The Joy of Christmas Book Tag

‘Tis the season to be jolly and to write many tag posts! Today I’m bringing you a book tag that Morgan @ Morgan Is Reading Again tagged me in, so thanks Morgan because I really liked writing it. This one is all about the Christmas cheer, but it’s quite a fun one even if you don’t celebrate it. It was originally created by Sam @ Sam’s Nonsense. So let’s jump straight into the questions!

Questions

Anticipation: The Christmas excitement is real, what book release(s) are you most anticipating?

I’ve been super excited about Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li ever since I first learnt about it.

A heist story about a group of Asian college students that deals with topics such as colonialism is something that sounds right up my alley. I’ve seen so many people getting ARCs and truly enjoying it that I can’t wait for next April when I finally get to read it.

Christmas Songs & Carols: What book or author can you not help but sing its praises?

Recently, it’s definitely been A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson. I’ve told anybody who will listen to read this book.

A gorgeously written reimagining of Dracula—or Dracula’s brides, to be more accurate—that I truly haven’t been able to stop thinking about ever since I read it almost a year ago. It deals with important themes such as toxic relationships and manipulation in a perfectly crafted gothic atmosphere.

Gingerbread Houses: What book or series has wonderful world-building?

I have to be biased for a second and go with the Shadowhunter series by Cassandra Clare. This world has been built throughout the years, and I’ve been reading about it as the books were being published, so it’s a very special one for me.

A Christmas Carol: Favourite classic or one that you want to read

To no one’s surprise at this point, it’s Maurice by E.M. Forster. I went into this expecting to like it, expecting it to be a 3-star book for me, but I was totally wrong. This ended up being a shining 5-star read and possibly a new all-time favourite—something uncommon for a classic for me.

It’s definitely another book I have been unable to stop thinking, and talking, about ever since I read it. For more of my thoughts on this amazing book, check out this post.

Christmas Sweets: What book would you love to receive for Christmas?

I’ve been eyeing These Violent Delights by Micah Nemerever for the longest time, so I’d love to get that.

I love everything I know about this book so far. The cover is gorgeous and exactly the type of cover I’ve been drawn to lately. The plot sounds crafted to fit my tastes to a tee. And the author seems like the nicest person. Everything surrounding this book calls to me.

Candles in the Window: What book gives you that warm fuzzy feeling?

The one I keep going back to for comfort has to be Young Avengers by Kieron Gillen. These characters, and this specific series, have been a source of happiness for me for many years, so they always leave me feeling fuzzy and warm. Last post I wrote all about how much these characters and their stories mean to me, if you want to learn more.

Christmas Trees & Decorations: What are some of your favourite book covers?

Lately, I’ve really been enjoying the simplicity of some covers like The Secret History or The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara or The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake. I can’t pinpoint what it is, but there’s something about them that I feel drawn to.

Christmas Joy: What are some of your favourite things about Christmas?

I have to admit I haven’t been feeling too festive this year—or the last, for that matter—but what I enjoy the most is eating good food and spending quality time with loved ones over the holidays. My favourite day is probably Christmas Eve, where all the family gathers to have dinner together and exchange presents, and it’s usually quite a nice night.

I Tag:

As always, don’t feel pressured to do it, you don’t have to. But, I would like to read your answers!

• Naemi @ A Book Owl’s Corner
• Line @ First Line Reader
• Michaela @ Journey into Books

If you celebrate Christmas, what are some of your traditions? What is the best gift or best experience you’ve ever recieved or had during the holidays?