Jolabokaflod, the Christmas Book Flood Iceland celebrates during the winter, is a holiday for readers. It’s also observed across the world! My family started celebrating a few years ago, going to our local bookseller on Christmas Eve and picking out books for one another with care and consideration. Snuggled up with the dogs, a Christmas playlist and hot cocoa, we enjoy our books together under the glow of Christmas lights. It’s literally the perfect holiday.
But I don’t think you have to be Icelandic or to celebrate Christmas to take part in Jolabokaflod. In fact, I think you can celebrate the spirit of Jolabokaflod during the winter, when the nights are longer and it’s a idyllic time to snuggle up with a good book. So, here are some gifting suggestions of what to share with your friends and loved ones this Jolabokaflod. There’s literally a book for every type of reader, no matter the level, age or interest. Happy reading!
For the one who doesn’t have time to read:
Romance is the perfect book gift for Jolabokaflod and for friends and loved ones who don’t have time to read but want to. They’re quick, steamy and the promise of the HEA means that no matter how messy it can get, there’s always a perfect ending.
Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson: Maybe your friend loves Outlander and finds all things Scotland enchanting? Maybe they need a distraction this holiday season. What better book than Lana Ferguson’s exciting, tropetastic paranormal romance.
What She’s Having by Laura Moher: Who doesn’t love a second chance romance and a cinnamon roll hero? Curl up with on a winter night with this witty, sweet and spicy novel set in a small Southern town.
Vampires Never Say Die by Gloria Duke: Any Buffy fans on your Jolabokaflod gifting list? If so, you might want to share this fun and laugh-out-loud rom-com about an aspiring actress turned vampire slayer and her vampire co-worker who gets on her nerves.
The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy: Does your friend love college or hockey romance? They may already know of Elle Kennedy but if not, this is the book to give them immediately. Elle Kennedy might as well be synonymous with hockey and college romance and for good reason. She knows how to write them and delivers every time.
A Thousand Broken Pieces by Tillie Cole: Sometimes a romance reader craves a little angst. And Tillie Cole delivers. Her previous novel, A Thousand Boy Kisses is a tear-jerker romance you MUST read. This follow up promises the same. Gift tissues and chocolate with this one.
The Striker by Ana Huang: This new series debut is a delicious seven hundred pages and the perfect choice for anyone who likes their heroes a bit more intense. Also, if soccer romance and rivals to lover pairings are their thing, this is the book to gift this Jolabokaflod.
For the ones who wish they could be snowed in:
Whether you’re in warm weather or you just wish you could find yourself holed up in a cabin with gently falling snow, these are the books to give anyone that wants to unplug and unwind with a good book this holiday season.
Snowed In by Catherine Walsh: Cozy up by a fireplace or Netflix’s Fireplace For Home with this holiday romance. The Jolabokaflod recipient might even finish it in one night!
Hers For The Weekend by Helena Greer: Sapphic fake dating? Yes, please! Helena Greer’s contemporary romances are a thing of beauty and should be shared with the romance reader in your life this Jolabokaflod.
Eight Dates and Nights by Betsy Alderidge: A refreshing quick read about two Jewish teens in Texas determined to make the most of the Festival of Lights together. Be sure to get this one for the YA readers you love this Jolabokaflod.
For the romantasy fans:
Romantasy is not a new subgenre of romance. But if it seems like you’re just learning about it, it could be because of the explosive popularity of authors like Rebecca Yarros and Sarah J. Maas. There’s a good chance you know a reader in your life obsessed with it. If so, you should definitely consider gifting these books:
Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier: Juliet Marillier is one of the OG romantasy authors. Before Fourth Wing and A Court of Thorns and Roses, her series, The Sevenwaters Trilogy, was romance readers entry into fantasy romance.
That Time I Got Drunk and Saved A Demon by Kimberly Lemming: If your reader likes spicy and hilarious romantic fantasy, you need to check out Kimberly Lemming’s flawless Mead Mishaps series.
The Wicked Bargain by Gabe Cole Novoa: If your reader likes pirates and found family in their romantasy, then this queer YA novel is a perfect fit.
The Ornithologist’s Field Guide To Love by India Holton: If you’re looking to gift a bestselling fantasy romance that is hilarious, action-packed and whimsical, India Holton’s new series debut is a great choice. And the next book in the series is coming out in April!
We Hunt The Flame by Hafsah Faizal: With a lush setting and terrific worldbuilding, We Hunt The Flame is an outstanding YA romantasy whose compelling characters and high-stakes will keep your reader staying up late finishing. Have the sequel ready.
For the dark romance readers:
Dark Romance is very in right now. Here are the book to get for readers who just can’t stay away.
The Fabric of Our Souls by K.M. Moronova: The book groups I’m a part of have been raving about this one and while it’s super dark, it could be a cathartic read for those entranced by dark romance.
Phantasma by Kylie Smith: The high stakes premise of this dark romance has me intrigued and is an enticing choice for any dark romance readers in your life. Especially when you throw in a haunted and lavish mansion, rivals who will stop at nothing to win and a tempting stranger whose life-saving bargain might is demonic.
A Touch of Chaos by Scarlet St. Clair: This might be the final installment of the Hades x Persephone saga but I highly recommend snatching this up (and the other books in the series) for the dark romance reader in your life who likes fantasy and mythology.
How Does It Feel? by Jeneane Riley: The first book in the Infatuated Fae series, about a fae prince and his human prisoner, a scientist he believes has been sent to kill him. To gain her freedom, she must compete in three deadly trials, even as his infatuation grows.
Goldfinch (The Plated Prisoner #6): Raven Kennedy’s Plated Prisoner series is a dark romantasy about the intriguing reimagined myth of King Midas. For the older dark romance reader, this series could keep them occupied for a long winter binge read. This is definitely a darker series too so heed the content warnings.
Truly Madly Deeply by L.J. Shen: For any reader who has starting saying “Yes, chef” after watching The Bear and likes the idea of a grumpy/sunshine forbidden romance, this is the book for them. Plus the sprayed edge edition will make any reader excited to display it on their bookshelf.
For the graphic novel readers:
Some of my favorite books are graphic novels and they make a wonderful gift for readers of any age. The artistry and exceptional writing on display make these books not only wonderful reads but lifetime treasures on any bookshelf.
The Other Side of Tomorrow by Tina Chao and illustrated by Deb JJ Lee: A timely and gripping graphic novel in verse about two teenagers risking everything to escape the tyranny and danger in North Korea.
The Fox Maidens by Robin Ha: A feminist and queer retelling of a Korean myth, this graphic novel is epic and for fans of fabulous other series like Nimona and The Prince and the Dressmaker.
How It All Ends by Emma Hunsinger: A great read for the tweens and teens in your life, this graphic novel made it onto many best books roundups for good reason. It’s relatable and funny and might be just the type of book your young reader might need to read.
Lunar Boy by Jes and Cin Wibowo: An award-winning debut graphic novel from twin creators, Jes and Cin Wibowo about a boy from the moon who just wants to belong.
For The Reluctant reader:
Some people come to reading later in life or need the right book to get them started on their reading journey. These books might be good places to begin if you’d like to gift them a great read on Jolabokaflod.
The Firelight Apprentice by Bree Paulsen: I think a graphic novel could be a great gift for the reluctant or new reader. Bree Paulsen’s Garlic and The Vampire are some of my favorite graphic novels and this new warm and fantastical story should be on your shopping list.
The Worst Ronin by Maggie Tokuda-Hall: A fun, feminist graphic novel about two female samurais joining forces on a quest for glory and revenge is a good selection for anyone who is also a fan of Attack on Titan.
Woe: A Housecat’s Story of Despair by Lucy Knisley: Does your reluctant reader have a cat? Then they might enjoy this hilarious webcomic turned graphic novel about a dramatic kitty from the brilliant Lucy Knisley.
For the kid or kid at heart:
Whether the reader in your life is 1 or 92, picture books are the best gift. Charming, sweet, and featuring some of the most stunning artwork found in books, they deserve to be enjoyed and read by all ages.
Clydeo: Takes A Bite Out of Life by Jennifer Aniston, illustrated by Bruno Jacobs: Actress Jennifer Aniston’s adorable picture book about a dog finding his passion is so heartwarming. Dog loving readers will love it.
The Verts: A Story of Introverts and Extroverts by Ann Patchett, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser: Does an older reader in your life love Ann Patchett’s novels? This book is a lovely addition to their bookshelf and a great way to introduce younger readers to Ann’s remarkable talent.
Eight Sweet Nights, A Festival of Lights by Charlotte Offsay, illustrated by Menaham Halberstadt: A cozy Hanukkah read, Charlotte Offsay’s picture book is a must buy as it combines family and food with explanations of the holiday and customs to teach or guide readers.
The Night Market by Seina Wedlick, illustrated by Briana Mukodiri Uchendu: Another book allowing readers to explore other cultures, The Night Market is set at a titular Nigerian night market and showcases the magic found there.
For the one who only asked for books for the holidays:
If the reader in your life you’re buying Jolabokaflod books for only asked for books this holiday season, this list provides a few recommendations of titles they might like–if they don’t have them already!
Saffiyah’s War by Hiba Noor Khan: An award-winning historical fiction novel set during World War II, it tells a heroic story based on the true account of Parisian Jews finding safety and refuge from Nazis in the Grand Mosque of Paris.
Darkly by Marisha Pessl: A smart, thrilling book for readers who like compelling characters and a intriguing plot to puzzle through from a critically acclaimed, bestselling author.
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow: A hauntingly perfect novel about a broken young woman who finds refuge in a creepy house and the reclusive young man who owns it.
The North Wind by Alexandria Warwick: A delicious slow-burn Persephone and Hades retelling meets a Beauty and The Beast inspired novel about a young girl who marries the god of winter to save her sister.
The Grace of Wild Things by Heather Fawcett: A short yet beautiful story inspired by Anne of Green Gables. Heather is also the author of one of the best romantasy series, Emily Wilde.
Brianna Robinson is a book publicist and Sarah Lawrence College alum. She lives in New York with too many books and two enthusiastic dachshunds. You can find her on twitter @blrobins2.
