With a bit of extra time off from work or school, the holidays are a great time to catch up on reading for books lovers everywhere. Cold winter weather only adds to the appeal, justifying the presence of a warm blanket and cup of cocoa.
Ranging from fiction to non-fiction and even a few business titles, I have compiled some enjoyable books to read this year over the winter holidays. To indulge in your passion on a budget, be sure to check out our category of online bookstores for coupon codes.
Must-Reads Before Watching on the Big Screen
A few books are about to receive big-screen treatment, so you can get a head start and be the first among your friends to say, “The book was better”. First is the massive bestseller “Fifty Shades Of Grey” from E.L. James, which has caused a Twitter storm on casting questions alone. In it, handsome billionaire Christian Grey approaches a college student named Anastasia with a certain proposition.
Having won multiple awards and even positive reviews from acclaimed reviewers and authors such as Stephen King, Hunger Games was quickly followed up with Catching Fire and Mockingjay. Since the first book in Suzanne Collins’ series has already been adapted to the big screen in 2012, I suggest preparing for the second movie, which is due in 2013, by reading the both books. It goes without saying that once you’re done with these 2, you will have no other choice but to read the third and last one in the series to find out Katniss Everdeen’s ultimate fate.
Finally, after multiple attempts to try and produce a screen adaptation, it looks as though “A Confederacy Of Dunces” will at last be coming to movie theaters. This beloved work of fiction follows quirky and bombastic slob Ignatius J. Reilly, who lives at home with his mother in the French Quarter of New Orleans. It garnered a posthumous Pulitzer Prize for author John Kennedy Toole, so you’ll likely enjoy this read even if the film never materializes.
Fiction Picks
Critically acclaimed author Junot Diaz is back with a new work of fiction entitled “This Is How You Lose Her” that is surely one of the most enjoyable books to read this year over the winter holiday. Full of his famously shining prose, this collection of stories centers on love and relationships while featuring the return of Diaz’s alter ego/central character Yunior.
Speaking of great prose, British novelist Zadie Smith recently released a new work of 
fiction as well, entitled “NW”. It features an exuberant, ambitious plot, centered on the thoughts and lives of four characters who each grew up in the same part of London (postal code: NW). These lives are eventually woven together, and the journey is filled with deft literary skill. Check out Zadie Smith’s 10 rules of writing for insight into the author’s mind.
2012 Non-Fiction Picks For Holiday Reading
Late writer David Foster Wallace was noted for many things, among them deft humor and the ability to dive deeply into just about any topic. “Both Flesh And Not” is a collection of his essays that had never been released in book form, a must have for fans and those curious about this mercurial literary star who took his own life in 2008.
If you’re looking for an interesting work of non-fiction, check out “City: A Guidebook For The Urban Age” from author P.D. Smith. For the first time in human history, more than half of the world’s population is now living in cities. This book is basically a sprawling portrait of the modern city, and what it symbolizes at this point in the history of human civilization.
Business-Related Selections
As an excellent first step in understanding how habits are created, discovered and consequently broken. Charles Duhigg takes the reader on a fantastic journey filled with stories and self-exploration. Though the book may seem a little confusing because of overlapping sections that contribute to disorganization, the understanding arises that our lives can be transformed by habits that we didn’t even realize we had.
One of the year’s top business publications addresses a topic that is often addressed, but seldom as thoroughly as it is here. Sam Carpenter’s “Work The System” is a practical guide to making more money while working less often. The main focus here is a mechanical one, pointing out the importance of tactics such as creating a strategic objective and documenting procedures along the way. Learn how to implement repeatable systems in your work to maximize profit and stop simply putting out fires.
“The Millionaire Messenger” from Brendon Burchard has been a big hit with those in the personal development and business building community. The book’s focus is on turning personal experience into a profitable product or service that capitalizes on your natural strengths. In addition to helping identify this market niche, the book also addresses the fundamentals of community building, branding, marketing and partnerships.
This article was written by Jeff a friend of Vouchercodes.ca who has a real talent on watching the pennies. Don’t hesitate to submit to us any article that might be helpful to the community! Thanks.
Speaking of books, take a quick look at these 4 great tips on how to save money on books.
What’s on your reading list for the 2012 holidays?