Blogmas Day 2: Two Christmassy Books To Read

It seems as though there is a shortage of Christmassy books due to Christmas only lasting around one month (or less, or more, depending how you look at it). I have only read three books that are Christmas-related and, coincidentally, they are all Young Adult. Today is Day 2 of my 6 Days of Blogmas posts and I thought it would be odd if there was not at least one post about Christmassy books!

Let It Snow 

Authors: John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Mryacle.

Publication Date: 2 October 2008

Publisher: Speak

Pages: 365

Let It Snow is the freshest in my mind, as I read it only one week ago. It is a collection of short stories by three young adult authors, all set during a blizzard in the same small town.

The main thing I loved about these stories is that they were all connected to each other. It was so great to read more about a character who was only briefly in one story, and then mentioned much more in another. That was something done really well in this novel.

There are three short stories in the novel, so here are some mini reviews on all of them.

The Jubilee Express by Maureen Johnson – 4 stars

This story set up the setting and several of the characters. It had a plot that was filled with action and likeable characters. The addition of the Christmas-obsessed parents added to the festive feel, and I think this one fit the best with the theme of the novel. There is a blizzard in all of the stories, but this one incorporated it in a unique way that also made me feel cold, even though it’s summer where I live. This was my favourite story!

A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle by John Green – 3.5 stars

The plot of this story was a little slow because it seemed they were either in a car or walking through snow the entire time. Nevertheless, the banter between the friends was fun to read, and the romance was cute, even though it was a little out of nowhere. I didn’t realise that the stories would be connected, so I was pleasantly surprised when it clicked for me.

The Patron Saint of Pigs by Lauren Myracle – 3.5 stars

Where John Green’s plot was slow, Lauren Myracle’s was almost nonexistent. There were a few long scenes where the main character was waffling on, and then I finally learned that her goal was to pick up a pig for her friend. I don’t mind that the plot was iffy; I just wanted the characters to justify it. I both liked and disliked the main character. Her flaws were obvious and it was good that she was acknowledging them, but she was pretty rude to the people around her. Still, I liked the ending, and the scenes at Starbucks were funny.

My True Love Gave to Me

Authors: Holly Black, Ally Carter, Matt de la Pena, Gayle Forman, Jenny Han, David Levithan, Kelly Link, Myra McEntire, Stephanie Perkins, Rainbow Rowell, Laini Taylor, and Kiersten White.

Publication Date: 14 October 2014

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Genre: Young adult

Pages: 321

I really adored My True Love Gave to Me when I read it last year a few days before Christmas. I remember that I binge read it so that I could post the review in time. There are twelve short stories in this collection, so I thought I would just share with you my favourite ones from the novel.

Midnights by Rainbow Rowell – 5 stars

Mags meets Noel on New Year’s Eve at a Christmas party in 2011. This story was cute and light-hearted, and seemed to embody what a festive short story should be like. It was quite enjoyable and I found it relatable in the sense that Mags was progressing into adulthood, which was something that I experienced recently.

Angels in the Snow by Matt de la Pena – 4.5 stars

Shy spends Christmas cat-sitting for his boss in an apartment in New York during the time of a blizzard. He meets the girl who lives above him, Haley, and the two bond after Haley’s shower breaks. This story was slightly sad, as it focused on two people who were spending Christmas alone. I thought it was sweet and I appreciated the fast-moving plot.

It’s a Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown by Stephanie Perkins – 5 stars

Marigold buys a Christmas tree from a young boy working at a Christmas tree lot and they spend the night together hanging out. I thought this story was creative yet simple. There were many bits of information about Marigold’s life that I really liked, such as her vegan mother and her Pagan religion. It was definitely one of my favourites.

There is something about Christmas short story collections and short story collections in general that I really enjoy! Out of these two, I don’t have a favourite. I think they are both enjoyable and unique in different ways.

• What’s your favourite Christmas book?