The holiday is coming, and what’s more exciting than Christmas is the holiday break! Finally, you will have the time for yourself and get away from the stress of work, school, or life in general. What could be the best activities to make your vacation more productive and meaningful? One answer is for sure, reading. There are many books that bring you both entertainment and learning, which makes reading really perfect for your break.
Although people commonly associate reading during holidays should be about books about winter, Christmas, and such, there are also books that are good reads even if they didn’t talk about the said subjects. The point is, you really don’t have to wait for the holidays to read books about it and there is no rule restricting you to read novels that are completely not revolving around the season. There are just great books that you should check out during days that you have more time to spend some leisure. That said, here are the best titles from different genres to read this holiday break.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Originally titled as A Christmas Carol. In Prose. Being a Ghost Story of Christmas, this book by Charles Dickens is a classic fiction book about Christmas. It was first published on December 19, 1843, by Chapman & Hall, and has been making readers feel the spirit of the holidays even if it is not yet December. 5 days after the release of the first edition, it was already sold out. At the end of the following year, Dickens has written 13 editions already. A Christmas Carol is a classic novel that centers on the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge who is an old shrew that is haunted by his past business associate Jacob Marley along with the spirits of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to Come. The old protagonist was turned into a nicer and kinder person after the visitation of the spirits.
Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
This young adult fiction book is among the pieces that are co-authored by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist is a New York Times bestseller that was adapted into a film that starred Kat Dennings and Michael Cera. The story centers on two people Nick who is treating his broken heart by regularly visiting an alternative rock scene in New York and Norah who is criticizing all her perceptions about the universe. Both of them have completely nothing in particular aside from their musical taste until an unexpected meeting leads to a night-long adventure to search for a legendary classified show and ultimately turned into a first date that might change their whole lives. This humorous and sexy roller-coaster tale will surely refresh your memory on how much you can be not certain on wherever the evening will bring you.
Deathwind of the Border by Irv Lampman
Published in 2010, Deathwind of the Border by Irv Lampman is indeed a must-read historical novel! It is based upon Lew Wetzel’s life and days. He is known to be among the best frontiers in America who is accountable for opening up the country called the Ohio River. Due to his determination and fierceness in searching Native American Indians and cruel white raiders referred to as Gargoyles, Lew Wetzel was called the “Deathwind of the Frontier.” He was among the earliest prominent pioneers in America. Moreover, he was a fellow countryman of Jonathan Zane — who is the forefather of the prominent novelist named Zane Grey. Wetzel is unbeatable with his tomahawk and ability with a long rifle. He had a relatively good aim and was also skilled in reloading while running after his prey.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Popular Willy Wonka is from this remarkable children’s book titled Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. It is intended for children ages 8 to 12 years old but is also read by adults. This classic book was published in 2004 by Puffin Books. The adventure started when the infamous chocolate factory run by Willy Wonka is, at last, opening its doors! But, the catch is that only 5 fortunate kids are allowed to enter. The winners include the fat Augustus Gloop, spoiled brat Veruca Salt, dim-wit Violet Beauregarde, gangster-in-training Mike Teavee, and the hero Charlie Bucket. Would they make the most out of the factory, and what could they — especially the kind Charlie, discover?