Bookish Holidays | Not All Holiday Books are Romance
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© 2024 Lain likes reading
When I’m curating my holiday TBR, I run into the same issue every year: Seemingly every book marketed for the holidays is a romance or rom-com.
This isn’t inherently off-putting to me but as a once-in-a-blue-moon romance reader, it can feel like the pool of options for seasonal holiday reading is limited. I typically enjoy one, maybe two, holiday romance reads a year but beyond that, they start to feel repetitive.
If you’re anything like me, then I’ve got you covered. Read on for a list of non-romance holiday books (most of which are general fiction) to consider for your holiday TBR this year!
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
One of my absolute favorite classics that’s perfect for the holiday season with its wintery setting and emphasis on family. Top it off with a viewing of Greta Gerwig’s movie adaptation (my favorite!).
Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org
The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding by Agatha Christie
There’s perhaps no short story that’s more classic for Christmas than an Agatha Christie mystery. This Hercule Poirot mystery is engaging and intriguing, and a great short story option if your holidays are exceptionally busy this year!
Buy the book: Amazon
The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman
I read this debut last year and feel like it captures modern rom-com vibes, but the emphasis is on the connection between friends who have spent every Christmas together since college. (Also, the author, Becca, co-hosts one of my favorite bookish podcasts, Bad on Paper!)
Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
If you somehow haven’t read this book (or entire series) yet, then I highly recommend it as a holiday read! It’s one of my favorite books of all time with so much depth, heart, and authentic depictions of family and friendships. Forewarning that it’s a heavier read, so be sure you’re in the mood for a more emotional story.
Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org
Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand
You may be surprised to see a book by the beach read queen in this list but I can attest this book (and series as a whole) brings strong home-for-the-holidays energy. The story centers around the owners of Nantucket’s Winter Street Inn and features a broad cast of characters, lighthearted family drama, with just a dash of romance.
Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
If the holiday season inspires you to read stories centered around complex family dynamics, then The Dutch House is a must read. Ann Patchett is one of my favorite writers for how she portrays relationships in such a relatable way, often putting into words what I’ve felt but haven’t been able to articulate.
Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
This book has always reminded me of the winter season with its magical realism elements and overall uplifting message. In some ways, it reminds me a bit of A Christmas Carol — except without the ghosts.
Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org
+ a few new-to-me recommendations:
Dachshund Through the Snow by David Rosenfelt
I’ve had this book on my holiday TBR radar for literal years and I think this will be the year I finally read it! I’ve heard nothing but positive reviews for this charming story about a lawyer and his dog helping a young boy and his dachshund reunite with their family for Christmas.
Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org
A December to Remember by Jenny Bayliss
This story of three half-sisters returning home to their father’s home for the reading of his will sounds charming, cozy, and humorous! From what I’ve read, there may be a romance subplot but the main story follows the sisters and their shenanigans.
Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org
A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella
I’ve seen so many rave reviews about Ethan Joella’s books and this one seems fitting for a reflective holiday read, exploring themes of grief and hope. The GoodReads synopsis describes it as a “grown-up bedtime story,” and what could be more comforting than that?
Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org
If you’re looking for more holiday reading and gift giving inspiration, I’ll be posting more recommendations and gift guides every week between now and Christmas!
To pack your TBR to get through the holidays, check my recent seasonal reading recommendations.
& to get your gift buying started, check my recent gift guide posts.
