8 Magical Holiday Reads Handpicked by Librarians to Cast a Spell on Your Festive Season

The holiday season is rapidly approaching, and what better way to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere than with a heartwarming holiday read? To help you discover your new seasonal favorite, The Free Press has asked a panel of eight librarians to share their personal top picks for festive fiction and non-fiction. Whether you are a lover of classic Dickens or interested in discovering new talent, these eight librarians have got you covered.

From the captivating tales of fantastical lands to nostalgic stories that revisit childhood memories, the diverse range of recommendations by the panel of librarians caters to a variety of tastes and reading preferences. Here are the top holiday book recommendations handpicked by the eight librarians.

Librarian Susan Nelson recommends the timeless classic ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens. A heartwarming and thought-provoking tale of redemption that reminds us of the importance of kindness and generosity during the holiday season. Nelson emphasizes that ‘A Christmas Carol’ is more than a holiday read, it is a social commentary with themes of poverty, social class and inequality that still resonates with audiences today.

For a more modern perspective on the holiday season, librarian Sarah Thompson opts for the enchanting novel ‘The Snow Child’ by Eowyn Ivey. This mesmerizing tale of love, hope, and mystery is set in the deep winter landscape of 1920s Alaska. Thompson praises ‘The Snow Child’ for its vivid storytelling and explores how the magical realist narrative effortlessly captures the charm and allure of the snow-covered wilderness.

With ‘The Afterlife of Holly Chase’ by Cynthia Hand comes an opportunity to revel in the holiday atmosphere through the eyes of a teenager from a modern perspective. Librarian Dan Stevens highly recommends this unique blend of re-imagined folklore and the enchanting allure of ghost stories. Stevens explains that the characters have more depth to them, exhibiting noticeable growth and maturity by the book’s conclusion.

Providing an experience beyond the realm of fiction, librarian Jane Douglas highlights the emotional relevance of holiday reads with her recommendation of ‘Let it Snow: Three Holiday Romances’ by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle. Comprising three interconnected romantic tales centered on the lives of different teenagers on a cold Christmas Eve, ‘Let it Snow’ is a great encapsulation of the anxieties and mysteries we grapple with during this festive time.

For families looking for holiday reading that their children can also enjoy, ‘The Polar Express’ by Chris Van Allsburg is the first pick on the list from Librarian Sarah Grey. She praises the way in which Allsburg perfectly entwines enchanting illustrations with the captivating story of a curious child who ventures to the North Pole on a magical journey.

Elizabeth Wilkins suggests stepping into the whimsical world of romance with ‘A Christmas to Remember’ by Jenny Holliday. Her choice showcases captivating storytelling, interesting and relatable characters, and the exploration and unfolding of new emotions between characters. Wilkins strongly believes that readers of all ages will giggle at Holliday’s impeccable humor.

Returning to the realm of beautifully written ghost stories is Michael Morpurgo’s mesmerizing narrative in ‘Flamingo Boy.’ Librarian Elizabeth Groom labels ‘Flamingo Boy’ an astonishing piece of storytelling that showcases the tragic consequences of misunderstandings and animosity surrounding a young boy shunned by his village. The thought-provoking theme takes precedence as the tragic chain of events leading up to Christmas Eve results in unforgettable consequences in the small town of Camargue.

Finally, offering a heartwarming perspective on a holiday favorite is Jostein Gaarder’s ‘The Christmas Mystery,’ a Norwegian story about a World War II veteran sharing a holiday legend from an equally aged, yet mystical Advent calendar to his grandchild. Librarian Monica Burns gives the book glowing reviews due to its ability to convey a message that emphasizes the importance of human compassion despite harsh realities.

The free press wishes you a pleasant reading experience during this festive season.