How to choose a book club holiday story

Tis the season for holiday reading

Deciding on a holiday novel for your seasonal book club can be a daunting task. There are truly not that many holiday full length stories to choose from. You can find a gazillion books for children and even Hallmark type romance novels (nothing wrong with romance but more substance is appreciated) but nothing that seems to meet a reading groups criteria.

Before we begin below are several tips to consider when looking for that one perfect merry read for your book club! ​

Tips:  The novel should be short enough to complete around the very busy holiday season

It must not be and I repeat must not be a depressing novel!

Children's books that are over 150 pages and young adult novels are on the table and we do not shy away from them as they have some of the best holiday themes
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The novel has to have at least one holiday book scene

Preferably a book that is not an anthology or only tales (but open to this idea)​​

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The book club ghosts
​ of future, past​ and present

A Christmas Carol happens to be one of our all time favorites. Not only did we indulge in classic literature with author Charles Dickens but reading a novella (a long short story) that is all about the season was a win win.  If A Christmas Carol is not lengthy enough for your book club then try Dickens A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Books.  A collection of tales that might be a good reading fit.

Another classic story that is cherished by all readers with Christmas scenes is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Our book club loved reading this timeless novel along with Little House on the Prairie. Literary children classics with holiday themes make the best reads as they are always sweet in story and lighthearted.  We are presently reading the classic,  Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster.  This classic delightful holiday scenes and even a charming mystery in conclusion.  Even though it was written in 1912 you would never know by the author's writing style. 

Another holiday must read:  A Redbird Christmas  - this book is not a classic and was written by Fannie Flagg author of Fried Green Tomatoes.  It comes highly recommended by our reading group so don't delay!
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Visit Go Beyond holiday book club for more holiday reads