Holiday Books – Good for the Soul: A Guest Blog

five holiday books suggested by Karla Kittler

Hello and Happy Monday!

I am excited to present today’s guest post by my sister, Karla Kittler. Karla is an educator by trade and currently the Program Coordinator of Ohrstrom Library at St. Paul’s School in Concord, NH. When Karla first began working in what I like to call, the Library Arts, her teaching talents truly shined. She has turned her knowledge and passion for reading and books into an art form. Just look at this adorable book sculpture.

 

Snowman sculpture made of books

When she suggested I post about great holiday books, I said. “Absolutely, but let’s hear it from you!”

Karla’s Favorite Holiday Books

The Holiday frenzy is upon us. The countdown has begun and we are hustling and bustling to check everything off our to do lists. Wouldn’t it be nice to take some time to relax and enjoy the season? Did you know that reading for as little as six minutes a day can reduce stress by 60 percent, slow heartbeat, ease tension and alter your state of mind? Treat yourself to a few minutes each day with a holiday story that soothes your mind and soul. Here are five of my favorite holiday books. They are quick reads and will help you remember the true meaning of Christmas.

A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg – A classic holiday tale set in small town America where good things happen to good people.

Skipping Christmas by John Grisham – In this modern day holiday story the reader is offered an entertaining look at the chaos that has become part of our holiday tradition.

The Precious Present by Spencer Johnson- If you’re stumped with what to get someone on your list, consider The Precious Present. It’s appropriate for men and women, teenagers and adults, avid and reluctant readers. I was introduced to this book by my brother in law who told me “This book really moved me and you can read it in its entirety while in the bathroom!” Unlike all the other males in our family, I choose not to read in the bathroom. That being said, this book is a very quick read and helps the reader keep their eye on the ball during the busy holiday season.

Winter Street, Winter Stroll & Winter Storm (a trilogy) by Elin Hilderbrand – For those of you familiar with the author, she often writes about her beloved Nantucket. If you’ve been lucky enough to visit the island, you will feel its charm while reading as you enter the realm of Nantucket during the holidays.

The 13th Day of Christmas by Jason F. Wright – A quick read with a powerful message. This is a story of hope and faith in the most challenging of times.

No time for a good read?

If you don’t feel like reading a book, how about listening to a book? Most of the holiday books above are available in audio format. I love listening to a book on my daily commute. It makes the time fly by and I get more reading time in.

Not a fan of holiday books?

Even if you’re not into holiday stories, pick up something, anything and read a little each day. It will do your body and mind good!

Happy Holidays!

Karla Kittler
Program Coordinator
Ohrstrom Library
St. Paul’s School
Concord, NH.

*Be sure to check out your local library for these and many other great titles.

Thank You

Thank you Karla, The Precious Present is one of my all-time favorites too and yes, the brother-in-law Karla speaks of is Tony. I look forward to picking up one of Karla’s other selections over Christmas break and I may even stop into my local book store to purchase a title or two as last minute Christmas gifts. Yes, I’m still shopping.

Have a great week everyone.

 

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Carolyn
7 years ago

Thanks Karla for great book ideas.

Evelyn
7 years ago

Looking forward to picking up one of these books to read over Christmas break!! Great blog!!! Merry Christmas!!!

Patti
7 years ago

Thanks to Ohrstrom’s “sparkly” Librarian for this delightful book list.

Jen
7 years ago

This post is very timely! Books are always great gifts. Thanks for the tips, not to late for Amazon! I’ll have to add at least 6 minutes a day reading to my new year’s resolutions. It’s easy to push the “clicker” than grab a book. Time to mix things up a bit.

Mark
7 years ago

Ha! Tony says that The Precious Present “moved him” while attending to bathroom necessities….sounds better than anything found at CVS? Sorry….couldn’t resist a little Holiday guy humor. As always, enjoy your posts.

7 years ago
Reply to  Mark

Thank you Mark! I neglected to inform Tony of his mention in today’s post. I know he’ll love it 🙂