Amanda's Book Recs
Jolabokaflod, in English, translates to the Christmas Book Flood. This is the term for the Icelandic tradition of giving the gift of a good book on Christmas Eve, cozying up with the family, and reading late into the night (preferably by a fire or candlelight with a mug of cocoa!)
Have you heard of the Icelandic tradition "Jolabokaflod," the tradition of giving the gift of good books on Christmas Eve? In English this translates to the Christmas Book Flood. Ideally you cozy up with a good book and read near a fire or candle, preferably with a mug of cocoa, into the wee hours of the night. I love this idea!
In our house we do something different- four gifts: "Something you want, something you need, something to wear and something to read." So in that spirit, sharing some ideas to inspire your cozy evenings reading!
So I’ve organized these recommendations by the following categories. Skip ahead to the category that best fits you!
I put little asterisks next to my favorites in each category. I mean I like all of these books, but asterisk indicates my tippy-top choices.
A life changing tip from my favorite librarian, Nancy Pearl: if you are 50 pages into a book and you still aren’t into it, move on!!!!! People have a tendency to punish themselves through a book simply because they started it. Why???? Why do we do this? Just stop it. Stop it now. Life is too short to waste it on books you don’t like. Similarly, don’t feel obligated to read books because you think you should read them. Stop shoulding all over yourself! I LOVE FANTASY NOVELS AND I DON’T CARE WHO KNOWS IT!
If you love non-fiction, you won’t find many recs here because I read an embarrassingly slim amount of non-fiction.
If you liked Harry Potter:
Mistborn Series by Brandon Sanderson
Female protagonist, magic, and smart writing. I’d say this book is more complex than young adult fiction, which was a draw for me. The characters are complex and the writing is subtle and will draw you in as you learn your way around this world.
NeverMoor Series by Jessica Townsend
This would make for a great family read, probably ideal for kids somewhere between 10-12 ish. I think 5th or 6th grade me would have LOVED this book. That being said, I ripped through the series. In the third book, a pandemic takes hold in the fictional world of Nevermoor. The Wundrous Society tackles racism. This is the fantasy novel to help children understand 2020 that we didn't know we needed.
If you liked Hunger Games/Twilight:
Red Rising Series by Pierce Brown
Hunger Games in outer space, a sci-fi space opera you can’t put down!
*An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
For me this was fun-reading on the order of Hunger Games, Twilight, or Divergent. A little love story adds to the fun. A fun page-turner for lazy Sundays. Bonus- female protagonist.
*Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J Maas
This is another series by Sarah J Maas, but for me was much more enjoyable and mature than the Court of Thorns and Roses. Less emphasis on the love stories and more emphasis on the politics of war and development of characters.
Court of Thorns & Roses Series by Sarah J Maas
Faeries, love stories, drama, courts of royals, strong female characters- this book is an easy read. Would captivate teens ages 12-15ish, and also anyone that enjoys a good old fashioned page-turner with some fairies and love triangles!
If you liked Outlander:
A Discovery of Witches
Vampires, witches, time travel, alchemy, a love story, oh my!
If you liked Lord of the Rings:
Kingkiller books by Patrick Rothfuss
An epic fantasy that will not disappoint. The only frustration- book three still isn’t out yet. These books are long and quite the undertaking, but well worth the effort and a joy to read throughout.
Excellent books by Native American Authors:
Poet Warrior by Joy Harjo
Gosh. This book. Be still my heart. A memoir that beautifully weaves poetry, both her own and the poetry of others that have moved her, into the narrative. She explores generational trauma, dreamwork, death, and pursuing your purpose in life in a beautifully inspiring way.
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
An exquisite, must-read. This will speak to anyone that loves nature and understands the sacred connections between humans and the natural world. To read it is to feel a healing. Take your time with this one, savor each chapter.
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
While reading this I couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard about this monstrous crime before, that it hadn’t been taught in history classes. You will be floored as you read this deeply sad and astounding true story.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Gosh, I read this book so quickly. It is inspiring and would be a great book to read along with your 12-15 year old. There are fun comics on several pages and the language is simple and easy to read. The subject matter is heavy and heartbreaking, and will beg for deep discussion and understanding. If you (or your child) love underdog stories or stories about basketball, this may resonate with you or your child.
Spooky/Scary:
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
I read this when first dating Drew. We visited his parents and I read until about 2am, after which time I couldn’t sleep! It’s tough to pull of a scary book and for me, this one is the creme de la creme.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
Another creepy mystery by the esteemed Shirley Jackson.
Home Before Dark
Twenty-five years ago the protagonist, Maggie, escaped a haunted house with her parents. Her father wrote a book about the experience that was widely read and plagued Maggie throughout her adult life. She couldn’t recall any of the experiences in the book and believed her father had made it all up. When he passes away she learns that he never sold the house and she is now the new owner. She decides to renovate the home and then things start to get interesting!
Historical Fiction:
News of the World
A fun little romp. Nuff said.
Lilac Girls
WWII Historical Fiction.
*All the Light we Cannot See
Recently nominated as one of the 25 most important books written in the last 125 years by the NYT, this book describes the fictional story of a young blind girl determined to protect a rare diamond from Nazis. Read this, then watch the Monuments Men. So good.
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan
Just don’t google Frank Lloyd Wright while reading this, DON’T DO IT. You are in for a wild ride. We follow his lover as she navigates their affair, motherhood, her marriage, and her own independence.
*Before We Were Yours
Throughout the book I was googling things because I couldn’t believe this really happened… it’s mind boggling. Although the story is fictional, it is based on one of America’s most notorious scandals. In this story children born in poverty are kidnapped and sold to wealthy families.
The Cellist of Sarajevo
WWII Historical Fiction.
Understanding White Privilege:
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
This book changed my life and my understanding of systemic racism in America. Required reading.
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
Kendi eloquently explains how being anti-racist is an active stance that calls out racism whereas being non-racist is passive and allows racism to persist. This book will give you much to think about and help equip you with tools to be an antiracist.
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
This is the story of a true hero working to defend the poor, the wrongly condemned, and the incarcerated.
Page-turners, fun for book clubs (delightful standalone books):
*Where’d You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple
This charming book is made up of various letters, notes, and emails. Follow the story of Bernadette, one of my favorite protagonists, as she navigates life as an extremely intelligent shut-in. When Bernadette goes missing it’s up to her daughter to find her and discover the wondrous truths about her mother.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
I love a story about a social misfit who finds love. This is a feel-good book you won’t want to put down.
Lillian Boxfish takes a walk
An 85 year old woman takes a walk in Manhattan. Along the way she meets many people and recounts her life. Charming, sweet, and an easy standalone read.
Small Great Things by Jodi Piccoult
This book tackles complex issues of privilege, race, systemic racism, and forgiveness. It’s a page-turner that will leave you breathless.
Calypso by David Sedaris
What can I say? I love David Sedaris. I love him so much! If you’ve never read his work, start at the beginning! Listen to his hilarious story about working as an elf at Macy’s (worth listening to every holiday season). This is a lovely, funny book that I’ve read a few times. Also great as an audiobook because it’s read by David himself.
Circe by Madeline Miller
If you like Greek Mythology or The Odyssey, you’ll love this imaginative retelling from the eyes of a woman in a man’s world.
Shifting Perspective on Death, Dying, and the Funeral Industry:
(Okay arguably a weird category but honestly these two books are so good, especially when read back to back).
**Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by Caitlyn Doughty
Caitlyn is a modern mortician committed to shifting our perspectives, traditions and rituals around death in the United States. This book will rock your world and make you question our current rituals. Do embalming and caskets have a place in a world more committed to sustainability? How can we shift our attitude around death and dying to honor the inevitable end of life? You will also laugh! It’s funny, quirky and a great read.
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
Written by a neurosurgeon dying of cancer, Kalanithi asks, what makes life worth living in the face of death? This exquisite book will take your breath away.
Queer Fiction
The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters
A very well done love story.
Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters
As a straight, cisgender person, this book was very helpful in understanding gender, relationships, sex, and motherhood. A great read.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet
This book follows complicated family relationships as the family navigates love, loss, race, and more.
Books You Don’t Want to Miss
Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
Anyone living in a cold weather climate should read this book, preferably in November or December as we head into the dark winter months. This is the book club choice for two of our winter retreats. I think it reads almost like “remembering” things that are very intuitive about living in a cold weather climate, but a very helpful framework for the long winters!
Where the Deer Dream by Sarah Seidelmann
This is the latest book by our friend Sarah Seidelmann. If you haven’t read her Book of Beasties or Swimming with Elephants, start there! Like all things Sarah creates, this book is full of wonder, magic, and healing medicine.
The House of the Spirits by Isabelle Allende
A personal favorite of mine- this is a book for readers. I love the South American tradition of magical realism (just a bit of magic intermixed in the everyday) and this book is a lovely example. Follow the women of the Trueba family as they move through life and navigate the political upheaval in Chile in the 1970s.
Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Set in a post WWII Barcelona, you’ll follow the adventures of a young man as he takes on an epic quest of suspense and mystery. If you like to read, you will probably love this book. It is a book written for bibliophiles, for those that love a vast library and feel a thrill every time they open a dusty old tome.
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Great as an audiobook. You don’t want to miss this incredible life story. Wow.
A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost
Great as an audiobook. I laughed, a lot. The only downside is that this book may make you feel bad about your own work ethic (because Jost is a workaholic).
