Receiving books for Christmas is the best. Books nicely wrapped in decorative Christmas paper with a pretty bow and placed under the Christmas tree add to the gleefulness of knowing we’re about to get more books to binge-read once we see the familiar shape. While the TBR list might grow longer, book lovers won’t say no to a new book. As we eagerly await this year’s Christmas presents, here are the Bookstr team’s favorite books they got for Christmas as they wait for this year’s presents.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
I was given The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue last Christmas and it has become one of my favorite books! The author’s concept of identity and memory is twisted into this love story, and it’s just such a well-thought-out story. I couldn’t keep my nose out of this book! I now recommend this book to anyone who asks for book recommendations and it never misses!
Amber Alexander, Outreach
The Complete Tales of Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne
I was given this book a few years back, and it’s truly one of my greatest treasures. I grew up loving Winnie the Pooh and the collector’s edition is so beautiful that it fits right on the shelf with my Winnie the Pooh plush from my nursery. The art style is gorgeous, and the stories themselves are so nostalgic.
Kayla Cole, Graphics
The Imagineering Story: The Official Biography of Walt Disney Imagineering by Leslie Iwerks
My husband gave me this last Christmas and it kept me fascinated for months! It’s an unbelievably in-depth history of Walt Disney Imagineering, detailing the creative and technological marvels that go into the Disney parks and productions. Fans of the parks will love it. Leslie Iwerks writes with the perfect blend of documentarian and sentimentalist style in many wonderful stories of Disney’s innovation.
Cara Broel, Outreach & Editorial
The Undead Truth of Us by Britney S. Lewis
Did I ask my sister to get me this book for Secret Santa? Yes. Did I read it as soon as I got it? No. However, when I finally took the time to read it, this book changed my life. It was the first time I’d read a line and had to put the book down to process its weight. I was struck into silence; I had to freeze what I was doing or get up and walk around. And then, I’d do it all over again, and again, and again. I’ll probably reread this book many times.
Janae Hill, Social
Blood Wounds by Susan Beth Pfeffer
When I was in 10th grade, my algebra teacher gave this to me as a “thank you” gift right before Christmas break. I think it’s a YA thriller, a genre I had never really read before and didn’t have much interest in at the time. However, she took the time to find a book that she thought I would like and I love how sweet and thoughtful it was.
Ashley Lewis, Social & Editorial
Emma by Jane Austen
A few years ago, my cousin gave me a beautiful collector’s edition of Emma for Christmas. She left a handwritten note on the inside cover, along with the date, so I can always look back on it as a cherished memory of that Christmas spent together. Not to mention, the binding is gorgeous, making it a perfect addition to my bookshelf!
Lauren Nee, Editorial
Vicious by V.E. Schwab
More like a very early Christmas present since my dad bought Vicious for me during Black Friday, I didn’t read it until I got it for Christmas (wrapped and with a bow). As a fan of the MCU, I liked the subversion of the superhero genre. Victor seems like a villain with his apathetic attitude but the real bad guy is Eli with his twisted hero persona he doesn’t even see as wrong. I enjoyed reading it and will one day read the sequel.
Claudia Maldonado, Editorial
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandar Dumas
After seeing a play of the story in Ashland, Oregon, I was instantly obsessed with the wonderful tale of comedy, revenge, and romance. My parents got me a copy a few years ago, and I flew through the pages! I would recommend it to everyone who asked, and to this day when I need a comforting read and to immerse myself in laughs, suspense, and wonder I find myself reaching back to follow the Count’s journey once again.
Peyton Clark, Editorial
Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn
My family knows it’s better to just get me a gift card so I can buy the books I want because they can’t keep track of all the books I’ve read. So I wasn’t technically gifted Bloodmarked but I did use my Christmas gift to buy it for myself. After reading Legendborn I was on the edge of my seat to get the second book, so it was one that I had to get that Christmas season. If I remember correctly, I devoured both books within weeks of the second one coming. Now I can do the same routine with the third book, Oathbound!
Abby Caswell, Editorial
Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
I’m a huge Disney fan, especially Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella. I especially love retellings, so when my sister-in-law gifted me this book it was everything I wanted in a good retelling. Brought together and twisted with a new perspective, a heroine I can cheer on, and it got a new author onto my shelves. She gives me a book gift every year, and I’m excited whenever I open the presents.
Kristi Eskew, Executive Editor
Enjoying Christmas Day with newly acquired reads is a book lover’s dream. It’s another way to enjoy the holidays as we get older and outgrow toys and still be able to participate in the nostalgic joy of being surrounded by the mess of wrapping paper as you give attention to your presents.
Feeling inspired for this year’s Christmas shopping? Here is The Ultimate Basics Gift Guide for Your Book Lover!
Explore Bookstr’s Bookshop shelves to find potential presents for your loved ones!
