The Article below was published in Vol. 136, Issue 4 of the Lake Forest College Stentor on December 4, 2020.
By: Lia Fiffles ’24
Staff Writer
The holidays are here and with them comes the stress of the end of the semester. With the long study sessions comes the time for breaks, so here are some books you can enjoy during those breaks—and get into the holiday spirit!
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
When you think of the holidays, one of the first thoughts that comes to mind is the magic they create. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is the first book in the series that immerses you into a world of magic like no other. After the death of his parents, Harry Potter is living a miserable life with his aunt and uncle. That is, until one day he receives a letter that reveals the truth: he’s a wizard! The book follows Harry’s first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he finally feels as if he belongs. That peaceful feeling does not last long though after finding out about a secret object that is being protected within the walls of Hogwarts. Feeling responsible for its protection, Harry faces the evil forces that are attempting to steal it. Join Harry as he embarks on this new chapter of his life in the first installment of the series.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
If you’ve seen any of the film adaptations, you know A Christmas Carol highlights the importance of Christmas spirit, and it is no different in the book. Bitter Ebenezer Scrooge believes Christmas holds no significant importance compared to any other day. But, after a visit from his deceased business partner, a warning is passed on to Scrooge that entails he must change his views before consequences take place. Scrooge takes part in this journey of discovering not only the true meaning of Christmas, but a new compassion for those around him.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
This book goes beyond the time of Christmas, but the beginning of it shows the happiness and joy the holiday spirit brings despite unfortunate times. Following the four sisters—Jo, Beth, Meg, and Amy—Little Women tells the story of their lives as they live through the Civil War. It is based around Alcott’s own life after she took care of herself and her sisters doing as many different tasks as possible until she found out she was able to make much more for her writing. Enjoy the story of the March sisters as the book explores the different themes of family responsibilities, love, and war.
Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas by Stephanie Barron
In the twelfth installment of her Jane Austen holiday-themed series, Barron tells a murder-mystery story that takes place over the holidays. After being invited to spend the holidays with her family and friends, the holiday spirit takes a turn when a guest suddenly dies. Jane is immediately suspicious of the accident because if it was a murder one of her fellow guests is the culprit. Clues are revealed, secrets are shared, and relationships are put to the test as Jane works to discover the truth. This book provides a good mystery to enjoy while simultaneously bringing the holiday spirit to life.
