For those who like to spend time reading books, the time before Christmas and New Year is ideal for reading literary works, the plot of which is intertwined with the events taking place on the eve of our favorite winter holidays. While there is still time, you can read a few of the books on this list and head out into the next year in the perfect holiday mood.
Let It Snow: Three Holiday Romances by Lauren Myracle, Maureen Johnson and John Green
All three novels are permeated with the theme of unusual and warm Christmas miracles. What makes these stories similar is that they tell about the lives of young people, American teenagers who realize their mistakes and are in a hurry to correct them, confess their feelings for each other, and have interesting pre-holiday adventures. For example, Johnson’s story, Jubilee Express, is about a girl who goes to a cafe to enjoy her favorite waffles. Even a snowstorm due to which her train stopped will not prevent her from getting off the express train and getting to the place that gives impetus to a series of events that will change her life that very evening. Unexpected events that took place earlier and plot twists will make you read this incredible story to the last word.
Myracle’s novel, The Patron Saint of Pigs, tells the story of the feelings of two young people. Of course, teenage relationships are always dramatic, but this story of friendship that has grown into love will definitely not leave you indifferent.
The last, third story was written by John Green, who also is the author of the popular novels “Paper Towns” and “The Fault in Our Stars”, which were filmed. His novel in the collection is called “Christmas Blizzard”. The main character, a young man named Tobin, is also unable to spend Christmas in a traditional family circle due to bad weather. But fortunately, his best friends do not leave the young man alone. After spending some time watching a movie, the guys receive an invitation from a mutual friend to spend Christmas in a cafe. Delighted with the opportunity to spend time in even more merry company, friends hit the road, and their journey will be filled with different adventures before they get to their destination.
A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg
A Christmas tale with a touch of eccentricity – this is how you can describe Flagg’s story about Mr. Campbell, who got an unpleasant health prognosis just before the holidays. The main character decides to spend a holiday away from the city noise and goes to the small village of Lost River. Life here, as Campbell hopes, will be calm and measured, but how could he know that some strange things are about to happen here! Without noticing it, the main character will become an important part of upcoming events and the lives of people who have not forgotten how to take care of their neighbors and nature. It is here that everyone gets a chance to realize their dreams and become happy. Despite the fact that the story tells about very real things along with magical incidents, it is pleasant and exciting to read.
Skipping Christmas by John Grisham
Believe it or not, some people choose to boycott Christmas. Or maybe they can be understood? The middle-aged couple, having received a message from their daughter that she would not be able to come to them for the celebration, decide that they do not want to spend time and energy and waste money on a huge list of Xmas preparations, attending events with neighbors and relatives, decorating their home, and so on. They decide for themselves – this time they will spend the holidays at their pleasure and go on a cruise. Needless to say, having learned about such unusual intentions, their neighbors decide to intervene with the plans of the Cranks.
The mood of the book is ironic and curious. You empathize with the main heroes and, at the same time, involuntarily smile when reading about how “perplexed” neighbors are trying to guide the family on the “right” path. Will the couple be able to neglect the established traditions, and how will their saga with neighbors end – read and find out.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
A boy who was about to lose faith in Santa Claus still gets lucky to receive an invitation on the eve of the holiday to make a trip to a magical place on the North Pole where New Year’s miracles are happening. After spending time in the company of friendly elves and seeing the whole process of creating Christmas gifts, a boy receives a gift from Santa. Santa’s team bell can only be heard by those who still believe in miracles. Will the heroes of the story be able to still notice this sound as they grow up? This classic children’s story does not lose its popularity among adults: it is about the fact that only those who believe can see that miracles really exist.
