December Reading List: Must-Read Books to End the Year

As the year draws to a close, there’s no better time to curl up with a good book. December’s reading list is packed with thrilling adventures, heartwarming tales, and captivating stories to match the cozy winter vibes. Here are some top picks across genres for your December reading:

Fiction

1. The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami
   A mesmerizing tale of love, memory, and surreal worlds. Murakami’s latest novel is perfect for those who enjoy stories that blend the magical with the profound.
2. The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
   A gripping historical mystery inspired by the life of Martha Ballard, this book combines suspense with a moving portrait of resilience and justice.
3. Orbital by Samantha Harvey
   Winner of the 2024 Booker Prize, this slender yet epic novel follows the lives of six astronauts and explores the fragility of our planet from the vastness of space.

Non-Fiction

4. War by Bob Woodward
   An insider’s account of global conflicts and political battles, providing unparalleled insight into modern history and diplomacy.
5. Martha Stewart’s 100 Recipes
   Celebrate the holiday season with Martha Stewart’s milestone cookbook, filled with delicious recipes and heartwarming stories from her life.
6. Blind Spots by Dr. Marty Makary
   A thought-provoking exploration of medical misinformation and its impact on health, offering practical guidance for navigating modern healthcare.

Young Adult

7. Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli
   A spellbinding YA fantasy about forbidden love and a thrilling witch-hunter rivalry, perfect for fans of magic and romance.
8. Love, Hate & Other Filters (Special Edition) by Samira Ahmed
   This special anniversary edition adds bonus content to a beloved coming-of-age story about cultural identity and young love.

Manga & Graphic Novels

9. One Piece, Vol. 107 by Eiichiro Oda
   Luffy and the Straw Hat crew face chaos on Egghead Island in this thrilling continuation of the beloved manga series.
10. Destroy All Humans. They Can’t Be Regenerated: A Magic: The Gathering Manga
    A nostalgic journey to the early days of Magic: The Gathering, blending exciting storytelling with beautiful artwork.

Children’s Books

11. Hot Mess (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Book 19) by Jeff Kinney
    Another laugh-out-loud adventure with Greg Heffley, perfect for young readers and families.
12. Christmas at Hogwarts by J.K. Rowling (Illustrated by Ziyi Gao)
    A stunning illustrated picture book capturing the magic of Harry Potter’s first Christmas at Hogwarts.

Romance

13. Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter
    A heartwarming sequel to Better Than the Movies, following Wes and Liz as they navigate college and second chances.
14. A Perfect Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber
    A solo holiday trip turns into a journey of rediscovery and love in this sweet, festive romance.

Fantasy & Sci-Fi

15. The Stormlight Archive, Book 5 by Brandon Sanderson
    The explosive climax to the first arc of the Stormlight Archive series is a must-read for epic fantasy fans.
16. The Iron Vow by Julie Kagawa
    The thrilling conclusion to the Iron Fey series, filled with danger, magic, and heart-pounding action.

Holiday Themed

17. The Night Before Christmas: A Magical Pop-Up Edition
    A classic holiday story brought to life with intricate pop-up designs, perfect for families to enjoy together.
18. The Scare School (Goosebumps SlappyWorld #14) by R.L. Stine
    A spooky yet fun tale that brings a chill to the holiday season.

Thrillers

19. The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny
    A suspenseful and intricately plotted mystery featuring Chief Inspector Gamache, set in the hauntingly beautiful Three Pines.
20. The Spy Who Came In From the Cold: Karla’s Choice by Nick Harkaway
    A gripping spy thriller set in John le Carré’s iconic universe, exploring the intricate dance of betrayal and loyalty.

Wrap Up Your Year With Stories to Remember

December’s reading list offers a little something for everyone—whether you’re looking for heartwarming tales, pulse-pounding adventures, or introspective meditations. Find all these titles and more at White Rain Book House, and let great stories close out your year on a high note.