Books That Will Ignite Your Imagination

(illustration: @courtney_birch, edit: @brooketunbridge)

Let’s face it, come the holidays you probably won’t be able to travel as far as Narnia, and you (hopefully) won’t be psychotic enough to fake your own death and blame it on your husband. That is why books are so great, they allow you to do anything you want to and go anywhere from the comfort of your own home.

I’ll admit I’m a book nerd. I love nothing more than curling up with a good book, and while I’m sure a lot of people can think of something better to do while on their holidays, I think there is nothing more relaxing than reading. It’s a bit of a cliché to say there is no cheaper holiday than reading a book but I really think it’s true. Books can transport you to another world; another life, and as the weather starts to get a bit colder it becomes more tempting to stay indoors.

Here is a short list of some books that I think are pretty cool and are worth checking out during the holidays:

The Witness – Nora Roberts

I have been a big fan of Nora Roberts for a while and will buy any books of hers as soon as I see them, without having to even read what the book is about. The Witness has become one of my favourites; it grabbed my attention straight away with an intriguing plot, of murder, mystery and romance. I love the two main characters in this book, they have rather a sweet relationship, but one of my main reasons for recommending this book, is that Nora Roberts has a way of making you really fall into the book, she is such an engaging writer and you’ll have fun getting lost in the world she creates. What I’m saying is that if you haven’t yet read a book by this author then I demand you go, go right now and buy one of her books, pretty much any of her books and you can’t go wrong, but read this one first.

The Intern –Gabrielle Tozer

This one is a really fun and light read. It’s a good insight to the world of fashion magazines, so if you love fashion then this book is a must read. It follows a young writer as she ventures into the fashion magazine industry and has to navigate the high heels, nasty girls and cute guys. Author Gabrielle Tozer gives a great inside look into what working for a women’s magazine is really like, showing that it’s not always glitz and glamour. This is a great holiday read that won’t take long to read but will give you a few laughs along the way.

Howl’s Moving Castle –Diane Wynne Jones

Now this is a book I haven’t read in a while but it is definitely a favourite, people who are familiar with the film version (and liked it) will enjoy the book version but I think even those who haven’t seen, or liked, the film will really enjoy this story. It’s fun, light-hearted and weirdly wonderful, and just leaves you feeling happy afterwards. For those who don’t know the story, Howl’s Moving Castle is about a young hatter named Sophie who has the misfortune to get cursed by the wicked Witch of the Waste, to undo the curse she goes to the Wizard Howl, but Howl is selfish and vain, and too preoccupied with catching the attentions of pretty girls. So follows the fun adventures of the two as they get to know one another; this story always makes me smile.

Places to go, People to see –Kate Spade

Okay so this one is not technically a novel, but sometimes it’s nice to sit down with a book that doesn’t actually require reading. This is a beautiful collection of photographs, fashion inspiration and quotes. This book might be a good choice if you are really into fashion or photography or just don’t feel like picking up a four hundred page novel. I found it really inspiring, and am constantly going back to it. It also looks really pretty on the coffee table.

#books #review #reading #holidays