely a few nostalgic memories associated to the book. I know for me, it brings back memories of our school Christmas production on A Christmas Carol when I was younger.

7. Small Steps by Louis Sachar

It was interesting to see how Mahriya also mentioned a book by Sachar. When I went over to the bookshelves to browse what December reads I had, the green cover of this book just drew me in, particularly because it reminded me of an evergreen tree and of course, the iconic Christmas Tree. This story follows the tale of broken relationships, healing wounds, trust, hope and it is refreshing to read since the ending doesn’t bend to the expectations of a typical happily ever after. Instead people move on, and accept the fact it wasn’t meant to be and that life decided to take a different path than the one they longed for. I think this is a good motto to go into the new year with, and overall it is a refreshing read.

8. Forever X by Geraldine McCaughrean

This story is set in a bed and breakfast named Forever X where it is Christmas every day. It is full of humour, smiles and touching moments. One of the parts that got to me in this story was how a young child named Mel thought the environmental health inspector by the name Mr Angel was an actual angel. Therefore, throughout the plot, Mel only has one request – to make someone he knew better, but Mr Angel fails to understand the extent of his request, and shrugs it off as minor food poisoning. There is also a particular scene where Mr Angel gets stuck in a tree, and asks for help, but Mel just believes Mr Angel flew there. Overall, I think this book captures the essence of Christmas nicely and the cuteness of Mel just puts a smile on your face.

9. Oblivion by Anthony Horowitz

I don’t want to provide any spoilers as this is the last book to a series. However, that does not stop me from expressing how enticing and amazing this entire series was. The way morals, humanity, pain, compassion and relationships are explored in this series is just amazing, and I would recommend the whole series to be binge read during the Christmas break.

10. The Amazing Spiderman Coming Home graphic novel

Because why not? We all need to stare at the works of really skilled graphic artists every once in a while and recall how it all began. Oh, and did I mention how Spiderman has the ability to make you laugh?

11. Christmas Poems chosen by Gaby Morgan

Because poems are so beautiful in my eyes, and can be interpreted in so many different ways. I thought I’d share my favourite two from the collection below.

Streetlights by coral rumble

The town leapt a little, tonight,

As the Christmas lights came on.

Everyday streets became more important

And even the darkest pathways glistened.

Stars and snowflakes

Angels and reindeer

Flashed and flickered a holy-white whisper,

Making our town,

Our ordinary, brick and tarmac town,

Sparkle like a frosted castle

In a far-off frozen land.

 

Promise Jackie kay

Remember, the time of year

when the future appears

like a blank sheet of paper

a clean calendar, a new chance.

On thick white snow

 

 you vow fresh footprints

then watch them go

with the winds hearty gust.

Fill your glass. Here’s tae us. Promises

made to be broken, made to last.

And that’s a wrap for today’s post folks. If you would like to read more Blogmas posts from me, please head over to the follow or subscribe button. Likewise, you can stalk previous Blogmas posts here.

What books would you recommend for December? Have you read any of the suggested books above?

Keep smiling beautifuls!