Give the gift of reading this Christmas

If you're looking for a last-minute stocking filler, look no further than your local bookshop and give the gift of reading this Christmas!

The feelings evoked and memories created whilst reading a great book will stay with your loved one for a long time, possibly forever, and knowing you've put lots of thought and effort into choosing the perfect book for them means it'll be even more cherished.

To spread some festive cheer and to give you a helping hand, we've pulled up our stripey-socks, put on our elf ears and explored some of our favourite books.

For Children

The Christmas Pig - by J.K. Rowling
Telling the heartwarming tale about a child's quest to find his most treasured thing - his missing toy pig - this page-turner is brimming with festive charm and magic. How far will Jack go to find the best friend he's ever known?

The Boy With Wings - by Lenny Henry
This hillarious and brilliant first novel from national treasure, Lenny Henry, is for readers of 9 to 12 and tells the story of Tunde - a twelve-year-old whose life gets turned upside down in the middle of a football match when he suddenly sprouts wings! With his newfound powers, Tunde embarks on an exciting and sinister adventure, coming face-to-face with his destiny. 

This heartfelt novel delivers important messages about family, friendship, courage and belonging. 

For Teenagers

Ace of Spades - by Faridah Abike-Iyimide
A compelling thriller with a shocking twist, the author explores themes of mystery, drama, and the destructive nature of institutionalised racism. Set in an exclusive high school, Niveus Private Academy, buried secrets burst into the open by an anonymous texter. This novel will have you on the edge of your seat.

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World - by Benjamin Alire Saenz
This is a highly anticipated sequel to the bestselling modern classic Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, a moving and poetic story about two boys falling in love and discovering a way out of their loneliness.

This lyrical sequel sees them facing challenges as they remain determined to forge a path for themselves in a world that doesn't understand them. 

For Adults

The Promise - by Damon Galgut
This prize-winning book charts the crash and burn of a white South African family, the Swarts, living on a farm outside Pretoria. The younger generation of the family detest everything the family stand for - not least the failed promise to the Black woman who has worked for them her whole life. After years of service, Salome was promised her own house, her own land... yet somehow, as each decade passes, that promise remains unfulfilled.

A moving and compelling epic that's widely regarded as a masterpiece.

The Man Who Died Twice - by Richard Osman
To follow his hugely popular The Thursday Murder Club, Richard Osman's witty and warm sequel is sure to have you laughing out loud. This time, the four septuagenarians - Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron - are on the hunt for a new ruthless murderer. Can the Thursday Murder Club find the killer (and the stolen diamonds) before the killer finds them?


Whether you follow one of our recommendations or find a narrative of your own, why not introduce your loved one to their new favourite book this Christmas?