book recommendations | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

After Rocking Around The Christmas Tree, Here Are 5 Books You Have To Read During Your Winter Break

We all know reading next to the Christmas tree is a vibe.

52
https://unsplash.com/photos/QrbuLFT6ypw
Paola Chaaya

Reading next to my Christmas tree is one of my favorite things to do over winter break. Even though none of the books I read have anything to do with the holiday season, it still manages to get me into the holiday spirit. It's relaxing and honestly, it's a vibe—it's story and VSCO worthy. If you're a bookworm and tired of the Christmas Carol, check out these 5 books that have nothing to do with Christmas, but are still an interesting read.

1. "Lincoln in the Bardo" by George Saunders.

media.giphy.com

So, "Lincoln in the Bardo" has very little to do with this Bill and Ted gif— it's a #1 "New York Times" bestseller. Despite the title, the novel isn't about Lincoln. George Saunder's Contemporary American novel has a crazy cool format that may seem annoying at first but actually helps the reader understand Saunder's concept of life, death, and the ~in between~. It's about humans' perception of life and how we manage to fudge it up. It's way existential. The novel also has very relevant social commentaries, so if you're trying to read more "recent, popular, hip" books, then read this one.

2. "Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky. 

media.giphy.com

I will always recommend Stephen Chbosky's "Perks of Being a Wallflower." Chbosky's Young Adult novel made me want to be a writer. Whenever I read it, I feel all the feels, especially "infinite" (if you don't understand the significance of "infinite," do yourself a favor and download it right now). It's a quick read and the characters also celebrate Christmas at one point, so why not?

3. "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman.

media.giphy.com

I am currently in the process of reading this "New York Times"Bestseller and I. am. LOVING. it. If you've watched the show, read it. If you haven't watched the show, read it. This book is large so if you want to read a quality, thi(cc)k novel this winter break, check it out.

4. "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. 

media.giphy.com

You've most likely seen the movie, but the book is way better. The characters are alive, loving, and downright entertaining. The novel is powerful, and yes, at points it is heartbreaking, but it is an important read. It may seem like the plot is only relevant for the time period it takes place in, but its overall message transcends time. Kathryn Stockett's fiction novel, "The Help," will always remain relevant and is always an amazing read.

5. "Fight Club" by Chuck Palahniuk.

media.giphy.com

A VERY DARK NOVEL TO READ AROUND CHRISTMAS BUT IT IS AMAZING. If you like books that make you stop and think, "what the hell" then this bad boy is for you. You've probably seen the movie, but the book is more of a psychological mind-screw. Yes, that is possible, and yes, you should read it next to a beautiful Christmas tree. Tis the season, am I right?

So while you're snuggled and drinking hot cocoa around the Christmas tree, pick up a book. Preferably, one of these books. They have nothing to do with Christmas, but they are truly spectacular.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

189026
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14164
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457304
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26306
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments