Hello Readers!
It’s time to make the December recommendations for the 2016 Reading Challenge! I can’t believe that this is the final month of our challenge. Where has the time gone?
This month we will close out the year by reading one of my very favorite genres–a fantasy.
Take a look at these recommendations!
December Reading Challenge: A Fantasy
Books for Adults
As I was preparing this list, I realized that I have not read many fantasies that were written for adults. In fact, I have read only one! So, this portion of the list is quite short. I hope to read more fantasy books for adults soon! What would you recommend? Where should I start?
The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy trilogy is considered a classic in the fantasy genre. His extensive research, creation of a world complete with its own history and languages, and embrace of the epic question, have influenced generations of fantasy writers. If you haven’t explored Middle Earth (or if it has been awhile since you’ve visited), be sure to read The Lord of the Rings trilogy. And, no, the movies don’t count!
Books for Young Adults
The Eighth Day by Dianne K. Salerni
I found a new YA series to love! I was completely pulled into The Eighth Day. On his thirteenth birthday, Jax discovers that he is one of the Transitioners–people who live in an extra (magic) day between Wednesday and Thursday. While that seems fun at first, he soon realizes that not all Transitioners are good, and that magic can be dangerous. I thought that the entire back story for The Eighth Day, the premise of the book, and the world created by the author were completely original and fascinating. As soon as I finished the book, I read the second one in the series (The Inquisitor’s Mark) and am waiting for my hold on the third book to come in!
The Thickety: A Path Begins by J.A. White
I read all three books in this series within a week because I just couldn’t put them down! The first in a series that combines magic, an enchanted forest, brave and talented children, and a question–The Thickety has all of the elements of a classic fantasy with a modern twist. Though the book is written for children 8-12, I would recommend it for readers ages 11-15 because of some of the dark and unsettling content. The book begins with young Kara seeing her mother hanged for witchcraft and our realization that Kara is also a witch. Over the course of the book Kara has to find out if there is such a thing as a good witch–and if she wants to be one.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
More accessible to children, Tolkien’s The Hobbit is an enchanting adventure in its own right, while also setting the stage for the trilogy to come. Teens and children will enjoy questing with Bilbo as he and the dwarves go in search of their long-lost gold, fight goblins, ride on eagles, and more.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
If you have not read any of the Harry Potter books yet (I’m sure there are a few people left!), Christmas would be a lovely time to slow down and read the first book. Just be warned–you may not be able to stop!
Watership Down by Richard Adams
This book was one of my grandmother’s absolute favorites. That was reason enough for me to read it one summer when I was at the farm. As a child, I enjoyed the story of the colony of rabbits on a story level. Now that I am an adult, I also appreciate the themes of home, family, and leadership. I highly recommend this book for both children/teens and adults.
The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan
Has your child finished the Harry Potter series and is looking for another likable hero to lead them on adventures? Meet Percy Jackson. Percy is the son of Poseidon, the ancient Greek god of the sea. Only, Percy lives in modern day New York. He learns that the ancient gods and goddesses still exist, still have kids, and still fight monsters and themselves. The first book, Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief, begins with Percy’s discovery of who he is and his quest to find Zeus’s stolen master lightning bolt. Filled with action, comedy, and heroic teens, the ten installments of the Percy Jackson series are always a huge hit.
Books for Children
This Christmas seasons might be the perfect time to read a fantasy written for children. If you haven’t read one of these classics, take an afternoon (and a cup of tea) to get lost in another world.
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Take a journey to Wonderland with Alice in Lewis Carroll’s masterpiece in the logic-shifting, literary nonsense vein. If you’ve only watched the movie, you’re in for a treat!
Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
I read Peter Pan for the first time as an adult, and I appreciated the portrayal of the loss of childhood. Wendy’s last night in the nursery turns into an adventure that allows her one final day of pure childhood imagination. Fun, funny, and beautiful, Peter Pan is a story that can be read an an afternoon but stay with you for a lifetime.
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
One of my earliest memories is of cuddling up with my mother on our old brown couch, engrossed in the story of Ratty, Mole, and their friends. Their gentle adventures peaked my interest and perhaps even began my love of fantasy. Read it now as an adult, or, even better, read it aloud as a family.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
You’ve watched the movie dozens of times. You know every word by heart and sing along with each song. But, have you ever read the book that started it all? If not, be sure to grab a copy and head to Oz!
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
I reread The Chronicles of Narnia every couple of years, and I find new gems each time. Lewis’s gentle use of allegory, his spiritual imagery, and his engaging story-telling make it possible to enjoy the books on many levels, over and over again. If you haven’t read the series, start with The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe to become acclimated to Lewis’s magical world and characters.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle
Another of my all-time favorites. Meg Murray, her little brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin take a journey across the galaxy as they try to rescue Meg’s father. A beautiful mixture of science fiction and fantasy, A Wrinkle in Time (as well as the three other books in the series), touches on themes of darkness and light, coercion and freedom, and the nature of love.
On My Nightstand
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
I have heard really good things about this tale of two wizards and the havoc they wreak. I am excited to add another fantasy for adults to my list!
What is your favorite fantasy book? What would you add to this list?
(This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and purchase a product, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting The Orthodox Mama.)
