A personal favourite, and the centrepiece of my literature collection, Charles Dickens‘ A Christmas Carol is the ultimate holiday story of redemption. Ebenezer Scrooge is a stingy old miser who can‘t stand holiday cheer—or people altogether. One Christmas Eve, he‘s visited by three spirits who take him on a journey through his past, present, and future. Along the way, Scrooge is forced to confront the impact of his choices and make a change.

Shadowland by Peter Straub is a haunting journey into the dark side of magic and friendship. Tom Flanagan and Del Nightingale are two friends who spend the summer at Del‘s uncle Coleman‘s eerie mansion, where Coleman—a twisted illusionist—lures them into a world of dangerous secrets and illusions. As the boys navigate this sinister realm, they‘re forced to confront fears that could destroy them.

After a long fantasy hiatus, I finally went back to the book that started it all. Witnessing how seamlessly, at the time of writing, 15-year-old Paolini paints a clear picture of a dark, yet fantastical realm in Alagaësia is always a thrill. Despite his brief stint as Eragon‘s mentor, Brom truly stands out as one of the great Sages in the fantasy genre. Looking forward to continuing the series!

VanderMeer‘s Southern Reach Trilogy starts off with a bang, following a group of scientists exploring the treacherous Area X, trying to ascertain who to trust and who to exile as they attempt to uncover the mysteries creeping towards the very essence of their humanity. This book would be the perfect choice for fans of H.P Lovecraft and cosmic horror. VanderMeer chooses to tell the story through a First Person account of one of the scientists.

Caitlin Doughty‘s blunt humor and inquisitive nature led to a wry, yet emotional, look at Western society‘s relationship with what happens to our bodies after death. This book explores the various ways that people have chosen to dispose of their remains and the impacts that decision has on the people they have left behind. This book is an excellent choice for anyone that loves morbid conversations or non-fiction that explores a specific career.