By Rachel Soo Thow of The Lit List
- Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
Honestly feel like I’m the last to the plate with this one, but with rave reviews, this 2021 memoir by singer and guitarist of musical project Japanese Breakfast, is at the top of my list. Every review I’ve come across on this memoir has raved on about it’s heart-breaking storyline and its uncanny ability to evoke tears in every reader. I’m here for a good cry, even if it is the holiday season.
- Annie Ernaux – The Unboxed Set
This entire collection is to die for. Annie Ernaux’s work is to be highly commended – known for winning various awards from the Prix Renaudot to being a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize to having various English editions being recognised as a New York Times Notable Book , I read ‘The Happening’ by her and was instantly hooked. Also let’s just appreciate this entire box set of all twelve of her books and its aesthetics. This is sure to be a winner.
- Bookety Book Books x Walmsley & Cole Bookends (pair)
I feel like these bookends speak for themselves. The feminine. The mystique. The functionality. All wrapped up in a beautiful collab that stands alone as a piece of art. Available as a pair or as singles, this is THE bookend that you’ll want scattered throughout your home.
- Acting Class by Nick Drnaso
For days when I just want to emerse myself in beautiful visuals, I turn to graphic novels. After reading Drnaso’s Booker-nominated ‘Sabrina’, Acting Class seems no different. In this novel, Drnaso draws on the modern anxieties of society and his characters seem to exude feelings of disconnect, manipulation and intimacy. Ten strangers, one class and a whole lot of lonely people.
- Byredo Bibliotheque Fragranced Candle 8.5oz
Any candle inspired by the smell of a bookstore has my vote. Add some spice to your reading ritual with the warm mellow fragrance of a library untouched.
- Hooga Book Light
For those of you that love reading when the night air has gone silent, I STAN. This book light will change your life and won’t disturb your serial sleeper other half. As an added plus, the amber hues will keep the blue-light hues at bay to prevent eye strain, so even more bang for ya buck.
- All About Love: New Visions by Bell Hooks
Coming into the New Year sometimes means new love, new opportunities and hope and this book will have you processing those hard truths like no tomorrow. This non-fiction piece will have you thinking clearly about what the new year will bring for you and what constitutes our view of love – what is it and how do we heal and learn to love? This is one book that will have you mulling over it months down the track.
- Mothers, Fathers, & Others: New Essays by Siri Hustvedt
I’m a sucker for Hustvedt. I’ve had this on my wishlist for awhile now and 2022 has become the year of essays – something I’m hoping will carry into 2023. This collection encompasses a range of essays that delve into subjects such as the power of art during tragedy, to what we inherit from our parents to motherhood to what we take for granted between ourselves and societal conventions.
- Clam Shell Lamp: Pearl
Make your nightlight dreams come true with this mermaid-esque 1970’s rendition. Not only are these aesthetically pleasing, but pair this with your favourite moody candles and you have yourself a dreamscape fit for nestling into a good book.
- Novelist as a Vocation by Haruki Murakami
For anyone that has experienced Murakami’s work, one of the greatest novelists of our time invites readers into his creative process. This self-portrait seems like just the book to indulge in over a cocktail or two as we are exposed to the workings of a strange and surrealist mind.
If you enjoyed this awesome list of Christmas goodies than make sure you follow the Rachel on her outstanding Instagram account, The List List, where she writes the most in-depth and wonderful book reviews.
