Holiday Reads | Sally Anne’s Top Picks
Written by Sally Anne Groomes
Holiday cups have dropped at Starbucks which means one thing—the Christmas season is upon us! If you are like me and enjoy curling up next to the Christmas tree under a warm blanket with a good book, I hope one of these holiday picks will add a little extra joy.
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Catching Christmas
By Terri Blackstock
To be perfectly frank, I had to wade through a stack of cheesy Christmas books to find these pearls as most holiday books read like mini Hallmark movies. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with a cliche holiday romance, I find myself wanting a modicum of edification if I am taking the time to sit down and read. This one is probably the closest thing to a Hallmark movie; however, even in this book there is so much more to it than simply the love story between the main characters of Sydney and Finn. The sweet relationship between Sydney’s grandmother and Finn serves as the framework and unexpected meet cute for Finn and Sydney. This story has a lot of heart and is truly a Christmas delight.
The Christmas Train
By David Baldacci
This holiday pick takes place on the rails as we follow Tom, a career journalist, on his cross-country train trip. Tom meets a host of fascinating people on his journey, all traveling before Christmas. Themes of compassion, forgiveness, and second chances pervade the story, accompanied by plenty of snow, holiday merry-making, and Christmas cheer. The novel has a little bit of everything, including mystery, romantic intrigue, and plenty of entertaining plot twists.
Skipping Christmas
By John Grisham
A hilarious and quick read, Skipping Christmas is actually the book that inspired the movie “Christmas with the Kranks.” However, as is often the case, I found the book even more entertaining than the film. For those unfamiliar with the plot, the book is about long-married couple Luther and Norah Krank. Upon realizing they would be spending their first Christmas without their adult daughter who is working abroad, they decide to skip their usual holiday preparations and rituals. Instead, they decide to leave town and use all holiday funds for a grand Christmas cruise. Of course, nothing goes as planned with a litany of hilarious kerfuffles with friends, neighbors, and even a grand showdown with Frosty the Snowman.
The Christmas Letters
By Lee Smith
This novella was not what I was expecting. The story is grounded in realistic struggles and unforeseen plot turns sprinkled amidst the more expected holiday recollections. Written as an epistolary narrative, readers meet three generations of women from the Pickett family as each writes their yearly Christmas letter. Learning about each character and previewing the next generation to come within the details of each missive was such an original approach. I found this Christmas read an interesting change of pace. I also loved the recipes that are included after each letter!
The Snow Child
By Eowyn Ivey
While this book is not about Christmas, it feels like a perfect winter tale and snow plays a pivotal role. A breathtaking blend of historical fiction and magical realism, The Snow Child is a book unlike any other I’ve ever read and the characters have stayed with me long after finishing the book. Mabel and Jack are settlers in the Alaskan frontier and the story charts their adventures, losses, and successes as well as Mabel’s heart-wrenching struggle to have a child.
A Christmas Carol
By Charles Dickens
My love for Victorian literature runs deep and I cannot help but recommend revisiting this classic. While many film adaptations exist, there is something deeply rewarding about returning to Dickens’s original text. While we all are likely familiar with Scrooge’s story of redemption, I always appreciate the heartfelt reminder of the importance of generosity and caring for those around us.
Hidden Christmas
By Timothy Keller
Keller provides an excellent in-depth analysis and exposition of the nativity story. His book follows the premise that “To understand Christmas is to understand basic Christianity, the Gospel.” Keller delves into both Matthew and Luke to re-examine the story we all have become accustomed to hearing each Christmas in order to refocus our hearts and minds on the magnificent gift of Christ. Keller’s book serves as a powerful reminder that we, as deeply flawed and imperfect humans, cannot bring true peace, light, and love to this fallen world apart from God. Christ’s birth brought HIS light to earth and HE is the only way. If you can only pick up one of these books, I cannot recommend Keller’s book enough as it orients us all to the reason of this wonderful season.
There are many holiday reads out there so I hope this helps you decide what to read next! Please let me know how you like them or if you have a favorite Christmas book that I might have missed.
Sally Anne Groomes
Washington D.C.
Sally Anne is a former literature professor who still cannot be caught without a book close at hand. Currently, she is raising her two kids, running many miles, and adventuring around the world one duty station at a time with her husband (a Navy doctor). She loves Jesus with all her heart and is learning daily how to count it all JOY.
Learn more about Sally Anne here and find her on Instagram at @sagroomes21
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Coming off more than a year in pandemic mode I feel like we are all deserving of a fantastic tropical vacation. However, regardless of your summer plans, hopefully you will find time to dive into a good book, whether it be next to a beach, a pool or a toddler sprinkler! With that in mind, I have compiled a list of a few of my favorite fiction and nonfiction picks to help you mentally recharge, restore, and relax.