As Christmas approaches, finding the right gift can be a daunting task. From captivating fiction and enlightening non-fiction to top-selling paperbacks and engaging audiobooks, find the perfect read for every person on your list (including yourself!) with this guide that shows why books make such a classic, dependable gift.
Dive into our top picks and spread the timeless joy of reading this holiday season.
Fiction
Escape into imaginary cities, eco-activist cults, or even as far as the stars with these six fiction picks any reader would be thrilled to find under the tree this Christmas.
A love story, a quest, an ode to books and to the libraries that house them: what more could a reader want?
In this breathtaking new tale, acclaimed author Haruki Murakami introduces us to a young man on a mission to find the imaginary city where his missing girlfriend’s true self lives. His search leads him to take a job in a remote library with mysteries of its own.
This spellbinding novel is an ideal gift for long-time Murakami enthusiasts eagerly awaiting his next work, as well as for fans of escapist fiction yearning to be whisked away to a captivating new world this winter.
Shortlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize, Creation Lake
Her mission? To infiltrate a commune of radical eco-activists influenced by the enigmatic elder, Bruno Lacombe, who has rejected civilisation, lives in a Neanderthal cave and believes enlightenment lies in a return to primitivism.
For those seeking an unforgettable reading experience, here is a compulsively readable novel that you won’t be able to put down.
One night changes everything for two sisters in this irresistible novella from your favourite authors’ favourite author, Tessa Hadley.
Sisters Moira and Evelyn go to an art students’ party in a dockside pub where they meet Paul and Sinden, whose airs of worldliness and sophistication both intrigue and repel them. Sinden calls a few days later to invite them over to the grand suburban mansion Paul shares with his brother and sister. As the night unfolds in this unfamiliar, glamorous new setting, the sisters learn things about themselves and each other that shock them and release them into a new phase of their lives.
Offering the perfect wintry setting to match the season, The Party
Looking for a heartwarming book to cosy up with over Christmas? Consider The Women Behind the Door
At sixty-six, Paula is finally embracing life, with a job she enjoys, a loving relationship with Joe, and friends who see her for who she truly is. Her four grown children, each with their own family and dramas, add to the tapestry of her life. Despite her haunted past, Paula is moving forward — until her eldest daughter, Nicola, arrives on her doorstep unexpectedly.
This touching novel is the perfect gift for those who appreciate stories of resilience, family, and the enduring bonds between mothers and daughters.
Sarah Perry delivers lush prose and big ideas in this gorgeously written novel described by the Wall Street Journal as ‘a romance worthy of Emily Brontë’.
A story of love and astronomy told over the course of twenty years through the lives of two unlikely best friends, Enlightenment
In need of a gift that will keep the readers on your list on the edge of their seats this holiday season? Look no further than the latest novel from the master of suspense, Jo Nesbo.
Meet brothers Carl and Roy Opgard, who have clawed their way to the top in the small town of Os. Carl runs a luxurious spa hotel, while Roy dreams big with plans for an amusement park. Life seems perfect—until Sheriff Kurt Olsen decides it’s time to bring them down. Armed with new evidence, Olsen is determined to expose their dark past. But Carl and Roy are no strangers to danger, and they’ll do whatever it takes to stay on top.
Packed with twists, turns, and a body count that keeps rising, this Christmas, give them the gift of their next unputdownable escape.
Non-Fiction
For the lifelong learners, self-improvement enthusiasts and anyone eager to explore new ideas and perspectives, these non-fiction books provide enriching experiences that will spark conversation and inspire personal growth.
Nexus
Artificial intelligence is making headlines for a reason: its impact promises to be seismic, reshaping society as we know it. In his latest thought-provoking book, Nexus
Nexus
Gift Nexus
Dive into the extraordinary life of Alexei Navalny through his own words in Patriot
Patriot
In his most personal work yet, internationally renowned author Salman Rushdie opens up for the first time about the traumatic attack he endured and its profound aftermath.
He shares his journey toward recovery, made possible by the unwavering love and support of his wife Eliza, his family, a dedicated team of doctors and physical therapists and his global community of readers.
This intimate and life-affirming meditation on life, loss, love and art is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of literature to make sense of the unthinkable.
Knife
For the health-conscious members of your gift-list, Tim Spector’s highly anticipated The Food for Life Cookbook
Inspired by Tim’s own transformative journey and the popular demands of readers and ZOE members, this cookbook is packed with practical, mouthwatering recipes. From 15-minute meals and creative solutions for when the fridge is nearly empty, to generous feasts and delectable sweet treats for special moments, there’s something for every occasion.
This Christmas, give the gift of health and culinary delight with Tim Spector’s essential guide – a must-have for every kitchen that loves good food and a happy gut.
Give the gift of mindfulness this Christmas with Oliver Burkeman’s latest inspirational book, Meditations for Mortals Four Thousand Weeks
Burkeman provides practical tools and fresh perspectives, resulting in a profound yet entertaining guide to living more fully. Perfect for the reader in need of a reminder to slow down, or constantly striving for self-improvement.
Paperbacks
A gift you can take on the go – discover the bestselling paperbacks that every reader will be thrilled to find tucked into their holiday stockings.
When Sam catches sight of Sadie at a crowded train station one morning he is catapulted straight back to childhood, and the hours they spent immersed in playing games. Their spark is instantly reignited and sets off a creative collaboration that will make them superstars. It is the 90s, and anything is possible.
What comes next is a decades-long tale of friendship and rivalry, fame and art, betrayal and tragedy, perfect worlds and imperfect ones. And, above all, our need to connect: to be loved and to love. A book that has truly earned its acclaim, with over one million copies sold worldwide, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
Shortlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize, experience life on our planet as you’ve never seen it before in Samantha Harvey’s transportive and deeply captivating novel.
A team of astronauts in the International Space Station collect meteorological data, conduct scientific experiments and test the limits of the human body. But mostly they observe. The fragility of human life fills their conversations, their fears, their dreams. So far from Earth, they have never felt more part – or protective – of it.
For the reader who cherishes novels that explore what it means to be human, this is an unmissable literary gem.
For the reader who seems to have devoured every book on the shelf, give them this rediscovered classic that has been hailed as ‘unforgettable’ and ‘strangely fascinating’.
Deep underground, thirty-nine women find themselves imprisoned in a cage, under the constant watch of guards. They have no memory of how they arrived, no sense of time, and only fragmented recollections of their past lives. Amid them, a young girl – the fortieth prisoner – sits isolated and outcast. Yet she holds the key to their escape and survival in the enigmatic world that lies above. This compelling novel is perfect for fans of The Handmaid’s Tale
What better time to dive into a book about family than during the holiday season, while surrounded by your own?
The Wren, The Wren
Don’t just take our word for it – Margaret Atwood calls The Wren, The Wren
A Sunday Times bestseller, this bold and radically hopeful book is the perfect gift for anyone passionate about climate change and eager for actionable progress.
Packed with the latest research, practical guidance and enlightening graphics, this book will make you rethink almost everything you’ve been told about the environment, from the virtues of eating locally and living in the countryside, to the evils of overpopulation, plastic straws and palm oil.
Equip yourself with the knowledge of what truly works, what doesn’t, and what urgently needs our attention to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Share hope and inspiration this Christmas with Vice President Kamala Harris’ compelling memoir The Truths We Hold
Raised by immigrant parents who were civil rights activists, Harris's journey from a California community to the highest echelons of American politics is nothing short of remarkable. In this compelling memoir, she shares the wisdom and insights gained from her career and the complex issues she has tackled.
Perfect for political enthusiasts and anyone interested in social justice, this book offers a galvanizing account of how meaningful change is made and the shared values that guide us.
Audiobooks
And finally, for you : why not gift yourself the perfect companion for wrapping presents, traveling to visit relatives, or sneaking in some well-deserved down-time this Christmas? Audiobooks transform everyday moments into delightful literary escapes, so let these captivating listens keep you company and add a sprinkle of magic to your holiday season.
This Christmas, give the politically savvy reader or avid listener of The Rest is Politics an electrifying insider’s account of a decade in Parliament.
Uncompromising, honest and darkly humorous, this is Rory Stewart’s story of the challenges, absurdities and realities of political life. Instantly praised as a new classic, it is an astonishing portrait of our turbulent times.
This audiobook offers a front-row seat to ten extraordinary years in British politics, making it an unmissable gift for those who crave deep political insights and riveting personal stories.
Top of the Pops , December 1988. The world watched in awe as a young woman made her unforgettable debut: clad in a gold bra and bomber jacket, and radiantly seven months pregnant. This was no ordinary artist. This was Neneh Cherry.
In her riveting and deeply personal memoir, Cherry invites listeners on an emotional journey through the exhilarating highs and challenging lows of her life. She shares stories of her groundbreaking collaborations, enduring friendships, and at the heart of her narrative is family: the extraordinary three generations of artists and musicians that define her legacy.
Perfect for longtime fans of Neneh and lovers of intimate memoirs, this audiobook, read by the author herself, makes an exceptional Christmas gift.
Rich and Rox, the Sunday Times -bestselling authors of Dirty Laundry
In their latest audiobook, Rich and Rox share funny and heartwarming stories about creating a safe and happy neurodivergent household. They delve into living with ADHD, navigating step-parenthood and supporting Rich’s autistic nonbinary child. Their insights transform frustration into patience and compassion, offering strategies to improve communication and reduce shame for people across the neurodivergent spectrum.
Give the empowering wisdom of Rich and Rox to anyone seeking to understand and support their neurodivergent loved ones.
