12 Books to Read this Christmas Break - Hope 103.2

12 Books to Read this Christmas Break

Find just the right book to sink into this summer break and then prepare to unwind and relax as you get stuck into the old pastime of reading.

By Hope 103.2Wednesday 15 Dec 2021ChristmasReading Time: 3 minutes

12 books to read this Christmas break…

We’ve pulled together a list of fiction and non-fiction books to read over this Christmas break. Unwind after the intensity and spend time relaxing with a book.

Special thanks to the Hope Book Club for some of these suggestions.

1. Smart Ovens for Lonely People by Elizabeth Tan. Funny, insightful short stories. So short you can squeeze them in during a busy Christmas and New Year. The young Australian author doesn’t shy away from Australia and its uniqueness in these stories.


2. A Sicilian Romance, by Ann Radcliffe. Written in 1790, Hope Book Club member Tamara said it is “interesting reading a book from that time. Such a fast paced story!”


3. Love Stories by Trent Dalton. This Australian author sat on a street corner and asked people to tell him a story, so this book of short stories is what came from that experience. Hope Book Club member Rebecca said “it is a collection of beautifully written short stories”… “An easy read.” Bonus recommendation: All Our Shimmering Stars by Trent Dalton.


4. The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths. A modern Gothic crime novel in which a teacher who specialises in Gothic writing finds herself in a murder mystery that mirrors the writing she teaches. Hope Book Club member Katrina said it is “spooky and fun”.

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5. Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation by Kristin Kobez Du Mez is a challenging non-fiction read to get you thinking. Have a listen to the Hope Book Club podcast on this book – and two other challenging reads – and how books impact the way we live.


6. The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams. Words hold so much power but do we think about how the meanings of these words and, therefore, how the power they hold came to be.


7. The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis is one of those books that so many have read and loved over the years and often commented on having read more than once.


8. The What on Earth Institute of Wonder by Lisa Nicol. Perfect kids book to read with your 10-plus-year-olds or on your own as it is a delightful and easy read.


9. A Song for the Road by Kathleen M. Basi delves into the subject of grief with faith and hope shining through the dark themes. Listen to Katrina talk to the author, Kathleen, about her faith and love of music in this Hope Book Club podcast.


10. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. This well-loved novel from 1986 is back in the spotlight with a new film adaption coming soon. One of the first novels from award-winning author Francine Rivers, it is one that fans of her work come back to again and again.


11. Franki and the Banksia by Leanne Murner. This beautiful Australian kids book series explores Australian flora and fauna for kids in a way that often isn’t. Have a listen to Laura who spoke with Leanne about how this book came about.


12. The Diary of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell. A sometimes grumpy, often funny, account of the trials and tribulations of the book trade from the owner of Scotland’s largest second hand bookstore.


Love reading? Join the Hope Book Club Facebook Group today to be part of a like-minded community of book lovers!

Check back tomorrow on our 12 Days of Christmas Page for the last list, 12 Games and Activities to Do Over Christmas.