Over the upcoming holiday break, everyone is looking forward to eating great food, seeing family, and celebrating the holidays with everyone’s favorite traditions. However, there comes a time over the weeks when our stomachs get too full, family time gets overwhelming, and the incessantly playing Christmas songs begin to make our ears burn. At this point, consider retreating to your room and curling up with a good book. Need some recommendations? Keep scrolling for some of my favorites!

 ROOM by Emma Donoghue is equal parts thrilling and heart-breaking. Told from the perspective of Jack, a  five-year-old boy, his youthful innocence sheds a hopeful light to the harrowing circumstances of him and his mother. Held captive for years, all Jack knows is the small room in which he has spent his entire life. Despite the unusual circumstances, his mother tries his best to create a normal childhood for her son. As she plots an escape, Jack attempts to navigate life in his difficult situation.

 If you are interested in a heart-warming and less challenging read, consider Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper. This novel is a fictional story that deals with biases towards people based on their disabilities and stereotypes. Melody, an 11-year-old girl, has an undiagnosed disease that significantly impairs her. Despite her inability to read, walk, or talk, Melody is the smartest girl in her class, with a fully photographic memory. When she is finally given a voice with a computer that allows her to speak, Melody is forced to deal with constant doubts from the people around her as she tries to prove herself.

 For the history buffs out there, I would recommend Summer Meditations by Vaclav Havel. Published in 1991, Vaclav Havel was the last president of Czechoslovakia and first president of the Czech Republic. The way he eloquently analyzes the Communist rule helped to stop the spread of revolutions. Throughout the political turmoil his country faced, Mr. Havel consistently delivered admirable passion and morals in his words.

 In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware is definitely a page turner! One of my favorite authors, Ruth Ware is a mastermind in constructing intricate plots that seem to get more complex with each page. Every chapter of this book will keep you guessing and wondering, “What in the world is happening?” This twisted psychological thriller begins with what seems to be a peaceful weekend in the English countryside, but it quickly takes a dark turn, when disaster strikes . I will not spoil the ending, but you will be shocked!

 If none of these books spark your interest, take a trip to your local public or school library. If you are not utilizing your local library, then you are definitely missing out! With so many options and friendly librarians who are more than happy to help you find the perfect book, it is a great place to browse over the break. Consider relieving yourself from constant family time and stop by over these next few weeks. Enjoy your holidays, Wildcats!