Booksellers Recommend Ideal Holiday Books for All Readers
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Independent bookstore owners, Emma Straub and Lucy Yu, recently shared their top recommendations for holiday book shopping on the ‘Bookmarked with Reese’s Book Club’ podcast. These seasoned booksellers, who run independent bookstores in New York City, provided a diverse selection of book titles suitable for every kind of reader.
During a lively discussion with host Danielle Robay, Straub and Yu delved into an array of genres including memoirs, romantic comedies, and literary fiction, offering thoughtful insights and suggestions for the festive season. As book purchasing surges during the holidays, their choices catered to a wide spectrum of preferences, making it easier for gift-givers to find the perfect literary present.
Emma Straub, the owner of Books are Magic in Brooklyn and an accomplished author, highlighted the surge in popularity of mystery and horror genres in 2025. According to Yu, this trend reflects a societal need to navigate challenging themes and emotions in a nuanced way. Yu, the proprietor of Yu & Me Books in Manhattan, emphasised the cathartic role that mystery novels can play in helping readers process complex realities.
One of the key takeaways from the podcast was the importance of curated book recommendations from knowledgeable booksellers. Straub recommended romantic comedies like Sierra Simone and Julie Murphy’s Christmas Notch series, while Yu suggested heartwarming titles such as Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa and We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida.
The recommendations extended beyond traditional genres, with historical fiction and romance novels taking centre stage. Yu endorsed Taiwan Travelogue by Yáng Shuāng-Zǐ, a compelling narrative that explores a love story set in 1930s Taiwan. Straub championed Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead, praising it as a standout novel that deserves wider recognition.
For readers seeking engaging narratives set in Europe, Yu highlighted A Couple by Éliette Abécassis, a captivating tale that intertwines memory, Parisian architecture, and personal connections. Offering a unique perspective on age representation in literature, Straub recommended the forthcoming novel Go Gentle by Maria Semple, focusing on a middle-aged protagonist navigating life post-divorce.
The podcast also catered to readers looking for emotional depth in their book choices, with recommendations like Lily King’s Heart the Lover and Hanya Yanagihara’s A Little Life. These stories delve into complex relationships and personal growth, providing readers with profound insights and powerful storytelling.
Inclusivity was a key theme in the podcast, with Straub highlighting the debut sapphic romance Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory. This diverse range of recommendations, including works from various genres and cultural backgrounds, reflects the evolving landscape of contemporary literature.
Wrapping up the discussion, the booksellers presented options for reluctant readers, recommending accessible and engaging titles such as The Art Thief by Michael Finkel and The Details by Ia Genberg. These selections cater to individuals hesitant to dive into extensive reading, offering compelling narratives in manageable formats.
Overall, Emma Straub and Lucy Yu’s holiday book recommendations offer a rich tapestry of stories for readers of all tastes and preferences. Their insights serve as a valuable guide for navigating the bustling world of book shopping during the festive season, ensuring that every individual finds a literary treasure to enjoy.
In conclusion, the podcast exemplifies the enduring allure of books as thoughtful gifts and the indispensable role of booksellers in guiding readers towards enriching and rewarding reading experiences. By curating a diverse selection of titles, Straub and Yu have provided a roadmap for holiday book shopping that celebrates the joy of storytelling and the power of literature to connect and inspire.