Top 5 Books to Binge over the Holidays -

I have been on a major reading binge lately and highlighting my top 5 books to binge over the holidays. There’s something about reading that hits so differently and I find myself thinking about these stories that you become so immersed into these narratives of the characters. Finishing a book is so bittersweet. I am so happy I finished the plot but beyond sad to have the story come to an end. What has gotten me majorly excited is that a few of the books below are in production to become movies! Which always makes reading them even more exciting.

Now there is nothing better than cozying up during the holidays by the fire; fuzzy slippers on and a good read in hand. Plus some Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies and hot tea to snack! I cannot recommend the following books enough. Hope you love as much as I did!

Now lets dive into my top 5 books to binge over the holidays:

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

This historical fiction intertwines the story of two sisters in France during World War II. This movie is to be released next Christmas and the Fanning sisters will be playing the sisters. I can’t tell you enough amazing things about this book. Easily one of my top reads of 2020. The story does an amazing job of having two completely separate stories, both equally brave in their own way, that tie together throughout the book. I loved the attention on female bravery during that time as that side can not get as much of a spotlight in the history books. Warning this one is a tear jerker, but so beautifully written.

If you enjoy this book, definitely check out a book I’m halfway through and loving so far: The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes which is another World War novel intertwining the stories of 2 women.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Takes place in Southern North Carolina in a small town in the 50-60s. I finished this book in just a few days I couldn’t put it down! We grow up with the main character Kya, from the age of 6 up to adulthood. The story is mixed in with a murder mystery where we alternate to Kya and back to the murder mystery in a future date. What was so intriguing with the story is reading about this young girl who was completely abandoned by her family, left to an abusive, drunk father in the swamps of NC. She has to learn how to fend for herself and as we grow with her she develops romantic relationships with local men in town. I cannot recommend this book enough and am beyond excited for the movie release, to be produced by Reese Witherspoon!

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

I took a gamble on this book after reading The Nightingale and wanting to try out another one of Kristin Hannah’s works. The storyline was different than something I would normally read, but I had seen other great reviews and wanted to give this a chance! The storyline follows a family of 3 in the point of view of Leni, the daughter. The father was a Vietnam POW and struggled with the mental trauma of war. He was restless and moved the family out to the wilderness in Alaska. This book was a slow start, but once the plot was developed, I couldn’t put it down. The story absorbs you into this completely different way of life, and it turns into a fight for survival, not only in Alaska but within their own home from a dad who was spiraling deeper and deeper into mental trauma.

Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer

This book is most definitely not for everyone. BUT if you were a Twilight fan way back, then this is one you may enjoy diving into. Midnight Sun is the Twilight story (book 1) in Edward’s perspective. This was such a fun throwback that led me to binge watch all four movies after reading lol. If you can get past the major critiques of the initial Twilight saga, then I think you will enjoy this book. For example, the Edward watching Bella sleep or the obsessive nature he had with her from early on.

My one critique of the book is that I wish we had seen even more new stories in his point of view that we were not able to have insight into in Bella’s perspective. Stephenie Meyer sprinkled some in, but I still think she could have added even more. All in all, it’s a fat book, but I read through it quickly and really enjoyed diving back into a teenage favorite!

Atomic Habits by James Clear

This is a GREAT book to read going into the New Years. This book was well written, engaging, and really put things into perspective of how the little things stack up. I love how James Clear broke down how habits form the essence of who we are. This is one to read more than once as well as so many great reinforcement ideas.

One that stuck with me was if there is a characteristic you want to embody, you must BECOME that person. If you want to be a clean person you must fully embrace that persona. It has helped me so many times with little things that in the past may have accumulated in the house. BUT, now I ask myself would a neat freak allow that cup to sit there? That gives me that extra burst of motivation to clean up immediately.

Highly recommend if you are looking for a kickstart motivator to kick your booty into gear going into 2021.