10 Books to Add to Your Holiday Reading List

The holiday season is a great time for catching up, getting ahead, and doing what we haven't had a chance to do all year. For me, that includes reading. I love a good book, but unfortunately, don't read as much as I'd like. Over Christmas and New Year's,

The holiday season is a great time for catching up, getting ahead, and doing what we haven't had a chance to do all year.

For me, that includes reading.

I love a good book, but unfortunately, don't read as much as I'd like.

Over Christmas and New Year's, I try to tackle at least a book or two I haven't read.

Good writers, you know, have to be good readers.

Later this month, I'm planning on getting a Kindle. When I do, I am going to sell a kidney and start buying books galore.

Here are a few that are on my to-buy or to-read list:

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

This series is supposed to be the next big thing. I had never heard of it before, but many are comparing it to Twilight, in terms of the cult following behind it.

That doesn't really motivate me, but the trailer for the film version looks awesome, and I'm looking for some new fiction to read. So I'm going to give it a shot. Plus, the hardcover series is currently on-sale. You can get all three books for around $10/book.

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

This has been the #1 bestseller on Amazon for over 100 days. It was, after all, the year of Steve Jobs. I got the audio version of this book from my in-laws. I'm going to listen to it on my next road trip.

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo

This New Year Times bestseller is an innocent memoir about a little boy who goes to heaven and comes back to tell the world about it. I admit I own this, but have not read it yet. I intend to crack it open this month.

11/22/63 by Stephen King

This has been called by many one of the best books of 2011. In this creative retelling of the JFK assassination, King explores the world of time travel and fate in no less than 1000 pages.

The Flinch by Julien Smith

This book is free — and priceless. You can read it in one sitting, but it will takes weeks, maybe months, to process. It's one of my favorite reads of 2011. Get it today (did I mention it was free?), and buy all the other Domino Project books while you're at it. They're over 50% off, and I'm not sure they're printing more.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

My wife and I went to the movie after she read this book. She swears the book is way better (not something she says often). We own it, but I haven't read it; however, her recommendation piqued my interest.

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

It's hard to let this season pass without reading at least one of these wonderful books. I am currently reading through The Silver Chair, but they are all excellent, quick reads.

Dubliners by James Joyce

This classic by Joyce is great any time of year, but it has especially fond memories for me, as I was just in Dublin earlier this year. The short stories are fun, witty, and interesting.

Great by Choice by Jim Collins

Collins has written another business book on how to great. Even if I didn't want to read it, I would have to, just because of all the conversations I would be left out of. Fortunately (for me), it looks pretty good.

And just for fun...

The Writer's Manifesto by Me

If want to be a writer and haven't read my eBook yet, you should consider buying it for a buck. I'm told it's some of the best 99 cents you can spend on Amazon. If you're not sure about it, you can get a free PDF copy here.

What are you reading over the holidays?