While this winter break may be more of a study-fest than a relax-fest, there will still be time to sit down and enjoy a good book. I love spending time off catching up on the pile of novels in my room, as well as reading the cool new releases. So, if you find yourself sick of studying (or having holiday-themed fun) over the break, try a little reading! I’ve written up a list of a few books I’d like to read over the break, and I hope you’ll consider them too!
1. Before I Go to Sleep
Okay, I’ll admit it, I just finished this one. But at least that’ll give me a chance to review, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes thrillers! Christine Lucas is a woman who wakes up every morning with no idea where she is, and no who the man lying next to her is. A horrific accident twenty years ago left her with amnesia, and an inability to form new memories. As Christine tries to piece together her past and find the truth, things start to get a little crazy. It’s definitely one of those books that makes you go, “wait… what?” and it is completely worth it.
2. The Hunger Games
Everyone has been freaking out about these books (especially with the upcoming film adaptation next March), and I have yet to read them. Set in the cruel Capitol, sometime in the future, a boy and a girl are selected from each district to fight to death on live television. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her younger sister’s place in the competition, and will have to decide between morality, love and survival. Since I’m the type who has to read the books before seeing the movie, I’m especially excited about the world’s latest teen phenomenon.
3. The Lake of Dreams
When I saw this brand-new book in the store a few weeks ago, I knew I had to have it. Written by Kim Edwards, the author of The Memory Keeper’s Daughter, The Lake of Dreams is sure to be another stunning family drama filled with compassion, suspense, and of course, love. Lucy Jarrett returns to her hometown, The Lake of Dreams, after being haunted by her father’s unresolved death for a decade. Late one night, she discovers a hidden collection of objects which unleash a dark secret from her family’s past, changing everything. The Memory Keeper’s Daughter was such a mesmerizing and heartfelt read that I cannot imagine I will be disappointed with The Lake of Dreams.
4. The Night Circus
Since I happen to spend more time than necessary in Chapters, I’ve seen this book everywhere and have become quite curious about it. At the mystical Cirque des Rêves, a competition between two young magicians is underway in which they must use the powers of illusion to beat one another. Little do they know, the game is actually a duel to the death, and the circus is the stage for this astonishing battle. I have heard nothing but praise for this debut book, and look forward to reading it.
5. The Lady Of The Rivers
As I made clear in my earlier review of The Other Queen, I am a huge fan of Philippa Gregory. Her latest book, The Lady of the Rivers, is the story of Jacquetta, a descendant of the river goddess and a woman who has the gift of second sight. In the time of King Henry VI and Joan of Arc, Joan must fight for her king, her queen, and her daughter, for whom she can sense a future on the throne of England. Continuing on with her magnificent telling of history, Gregory writes of the life of Jacquetta, the mother of Elizabeth Woodville, the White Queen. (I should note that Gregory has also written a book called The White Queen, centering on the story of Elizabeth Woodville.)
6. The Great Gatsby
While I know this book is rather old and rather famous, it is still on my list. The story of the fabulously wealthy Jay Gatsby, his love for Daisy Buchanan, and the luxurious parties on Long Island, The Great Gatsby is a classic tale of America in the roaring twenties. I love classic books, but I don’t read them as often as I’d like. However, this one has been near the top of my list for a while now, and winter break would be the perfect time to read it, especially so that I can be prepared for the new movie adaptation next year.
What are you planning on reading this winter break?