Book tag: The joy of Christmas

It’s Christmas Eve Eve! It seems wrong to post anything non-festive and to be honest that suits me perfectly well. Wanting to indulge in the festivities as much as possible I decided to do something I really enjoy: a book tag. A perusal of Google led me to this one. Initially created by Booktuber Samantha, channel name Sam’s nonsense, in 2015, this one ticked all the boxes, and I had a great time putting together the answers.

1) Anticipation: The Christmas excitement is real, what book release(s) are you most anticipating?

My last post is actually a list of all the books I am most looking forward to reading in the new year but at the top of the list is Circe by Madeline Miller. Song of Achilles was so beautiful; lyrical and highly emotional, as well as being a fantastic introduction to a topic I know very, very little about. I cannot wait to see how she approaches this tale, and to once again be able to experience her writing.

2) Christmas Songs & Carols: What book or author can you not help but sing it’s praises?

Harry Potter is the most obvious answer. However, really I find myself encouraging everyone to read Matt Haig. Whether its Reasons to stay alive, The Humans, or How to stop time (only a short list from a great selection), they are all fantastically written and great observations of the human condition and the world we live in.

3) Gingerbread Houses: What book or series has wonderful world building?

I always struggle with questions about world building. I don’t know if its because I mostly read contemporary and, therefore, – unfairly – I don’t notice the world building, or whether its because I don’t find it to be the most critical aspect, it’s always a question that leaves me puzzling for longer than most. That being said, since reading The Bone Season, and since becoming wholly engrossed in Samantha Shannon’s fantastical world, I have an answer. The world of The Bone Season is incredibly intricate, wonderfully researched and utterly absorbing.

4) A Christmas Carol: Favorite classic or one that you want to read

I don’t read many classics; I find them intimidating and, on the whole, trying to get into. That being said, I adore Les Miserables and Animal Farm. One of my goals for 2019 is to read at least one new Classic, probably Emma by Jane Austen.

5) Christmas Sweets: What book would you love to receive for Christmas?

My Christmas list is always around 90% books I’d love to receive, and this year is no exception. Whilst I’d be super excited to be able to add any of them to my collection I am probably most excited for either Becoming by Michelle Obama or To Obama: With joy, love, anger, and hope by Jeanne Marie Laskas. Laskas wrote an article for the New York Times in June 2017 entitled To Obama With Love, and Hate, and Desperation and it remains one of the best things I have read. If you haven’t read it, I strongly urge you do. I have the article bookmarked and have read it maybe four times. When I heard about this book, which I believe to be a companion, I knew I had to read it. Even if it turns out to be the article in book form, I’ll be delighted (I’m always slightly worried that the article is going to disappear).

6) Candles in the Window: What book gives you that warm fuzzy feeling?

This year has been the year of warm and fuzzy (and of reading them multiple times a year). Without a doubt, the ultimate comfort is the Harry Potter series, however, as I have never read them out of order and I don’t intend to ever do so, it can be a big commitment. For a single shot of warm and fuzzy, I’d recommend either My family and other animals by Gerald Durrell or The Guernsey Literary and potato peel pie society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.

7) Christmas Trees & Decorations: What are some of your favourite book covers?

This question sent me tumbling down the archives. I made this post about my favourite covers back in August 2017, and while I stand by my choices, I have definitely discovered some more, really gorgeous covers this year. My favourite of these is probably The Pisces by Melissa Broader; I find it really striking and unique.

8) Christmas Joy: What are some of your favourite things about Christmas And/Or some of your favourite Christmas memories?

I love Christmas! I love that while it can be a stressful period, people will say ‘Merry Christmas’ to strangers they pass (at least I do) and, mostly this makes them smile. I especially love the family elements. Although I am a family orientated person and I live at home with Mum, Dad, Sister, and – of course – Ginny the dog, due to individual lives and responsibilities we rarely do things as a group. The fact that Christmas is a day that we know we’re all going to be together is lovely. It also gives me a chance to force everyone to play board games – I just bought Boggle, and I am very excited! Thirdly, the giving of presents! Yes, it’s really nice to receive gifts, and I am always excited and very grateful, but I especially enjoy seeing people unwrap the gifts that I have purchased for them; it’s the best feeling.

How would you answer these questions? Let me know in the comments below.