University has a lot of reading involved, but when was the last time you read something that wasn’t assigned for a class? With winter break coming up, we have the opportunity to read whatever we want! Reading alone is something pleasurable on its own. I love relaxing alone for hours on end… However, this time is also an opportunity to see friends you might not get to see very often. A good way to balance reading plans and seeing friends is to have a little book-club. I have a couple of book recommendations, which all have movie adaptations as well if you’re the type of person who’d like to have one. Hopefully something on this list will appeal to you.
Let it Snow
By: John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle
I read this with a few of my friends in high school. It was funny, but also mildly ridiculous. The book contains three short stories that all overlap and take place during the holidays. The main reason I am recommending this book is because it is a fairly quick read. It’s also fun and easy to follow – and because it has a Netflix adaptation that came out recently! If you are looking for something fluffy to read and then to watch on screen afterwards over the holidays, this is a good pick!
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To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
By: Jenny Han
This fun, romantic-comedy type novel has also recently gotten a very popular film adaptation made by Netflix! It is a relatively short, light-hearted, fluffy read. Yet, it is a read you are very likely to enjoy. Even though the antics of high school are behind us (mostly), this book and movie combo are guaranteed to have you laughing. The movie is incredibly entertaining as well, with a climactic scene taking place during a Christmas party.
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The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
By: Ann Brashares
This one is less light hearted than the rest of my recommendations. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is a novel that a lot of people have heard of, but have never read. The story follows four best friends who split up during their summer holidays and write to each other to stay connected. Each girl’s story is unique and well written. It’s hard to even pick a favourite. Though this story does not take place during the holidays, it would be a great choice to read with friends who you don’t get to see very often. The movie is also great (though there are some major changes to the plot), featuring Alexis Bledel, Blake Lively and the interesting clothing choices of the mid-2000s.
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Kim’s Convenience
By: Ins Choi
Kim’s Convenience was originally a play written by a Canadian author, but now has a three season show on CBC (and it is also on Netflix). As it is a play, this is quickly read, but it is very well written and emotionally charged. The series takes a different route in terms of its storyline, but still follows a Korean family in contemporary Toronto. This is an excellent story. The TV series can also be fun to watch as a marathon after the completion of the play. I believe there is even one or two Christmas episodes. If you want to support a Canadian author, I’d highly recommend this one!
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Sense and Sensibility
By: Jane Austen
This might just be my favourite choice on this list. I actually prefer this one over Pride and Prejudice (but don’t tell anyone!). Anything by Jane Austen will take some to time to read, but out of all her texts, this one isn’t too hard to follow and is quite entertaining. It is solemn at times, but there are at least two excellent adaptations I can recommend that would encourage you to continue reading. There is the 2008 BBC miniseries version (with Dominic Cooper and Dan Stevens) and the very well made 1995 movie version (with Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman). If you enjoy period pieces, this is a great choice especially if you are reading with a friend or friends!