If you’re looking to avoid the Christmas shopping madness but are not sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place.
New OmniPoll research shows that you really can’t go wrong with a good book – and the shelves are positively groaning with an array of blockbuster new releases guaranteed to keep that special one engrossed for hours this summer.
With something for everyone this Christmas, here then are just five of Dymocks’ blockbuster recommendations for the festive season.
1. Four Legendary Kingdoms by Matthew Reilly
Matthew Reilly is a New York Times bestselling author and one of Australia’s most popular action writers. The Four Legendary Kingdoms is the fourth novel in the best-selling Jack West Jnr series. It’s been seven years since we have had a new book in this series, the last, the Five Greatest Warriors, was released in 2009 so fans were keen to get this new title. Matthew has delivered exactly what his fans want – intense action and a fast-paced plot.
2. Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
Jodi Picoult is a publishing sensation. She’s the author of 23 books and her last eight have debuted on The New York Times bestseller list. It’s estimated there are 40 million books by Jodi in print. Her new novel is Small Great Things and it’s a gripping morality tale. It follows the story of Ruth, an African-American nurse who is faced with a moral dilemma when she intervenes to try and save a baby‘s life against the parents’ orders. Jodi is best known for stories of family, love and relationships but this new book diverts from those themes and tackles prejudice, justice and race. It’s been called the most important book she’s ever written.
3. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, The Original Screenplay by JK Rowling
There are so many great gifts for Harry Potter fans this Christmas including the Illustrated Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. But the book most fans are excited about is Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the original screenplay by JK Rowling, to tie in with the film release. This is the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling and features a cast of remarkable characters and magical creatures. True to her style it’s epic adventure-packed storytelling at its very best. Whether an existing fan or new to the wizarding world, this is a perfect addition to any reader’s bookshelf.
4. The Midnight Gang by David Walliams
Best-selling UK author David Walliams (the taller one from TV series Little Britain) delivers another heart-warming, laugh out loud story, this time set on a hospital ward with five children on a quest for a midnight adventure. He’s been described as the new Roald Dahl. Aimed at children aged 8+.
5. Pig the Elf by Aaron Blabey
The next instalment in the Pig the Pug series. The world’s greediest pug is going to stay up all night to get his presents but there’s a surprise in store for him. Aaron Blabey’s trademark humour and gorgeous illustrations make these books a joy to read out loud, again and again and again.
Need more recommendations? Open up the magic of Christmas at www.dymocks.com.au