As the holiday season approaches, many of us are looking for ways to get into the festive spirit. For book lovers, a Christmas book club is a great way to connect with others who share your passion for reading, while also enjoying the magic of the season. But what to read? Here are 10 Christmas book club books that are sure to spark lively discussions and get you in the mood for the holidays.
Classic Christmas Tales
For a traditional Christmas book club, consider reading classic tales that evoke the spirit of the season. Here are a few suggestions:
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
A Christmas classic, A Christmas Carol tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, and the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. As Scrooge is forced to confront his own mortality and the error of his ways, he undergoes a transformation that will leave readers feeling hopeful and uplifted.
The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
This beautifully written short story tells the tale of a young couple, Jim and Della, who are struggling to make ends meet during the holiday season. With only a few dollars to spend, Della sets out to find the perfect Christmas gift for Jim, while Jim does the same for Della. As the story unfolds, readers will be touched by the couple's selflessness and generosity.
The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore
This classic poem has been a Christmas staple for generations. With its memorable rhymes and vivid imagery, The Night Before Christmas is a delightful read-aloud for book clubs of all ages.
Contemporary Christmas Fiction
If you're looking for something a bit more modern, here are a few contemporary Christmas fiction suggestions:
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
Set in 1920s Alaska, The Snow Child tells the story of an elderly couple, Jack and Mabel, who build a child out of snow during a snowstorm. To their surprise, the snow child comes to life, and they must navigate the challenges of parenthood in their old age. This magical and moving novel is a perfect choice for book clubs looking for a unique Christmas story.
The Christmas Sisters by Sarah Morgan
This heartwarming novel follows three sisters, Beth, Posy, and Lila, as they navigate the challenges of family, love, and identity during the holiday season. With its relatable characters and engaging storyline, The Christmas Sisters is a great choice for book clubs looking for a fun and lighthearted read.
The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand
This clever and poignant novel tells the story of Holly Chase, a spoiled and selfish teenager who dies on Christmas Eve. But instead of moving on to the afterlife, Holly finds herself stuck in a strange and wonderful place, where she must confront her past mistakes and learn to become a better person. This thought-provoking novel is perfect for book clubs looking for a more introspective Christmas read.
Romantic Christmas Reads
For book clubs looking for a romantic Christmas read, here are a few suggestions:
A Christmas to Remember by Jenny Holliday
This lighthearted and fun novel tells the story of Maya, a successful businesswoman who wakes up with amnesia on Christmas Eve. As she tries to piece together her past, Maya finds herself falling for her handsome and charming boss, Max. With its witty banter and romantic tension, A Christmas to Remember is a perfect choice for book clubs looking for a romantic Christmas comedy.
The Christmas Project by Maxine Morrey
This charming and heartwarming novel follows Holly, a struggling artist who returns to her hometown for Christmas. As she reconnects with old friends and family, Holly finds herself falling for a handsome and kind-hearted local, Finn. With its picturesque setting and engaging storyline, The Christmas Project is a great choice for book clubs looking for a romantic Christmas read.
Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand
This engaging and emotional novel tells the story of the Quinn family, who gather at their Nantucket inn for Christmas. As they navigate the challenges of family, love, and identity, the Quinns must confront their past mistakes and learn to forgive each other. With its relatable characters and engaging storyline, Winter Street is a perfect choice for book clubs looking for a romantic Christmas drama.
Christmas Mystery and Thriller
For book clubs looking for a more suspenseful Christmas read, here are a few suggestions:
The Snowman by Jo Nesbo
This gripping and intense thriller follows Harry Hole, a detective who must track down a serial killer who is targeting women during the holiday season. With its atmospheric setting and engaging storyline, The Snowman is a perfect choice for book clubs looking for a Christmas mystery.
The Christmas Train by David Baldacci
This engaging and suspenseful novel tells the story of Tom Langdon, a journalist who boards a train from Washington to Los Angeles on Christmas Eve. As he navigates the challenges of the train and its passengers, Tom must confront his own past mistakes and learn to forgive himself. With its relatable characters and engaging storyline, The Christmas Train is a great choice for book clubs looking for a Christmas thriller.
Dashing Through the Snow by Debbie Macomber
This lighthearted and fun novel tells the story of Ashley, a struggling single mother who takes a road trip with her daughter to see her estranged father for Christmas. As they navigate the challenges of the road and their family dynamics, Ashley and her daughter must confront their past mistakes and learn to forgive each other. With its witty banter and romantic tension, Dashing Through the Snow is a perfect choice for book clubs looking for a Christmas romantic comedy.
We hope these suggestions help you plan a fun and engaging Christmas book club. Whether you're looking for a classic tale, a contemporary romance, or a suspenseful thriller, there's something on this list for everyone. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, gather your book club, and get ready to dive into the magic of the season.
What are some popular Christmas book club books?
+Some popular Christmas book club books include A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore, and The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey.
What type of books are suitable for a Christmas book club?
+Suitable books for a Christmas book club include classic tales, contemporary fiction, romantic reads, and mystery/thrillers that evoke the spirit of the season.
How do I plan a Christmas book club?
+To plan a Christmas book club, choose a book that fits your group's interests, set a reading schedule, and plan discussion questions and activities that fit the theme of the book.