One of my favorite holiday traditions comes from Iceland: Jólabókaflóð, or the “Christmas Book Flood.” The idea is simple: on Christmas Eve, families and friends exchange books and then spend the night reading with warm drinks and cozy blankets. It’s cozy and meaningful, and I honestly think it’s a tradition we could all benefit from.
So in the spirit of slowing down, unplugging, and curling up with a great book, here are ten paperback picks perfect to gift (and maybe borrow later). From emotional fiction to quiet character studies to epic love stories, these books pair perfectly with hot chocolate, soft lighting, and a night where your only plan is to relax and read.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
This book is thoughtful, emotional, and explores friendship in a way that feels real, messy, long-term, and not always easy but incredibly meaningful. If you like character-driven books, this one hits the mark, especially for the holidays when we tend to reflect on the relationships in our lives.
Sam and Sadie meet as kids, reconnect in college, and build video games that result in an entire life partnership together. Spanning across 30 years, the book follows them through success, grief, ego clashes, and loyalty. It’s not a romance, but it’s absolutely a love story about creative connection and growing up with someone beside you — for better or worse.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
If you want a quiet, cozy read for Christmas Eve, this is perfect. It’s a simple concept with an emotional payoff: a small café where you can travel back in time but only for a few minutes. It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes just understanding the past is enough; we don’t always need to change it.
The book follows several people who each have a moment they wish they could revisit. The rules are strict, the time is short, and nothing in the present changes, but the characters do. It’s thoughtful and comforting, especially if you’re in the mood for something soft and reflective.
The Blue Fox by Sjón
Since this guide is inspired by an Icelandic tradition, it only feels right to include an Icelandic book. The Blue Fox is short, but packed with atmosphere. If you like literary fiction or folklore vibes, it’s a great winter pick.
The story jumps between a priest hunting a rare fox in the Icelandic snow and a man who has quietly dedicated his life to caring for a vulnerable young woman. Their storylines connect in unexpected ways. It’s poetic and ideal for a single-sitting read on a quiet night.
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
This is one for people who love family stories, secrets, and books that spark good conversation. Black Cake explores identity, history, and how well we really know the people we love. It’s emotional, layered, and great for readers who enjoy modern literary fiction with heart.
Two siblings lose their mother and then learn she had an entire life they never knew about — one that spans continents, choices, and sacrifices. As they listen to her recorded story and bake the traditional cake she left behind, they confront who she was and who they are. It’s moving and perfect for the reflective mood of the holidays.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
This book follows a family who moves to remote Alaska, hoping for a fresh start, only to realize the wilderness isn’t their biggest challenge; it’s the dangerous instability inside their home. It’s intense and atmospheric but also has moments of real warmth and community that keep it from feeling too heavy.
It fits well for Jólabókaflóð readers who like emotional, character-driven stories about resilience and finding strength in difficult situations. If you want a winter read that pulls you in and keeps you invested from start to finish, this is a great pick.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Not every holiday read has to be quiet; sometimes you just want something juicy and emotional. This is your big-feelings, dramatic Hollywood pick. And honestly, if you have someone on your list who craves a page-turner, this is a perfect paperback gift.
Evelyn Hugo, an iconic actress, finally shares the truth about her glamorous and complicated life, including a secret love that shaped everything. The framing device (a young journalist interviewing her) works really well, and Reid nails the emotional pieces. It’s escapist but smart and surprisingly moving.
Hotel Silence by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir
Another Icelandic author, but with a totally different tone from The Blue Fox. This one is quiet, warm, and focused on healing, exactly the kind of book to read when you’re ready to reset for the new year. It has a dry humor and a hopeful core that doesn’t feel cheesy.
A man travels abroad feeling pretty hopeless, expecting isolation instead of connection. Yet he finds community in an unlikely place — helping strangers repair things (literally and emotionally) and slowly rebuilding himself too. It’s tender, subtle, and ultimately uplifting.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
If someone on your list wants a beautifully written love story with emotional weight, this is it. It’s been popular for a while, but for good reason; it’s gorgeous, tragic, and all-consuming in a way that fits winter reading really well.
The book retells the Greek myth of Achilles through the perspective of Patroclus. Their friendship deepens into romance, and the story follows them through training, war, and fate. You know exactly where it’s going, but the journey still hits hard.
The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
For readers who want something impactful and rooted in community and history, The Night Watchman is an excellent choice. It’s thoughtful without being slow, emotional without being melodramatic, and full of heart.
Inspired by Erdrich’s grandfather, the novel follows a night watchman fighting against a government policy threatening Native land rights, along with the interconnected lives of his community. It balances hardship, humor, everyday life, and love in a way that feels honest and grounded.
Writers & Lovers by Lily King
A great pick for creative people or anyone who has ever felt in-between phases in life (so, most of us). It’s honest, relatable, and quietly hopeful. The tone fits perfectly with a relaxed Christmas Eve spent reading and recharging.
Casey is trying to write a novel while grieving her mother, working a restaurant job, and navigating complicated relationships. It’s about sticking with your passion even when it feels impossible, and choosing the life that feels right instead of the one that just looks right. A thoughtful, satisfying read.
Final Thoughts
Whether you fully embrace Jólabókaflóð this year or just like the idea of gifting books and having a quiet night in, these paperbacks offer warmth, great storytelling, and a chance to slow down.
Pair with a blanket, a cozy drink, and at least one hour with your phone out of sight. Happy reading and happy book gifting!
Any romantasy lovers in your life? You can find gifts they’ll love in our romantasy gift guide.
For more holiday gift ideas, you can explore 2025 releases bookshelf on Bookshop.
