Cozying up during these rare days off work. Traveling to see friends and family. Tucking away for a vacation amidst the holiday revelry. Whatever it is – this time of year, you need a good book. Something to sink your teeth into, or perhaps something to share with the folks in your life you just can’t quite figure out a gift for. The end of the year brings a beautiful bounty of literary selections from the cheeky to the weighted, and everything in between. No matter what you’re in the mood for, we have you covered. Snuggle up with some cider or toss one of these in your carry-on bag and escape with a TIG tested and approved book for the season.
- Yes, Please by Amy Poehler
- All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
- How to be Parisian Wherever You Are by Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline de Maigret, and Sophie Mas
- We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler
When Amy Poehler revealed that she was writing a book, the world’s collective response was, in fact, the title that the comedienne chose for her debut: Yes, Please. And while there are hundreds of celebrity memoirs, Poehler’s is one that you stands out in the cookie cutter crowd. Poehler, herself, explains her writing best: “I know what I am doing. I am presenting a series of reasons as to why you should lower your expectations, so that you can be blown away by my sneaky insights about life and work.” And darling, she really will blow you away.
If you peruse any number of “Best Books of 2014″ lists, you’re going to find Anthony Doerr’s brilliant novel on all of them—yes, all of them. The National Book Award finalist tells the stories of two different people in alternating chapters—a blind French girl and a young German genius set during World War II—allowing you to become immersed in dual narrative like never before. This one will pull at your heartstrings…but ’tis the season, after all.
Because admit it, you want to be French. Or you know someone who does. They’re so well put together without looking like they’ve tried at all, their food tastes as good as it looks, and dammit, even their language sounds like they’re reciting love poems every time they open their mouths. But since we can’t all be born French (sigh), How to be Parisian Wherever You Are: Love, Style, and Bad Habits will help you get a little bit closer with gems like, “The Parisienne retains her little imperfections, cherishes them even—these are the signs of a certain strength of character.” And bonus: the book makes for great Instagram folly.
Resist the urge to read anything about this book before you begin. Seriously—do not Google it, do not read its New York Times or Man Booker Prize review (for which it got shortlisted, FYI), unless you want a major plot point spoiled for you, because its been written about endlessly. Just trust us: the book about Rosemary, her vanished siblings, and the rest of her family, starts in the middle and then goes back to the beginning—twice— and will confuse you until everything makes complete sense.
Happy Reading!
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