It has been another great year for book releases. And I've personally made my way through almost 70 books in 2021 so far. So I thought that I would share my top book picks for everyone on your list this Christmas.
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Whether you’re buying for someone in particular or are looking for ideas for what to add to your own Christmas wishlist, I’ve got every book option that you could possibly need. And here they are;
My Dad's top recommendation this year: And Away... by Bob Mortimer
This year I decided to ask my parents which books they would recommend as I have a feeling many of you are wondering what to buy your Mum or Dad or older relatives. My Dad's top pick is by one of his favourite people, comedian Bob Mortimer. If your Dad, or the person in your life that you're buying for, is a fan of Bob's they will simply adore this autobiography packed full of entertaining stories. My Dad rarely ever gives anything 5 stars but that's exactly what this was for him.
My Mum's top recommendation this year: Three Sisters by Heather Morris
If the person that you're buying for has already read the first two instalments in the Tattooist Of Auschwitz series, they will no doubt appreciate the latest release Three Sisters. The subject matter is again handled incredibly sensitively and even though parts are hard to read, there are still happy moments and hope that inspire and make it hard to put this book down.
For detective fiction fans: The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman
If you or they loved Richard Osman's first Thursday Murder Club book, the follow up is just as brilliant. Another 5 star read for me that sees the gang of Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim take on another larger than life murder mystery. Again, you'll find my full review here. But it is just such a brilliant read that I know a lot of other people will adore too.
For true crime fans: The Seven Ages Of Death by Dr. Richard Shepherd
Unnatural Causes by the same author was such a fascinating read and the follow up is equally absorbing. Each case, taking you all the way from birth to death, is like a mystery in and of itself. And even though thinking about mortality may not be the most festive of topics, anyone who finds true crime or bizarre medical cases interesting will surely enjoy Dr Richard Shepherd's latest book.
For rom com fans: On A Night Like This by Lindsey Kelk
If there's one rom com book that blew me away this year it was On A Night Like This. I've reviewed it fully here but to sum it up, allow Lindsey Kelk and her brilliant writing to transport you to the glamour of a luxury yacht, then a little Italian port and finally to an extravagant ball. It's almost like a mash up of The Devil Wears Prada and Cinderella, in the very best way and it has a protagonist that is super relatable too. As I say, it was one of my absolute favourites of the year.
For your best friend: Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney
I feel like even though this book has very much split opinions, you simply have to read Sally Rooney's latest to join the conversation. This is definitely one to share with friends, particularly if you're of a similar age to the characters in this one (ie. late twenties/early thirties). I really did race through it and there were some inspired paragraphs and sections. If you have read it, I'd love to hear what you thought of it.
For foodies: Let's Do Dinner by Antoni Porowski
If a cookbook is on the cards for someone this Christmas, I would definitely recommend checking out Antoni from Queer Eye's latest one. It covers everything from fast favourites, veggie and meat options and carbs, carbs, carbs, all the way to snacks and sandwiches. All we need now is a new season of the show and Christmas really would have come early for me.
For anyone attempting to adult: You're Not Broke You're Pre Rich by Emilie Bellet
If you're looking to save more money, start a pension, invest, buy a house, streamline your finances or basically do anything money related this is the book to buy! It gives some great practical advice in a way that is easy to digest and understand. And starting the new year off with a new outlook on money is pretty invaluable.
For any book lover: Rare Birds Book Club 24 Days Of Reading Advent Calendar
This is a truly ingenious idea from my favourites at Rare Birds Book Club. You can count down to Christmas but with books instead of chocolates or beauty products. Each day will reveal a short clue or blurb of a book. And then once you've opened all the doors, you choose your favourite four and redeem them using your own secret code. With a mix of bookclub picks and brand new titles, this is the gift to go for to allow the recipient to go with their gut and pick out some new favourites.
And it just so happens that the book behind door number one is one of my favourite reads from 2021. Any guesses to what it might be?
For Kindle readers: a Kindle Unlimited subscription
As you will have seen in my most recent Goodreads Reading Challenge blog post, there are some brilliant books on Kindle Unlimited. I made good use of a free trial and there are still so many books that I have yet to read. For £7.99, as the name denotes, you can read as many books as you can from the Kindle Unlimited selection. And for the steamy romances and great rom coms alone, it is well worth the monthly fee. There's also plenty of books that have been huge on BookTok this year that you read as part of your subscription.
So those are my top book picks this Christmas.
Who are you buying for this Christmas? What's the best book that you've read this year? And what do you think of my picks?
MORE OF MY TOP PICKS/FAVOURITE BOOKS OF 2021
