2017 has been an amazing year for book-lovers everywhere, and to celebrate, we’re making a list (and checking it twice) of our Top 12 Books for Christmas 2017. Among the titles, we have award winners and fictional debuts, amazing true stories, and a book that has become one of our resident bookworm Tim Ehrenberg’s favorite of all time.
This holiday season, support your island independent bookstores at Nantucket Book Partners, where they’ll be offering a special 20% off these 12 titles (online only) with the code Nreads. All you have to do is click the title below to give the gift of reading to everyone on your shopping list this season. Happy Holidays and Happy Reading!
The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne
Tim Says: My undisputed “Favorite Book of the Year!” The story is rich with memorable characters, the plot is fast and always surprising, and the story is unforgettable. With a style and tone reminiscent of the very best from John Irving and Charles Dickens, they truly don’t write books like this anymore. Do yourself a favor and wrap this up for all of your friends and loved ones this year. It has truly become one of my favorite books of all time.
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
Tim Says: Shortlisted for the National Book Award and thirty years in the making, Pachinko is a generational historical saga from a talented, gracious, and dedicated writer. It follows one Korean family through the 1900’s all with the popular Japanese game of Pachinko as a metaphor of the uncertainty of life. Min Jin Lee will be joining us for the 2018 Nantucket Book Festival this coming June 15 – 17.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Tim Says: One of Nantucket Book Partners biggest bestsellers this year, Eleanor Oliphant is socially awkward in the best way. She will soon become your favorite fictional character with her blunt comments in everyday conversation, deadpan weirdness, and unconscious wit.
Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
Tim Says: Think cozy British Agatha Christie mystery, but with a twist, and then another twist, and another twist. Magpie Murders is one of my favorite types of books. An ode to whodunnits everywhere, a locked room murder mystery that would stump Sherlock Holmes, a book within a book, a mystery within a mystery. Horowitz pays homage to classic British whodunnits, while at the same time creating something brand new.
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
Tim Says: Shortlisted for the National Book Award and perfect for fans of both history and mystery, this true story reads like a modern day detective story. It tells of one of the most monstrous crimes in American history that you probably have never heard about, as well as the rise and birth of the FBI.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Tim Says: Anyone who loves a “guilty pleasure” should have Seven Husbands in their stocking this year. It’s epic, heart-wrenching, and full of Old Hollywood glamour. I loved Evelyn Hugo and could have read about her adventures with 7 more husbands.
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
Tim Says: Kids looking for their next series to dive into over the holidays should put this Australian best-seller on their Christmas lists. Unique world-building, humorous characters, and the first in a series, Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow features all the best that fantasy and magical worlds have to offer. Great for any age from young readers to old.
Far From the Tree by Robin Benway
Tim Says: Winner of the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, Far From the Tree packs an emotional punch for teens everywhere. From teen pregnancy to foster care, from sexuality to sibling rivalry, author Robin Benway does teens a favor by writing an honest, emotional, and entertaining book. Like the very best of young adult literature, teens should give the book to their parents after they turn the last page.
Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel
Tim Says: Truth is STRANGER than fiction in this extraordinary story of the last true hermit. Many people dream of escaping modern life, but most will never act on it. This is the remarkable true story of a man, Christopher Knight, who lived alone in the woods of Maine for 27 years, making his dream of solidarity a reality.
The Heirs by Susan Rieger
Tim Says: New York elite, inheritance, family secrets, sibling rivalry… The Heirs is packed with drama, but also some beautiful writing and original characters. Six months after patriarch Rupert Falkes dies, leaving a grieving widow and five adult sons, an unknown woman sues his estate claiming she had two sons by him. With each chapter featuring a different character, you decide who is on the naughty or nice list.
Wonder Valley by Ivy Pochoda
Tim Says: It’s the most WONDER-ful time of the year to snuggle up with a new book. For those who like their reads a little darker, Wonder Valley is destined to become a classic L.A. novel. During a typical crowded morning commute, a naked runner is dodging between stalled cars, and is the catalyst for this novel of angst, heartache, and yearning.
Do Not Become Alarmed by Maile Meloy
Tim Says: Those looking for suspense this season should pick up Do Not Become Alarmed. An “un-put-down-able” smash hit that I personally know caused many to miss appointments, arrive late to work, and cancel plans because of its addictive plot, great writing, and thrilling premise.
