Bookish Christmas Tag

Time for the first Christmas book tag ever on this blog! And to start us off right, I’m going to begin with the Bookish Christmas book tag. I saw this one on Kira @Kira Jeanette, and I’m so excited to start taking part in this. I don’t know about you guys, but I am ready for Christmas and some holiday cheer after the year we’ve had. So let’s put on some Christmas music and get started!

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Father Christmas: name a book you received as a child that you treasure to this day.

The first book I remember receiving was The White Stone in the Castle Wall by Sheldon Oberman. It was given to me by my grandparents as a Christmas gift and tells the (maybe) true story of how a single white stone came to be in the wall surrounding Casa Loma, the castle located in Toronto. It was probably the first book I read over and over again, and I still remember the story to this day.

The Ghost of Christmas Past: is there a book or series you like to revisit each year at Christmas time?

Have to go with Hogfather by Terry Prachett. Maybe it’s an obvious choice, but it’s the perfect Christmas story for me and I love restarting this adventure every year. I may or may not be reading it right now.

Christmas Tree: name a series that reaches new heights with every entry.

I’m going with a series I absolutely adored and that is still a nostalgic favourite: the Song of the Lioness by Tamora Pierce. My OG favourite author and favourite series. It’s a little dated now, but I still love it to death and I’ve reread it multiple times over the year. It got better with every book and with every reread. 

Friends and Family: name a book with fantastic characters.

It was too hard to decide so I made it a tie: All Systems Red by Martha Wells and Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames. If you want to see interesting and complex characterization done right, check both these titles out.

Decorations: name a book with a gorgeous cover you would proudly display on your shelves.

Definitely Spin the Dawn and Unravel the Dusk by Elizabeth Lim. Two gorgeous covers that I have facing out on my shelves right now.

Christmas Cards: name a book that carries a great message.

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss! A great book with a great message that’s probably more important now than ever.

Ice and Snow: name a book that you were hoping to love but which ultimately left you feeling cold.

Unfortunately, I have to go with Daughters of the Storm by Kate Wiggins for this one. I was so excited by the premise when I first grabbed it, but in the end I just couldn’t connect with the story or the characters. 

Christmas Lunch: name a book that was big and intimidating but oh so worth it in the end.

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet, without question. I had no idea how I was going to get through a novel that size, but I managed to get through and really enjoyed it.

Mince Pies: name a book you found sweet and satisfying.

One of my all time favourites: Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones. It’s so sweet and immensely satisfying, and filled with charm and humor. For the very, very small number of you who haven’t read it already, I highly recommend it!

Presents: what book do you wish you could give everyone to read?

Can I use All Systems Red again? I’m using it again. Please go read about Murderbot! I love them so much and I want everyone else to feel the same.

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Well, now I’m definitely in the Christmas spirit. I’m not going to tag anyone this time, but if anyone feels like giving it a try, go for it!

Thanks for reading everyone!