10 Books You Can’t Miss (Must Reads While You’re on Holiday)

Are you taking along bus or road trip this holiday season? Are you staying at home and ignoring the rest of the world? Whichever the case may be, here are 10 books you can’t miss!

I love my family, I honestly do. But, no matter what’s going on when I’m there, at some point I delve into the bookshelf and escape. Books are one of my favorite pastimes. I’ll admit, I’m a picky reader, it really takes a lot for a book to grab my interest and then keep me going for three hundred more pages. Still, there’s something for everyone, right? Here are some books you might want to check out when you’re planning your escape.

#1 The Ocean at the End of the Lane

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Neil Gaiman is my favorite author and he doesn’t disappoint with his newest book. The Ocean at the End of the Lane is Gaiman’s typical take on myth and magic. It’s the tale of a boy and an adventure, good versus evil, and long lasting friendship, all within a magical world the author has made just for us. One of my friend’s described this as the perfect book. I suggest giving it a try if you enjoy science fiction or mythology and fantasy worlds.

#2 Ender’s Game

Yes, I know you could go and watch it in the movies (Harrison Ford and all), but really, wouldn’t you rather read the book? In this book by Orson Scott, we tend to take a deeper look at humanity and that which makes us who we are. Peer pressure, family, and upbringing all come into play in this book under the guise of a science fiction alien novel.

Yes, there are aliens, and sure, that’s supposed to be what the book is all about. But, is it really?

#3 The Light Between Oceans

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This beautiful novel my M.L. Stedman will have you weeping in your coffee. I don’t just mean little tears, I mean all out sobs as you watch the lives of the characters play out in front of you. An isolated couple who live in a lighthouse have their entire world changed when a baby washed up to shore in a small boat. However, it’s their past, and their present, decisions that leave your heart tearing in your chest. It’s tragic and beautifully poetic as only all humanity can be.

#4 Beautiful Ruins

This is an amazing novel by Jess Walter about a man, a woman, a hotel room and a myriad of other characters. It’s actually a really charming read that bounces back and forth in time to give you the different viewpoints of different characters, and makes it all come together at the end.

#5 A Knight in Shining Armor

If you’re a romance novel reader, then this is the book to read. A Knight in Shining Armor, by Jude Deveraux, is not a recent book (in fact, from here on out, the books are going to be a little bit older so you can get them really cheap at a discount store or online) but it is definitely the best romance novel I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

I’ll also admit that I cried like a baby at the end.

Basically, a woman unlucky in love gets thrown back in time, meets and falls in love with a knight, takes him to her time, then loses him…I won’t tell you the rest, you really have to read it, it’ll stay with you forever.

#6 The Heretic’s Daughter

If you enjoyed The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, then you will definitely enjoy The Heretic’s Daughter by Kathleen Kent. This is a heart-wrenching tale told from the viewpoint of a young Puritan who watches her family torn apart by the Salem Witch Trials. It is a strong and emotionally powerful story that shows just how much a mother’s love is really worth (even when you don’t realize it). You’re going to need the tissue.

#7 The Great Gatsby

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Who can possibly forget Gatsby? I love the way F. Scott Fitzgerald writes. he speaks in poetry and the lines flow so smoothly as you read the tragic tale of love lost. While you’ll likely adore Jay Gatsby, I have to admit that I have never loathed a character as much as I did Daisy Buchanan.

Still, you have to read this at least once in your life. Fitzgerald is a literary genius and this book is stunning.

#8 The Relic

If you’re more the horror type (and I have my moments when a good scary read is the only thing that will do), then the Relic, by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, is definitely the book for you. It has everything! A genuis FBI agent, a monster loose in the Natural History Museum, a deadly secret…mystery, mayhem, and murder.

I’m mentioning this book because it’s the first from these two author’s and it’ll introduce you to the characters. I’ve read almost all of their books and they never fail to disappoint me. It’s like a  dark version of Michael Crichton. If, however, you’ve already read this one, the give their book Still Life With Crows a read (my favorite of them all). It’s one of their creepiest.

#9 In a Witch’s Wardrobe

There are a lot of good mystery books out there, but sometimes a girl needs a witchy mystery to read. If that’s the case, then In a Witch’s Wardrobe, by Juliet Blackwell, is definitely the book for you.

This is part of a series of mystery books by this author. You have a witch, her familiar (a Goblin-pig), her friends and foes, and, of course, a poisoned corsage. Something wicked is in the air and our witch, Lily Ivory, has to get to the bottom of it.

#10 Good Omens

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Finally, if you’re tired of crying over the books you’ve already read and you need a good laugh, then Good Omens is the best pick me up book around! I’ve read it thirteen times, it’s now a part of the family.

This book, co-authored by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, is a hysterical take on The Omen. Instead of the Spawn of Satan being evil and corrupt, it turns out the babies were switched incorrectly and the kid is actually very, very normal. Until he reaches puberty and then all Hell breaks loose. An angel and a demon are trying desperately to stop that because, after all this time, they realize they like things the way they are.

I’m always up for a good read, and my book list is relatively small. Is there anything you would suggest for this list? Perhaps a favorite book you can’t live without?

Cover photo: weheartit.com

About the author

Trina

Just another hard working mom who loves her kid, loves to write, can’t cook, and has a thing for tentacles! When I’m not hanging out with my Spawn, I’m happily sharing my dating experiences and offering advice and trying to control the chaos that comes with being human.

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