Mrs Readalot's Christmas List

Holidays are perfect for relaxing with a good book or two.
In the Southern Hemisphere, summer is coming, promising long lazy days at the beach.
In the Northern Hemisphere, there's a chill in the air. Days grow shorter. Fires are being lit.
What better than cosying up on the couch with a good book?

And then there's Christmas right around the corner. Can't figure out what to get your mother-in-law? Sister? Nephew? You can't go wrong with a good book.

Here are Mrs Readalot's recommendations for some great Holiday Reading... and sure-to-please gifts.

The Help
by Kathryn Stockett

A delicious read from start to finish. Warm-hearted, original, fascinating, real. Set in the early Sixties, telling the story of black maids i.e. the Help. This book will draw you in. Put it on your list. You won't be disappointed. {Full review here}
{Recently made into a movie, which is also surprisingly good.}

Would make a great gift for: Your Mother, your mother-in-law, your sister, your sister-in-law.

The Other Boleyn Girl
and anything else by Phillippa Gregory

I love Philippa Gregory's writing. Historical Novels with an emphasis on historical. Her books are very well researched and beautifully written. I've read a bunch of them, and have loved them all.
If you love a great story with compelling characters that is based striongly in historical fact, I totally recommend any of Philippa's books.
I have also enjoyed: The Boleyn Inheritance, The Queen's Fool, The Other Queen, The White Queen, The Red Queen.

Would make a great gift for: Your Mother, your mother-in-law, your sister, your sister-in-law.

The Time Traveler's Wife
by Audrey Niffenegger


This book I have read and wept over twice. The second reading did not diminish its beauty or originality even though I knew what was coming. This has to be one of my all-time favourite books - and for a bookaholic like me, that's saying something. An absolute must-read. Really, if you have not read this book, go get it now.

Would make a great gift for: Your Mother, your mother-in-law, your sister, your sister-in-law, yourself.

Water for Elephants
by Sara Gruen


Another of my favourite books. This one is a great holiday read and would make an awesome gift. It is even out on DVD... and the movie's not bad either! {Click here for the full review}

Would make a great gift for: Your Mother, your mother-in-law, your sister, your sister-in-law, your granny.

The Testament
by John Grisham


Don't knock John. He's a pretty mean storyteller, if you like a bit of legal drama. The Testament is one of his best, in my opinion. The Street Lawyer is another of my favourites. It was John Grisham that managed to lure my non-fiction-loving hubby into the world of novels. Now Mr G is a big Grisham fan. I buy them for him - and then I read them when he's done.

Would make a great gift for: Your husband, your father-in-law, your brother, your brother-in-law.

 The Shack
by William P. Young


This book was a life-changer for me. It's a novel but its full of spiritual truth and insight. This book helped me see God in a whole new light, without the trappings of familiar cliches. The book starts out rough, with a child being abducted and murdered. Don't let that put you off. If you have ever wondered "why do bad things happen to good people if God is Love?" then this book is a must read.

Would make a great gift for: Anyone who is struggling with their faith or has big questions about God

Diary of a Wimpy Kid
by Jeff Kinney


I credit the the Wimpy Kid books for my son's love of reading. These books really appeal to 8-9 year old boys, mainly because they are really funny. There's a whole series, and even a Do-It-Yourself Book which has bits the reader can fill in themselves... great for if you're travelling or camping. Apparently there's a new book out too. How do I know? Dash has asked for it for Christmas.

Would make a great gift for: Your son, Your little brother (if he's nine), Your nephew (if he's eight. or nine. Or maybe even ten...?)





Captain Underpants
by Dav Pilkey


Captain Underpants actually opened the way for Dash to love reading. Its silly and full of farts and belching, with plenty of daft cartoons. Just what boys of six and seven love. If you want your boy to love reading and don't mind a bit of giggling about bodily functions, then stuff Captain Underpants in somebody's stocking... {Dash's Book review here}

Would make a great gift for: Your son, your little brother, Your nephew (if they're six or seven.)

The Narnia Books
by C S Lewis


I first read these books when I was nine or ten, and fell in love with them forever. I still go back and read them from time to time, and always discover new hidden gems. These books are keepers. If you spot them on sale, grab them. A family treasure, and great read aloud even to younger children.

Would make a great gift for: Your kids to treasure forever.



Room for a Little One
by Martin Waddell and Jason Cockcroft


This is the best, most beautiful Christmas book ever. I still get goosebumps when I read it aloud to my children. Every time. The illustrations are out of this world. The story is simple, but perfect.
This is the perfect Christmas Eve Story Book. If you have a Christmas Book collection, make sure you add this book to it. I never get tired of it.

Would make a great gift for: Your family to open and read on Christmas Eve


I hope you've got a few ideas there for some Christmas gifts... or just plain ole holiday reading.

Find these Books on Book Depository...




After trying various different online booksellers (and waiting a looong time for the books to arrive), Mrs Readalot now recommends Book Depository as the best place to get books online. They are fast, reliable and offer FREE delivery anywhere in the world... they also have the best prices, especially with the extra 10% discount if you enter the magic code....


Book Club and Linky
December's Book Club is being hosted by Renee at Memoirs of a Mother

The theme is "Books for your Christmas Gift List" or your list of Recommended Holiday Reads.
Write a post sharing your favourite books - Christmas books, kids books, holiday reading, whatever you like. Hopefully as we all share and link up, we'll get a few ideas of what to get those hard-to-buy-for individuals.

Grab the Button...




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If you want to join in, grab the button for your posts and sidebar. To join the Book Club on a regular basis and become a host, leave a comment here.


Link Up Here: Memoirs of a Mother - Bookclub Host