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Books matching: celebration of traditions

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  1. #1

    Old Christmas by Washington Irving
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    'Old Christmas' by Washington Irving is a collection of essays that paint a vivid picture of Christmas celebrations in old England. The book takes the reader on a journey through various aspects of Christmas, from the preparations leading up to the big day to the joyous festivities that follow. Irving's writing is rich in detail and description, allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the traditions and customs of a bygone era. The book captures the essence of a traditional English Christmas, complete with nostalgic reflections and heartwarming tales of yesteryears.

    The storytelling in 'Old Christmas' is structured in a series of essays that explore different facets of the holiday season, from the joy of reuniting with loved ones to the traditions and rituals that define the Christmas festivities. Irving's writing style transports the reader back in time, evoking a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the simpler pleasures of the holiday season. Each essay in the book offers a glimpse into the past, highlighting the enduring charm of old-fashioned Christmas celebrations and the importance of upholding traditions across generations.


  2. 'The Old Magic of Christmas: Yuletide Traditions for the Darkest Days of the Year' by Linda Raedisch is a thorough exploration of old Christmas and Yuletide customs, many of them pagan, that have been adopted by Christians. The book delves into Nordic and central European myths, ghosts, and hobgoblins, offering a magical and eerie experience for readers. It provides insights into traditional customs, offers practical advice on attracting good spirits, and includes fun crafts and delicious recipes based on early seasonal traditions. However, some readers found the writing style confusing and felt that the book could have delved deeper into the true origins and meanings of the Yule season.

    If you speak English, then you are used to dedicating your Thursdays to the Germanic god Thor. Because the gnome-like nisse and tomten who watched over Nordic farmsteads refused to work on Thursday ni...

  3. #3

    The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali
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    "The Stationery Shop" by Marjan Kamali is a touching novel that spans over 60 years, capturing the essence of young love, heartbreak, and romance amidst the backdrop of political turmoil in Iran and the United States. The story revolves around Roya, a teenager in Tehran who falls in love with Bahman amidst the upheaval of the 1950s, only to be separated and reunited six decades later. Through detailed characters and a slower-paced narrative, the book delves into themes of cultural expectations, identity, and the complexities of relationships, offering a compelling exploration of love, loss, and the impact of political conflict on personal lives.

    He came around and opened the car door because he was Walter, because he had been raised by a mother (Alice: kind, sweet, smelled of potato salad) who had taught him how to treat a lady. Because he wa...

  4. #4

    Lark Rise to Candleford - Lark Rise to Candleford by Flora Thompson
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    'Lark Rise to Candleford' by Flora Thompson is a semi-fictional memoir that transports readers to rural England in the late 19th century. Through the eyes of Laura, the author provides a detailed and authentic view of daily life in hamlets like Lark Rise and villages like Candleford. The narrative captures the essence of rural poverty, working-class struggles, social dynamics, and the transition of English countryside during a time of significant change.

    The writing style of 'Lark Rise to Candleford' is described as a mix of autobiography and social commentary, offering a poignant and nostalgic look at a disappearing way of life. Flora Thompson's narrative is rich in detail, providing vivid descriptions of the habits, celebrations, social structure, and traditions of the villagers. serves as a time capsule that chronicles the minutiae of daily lives, from the games children played to the importance of the pig, painting a picture of Victorian rural England that is both informative and picturesque.

    The hamlet stood on a gentle rise in the flat, wheat-growing north-east corner of Oxfordshire. We will call it Lark Rise because of the great number of skylarks which made the surrounding fields their...

  5. #5
    Yuled by the Orcs
    Book 7.5 in the series:Orc Sworn

    Yuled by the Orcs - Orc Sworn by Finley Fenn
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    'Yuled by the Orcs' in the series 'Orc Sworn' by author Finley Fenn is a festive novella that follows the heartwarming journey of Lydia, an older widowed woman, who finds unexpected love and companionship with two orcs, Sigtryggr and Ezog. The story beautifully blends spicy romance with cozy holiday vibes, creating a perfect balance between intense scenes and sweet moments. The plot unfolds smoothly, focusing on the evolving relationships among the characters, offering a mix of MM, MF, and MMF dynamics that are both steamy and heartwarming.

    The writing style of Finley Fenn in 'Yuled by the Orcs' is praised for its ability to create a light, engaging narrative that captivates readers from start to finish. The author's portrayal of mature characters experiencing second chances at love brings a refreshing perspective to the romance genre, making the story relatable and uplifting. With a focus on tender moments, vulnerability, and growth, the novella delivers a cozy and spicy read that resonates with those looking for a heartening holiday tale.


    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Orc Sworn )

  6. #6

    The House in the Cerulean Sea - Cerulean Chronicles by T.J. Klune
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    The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune follows the story of Linus Baker, a bureaucratic caseworker who is tasked with investigating an orphanage for magical children on Marsyas Island. Through his interactions with the children, including Lucy the Antichrist and other unique characters like a were pomeranian and an endearing blob, Linus undergoes a transformative journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and love. The book combines elements of fantasy, found family, and queer romance, all wrapped in a heartwarming and enchanting narrative that explores themes of empathy, understanding, and the power of love.

    The writing style in The House in the Cerulean Sea is described as charming, delightful, and heartwarming, with a touch of humor and magical realism. The story unfolds with a mix of whimsical elements, poignant moments, and gentle allegory, creating a narrative that celebrates diversity, found family, misfits, and queer love. The characters, especially the magical children, are portrayed with real and relatable emotions, making the book a comforting and uplifting read that resonates with readers on a deep emotional level.

    That was an understatement. He watched in rapt wonder as an eleven-year-old girl named Daisy levitated blocks of wood high above her head. The blocks spun in slow, concentric circles. Daisy frowned in...

  7. #7

    Heat: An Amateur's Adventures as Kitchen Slave, Line Cook, Pasta-Maker, and Apprentice to a Dante-Quoting Butcher in Tuscany by Bill Buford
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    Bill Buford takes the reader on a culinary journey through his experiences working as an unpaid apprentice in the kitchens of Babbo and later training with master pasta makers and a butcher in Italy. The book provides insights into the world of professional cooking, detailing Buford's adventures and misadventures, his love for food, and his quest for culinary knowledge. Through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, Buford shares his experiences, from chopping carrots in a New York restaurant to learning the art of butchery in Italy.

    THE FIRST GLIMPSE I had of what Mario Batali’s friends had described to me as the “myth of Mario” was on a cold Saturday night in January 2002, when I invited him to a birthday dinner. Batali, the che...

  8. #8

    House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
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    House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski is a complex and ambitious novel that delves into the mysterious record of a house that defies physics, expanding and lacking spatial boundaries. The story is told unconventionally through different perspectives, utilizing unique page layouts, sentences, paragraphs, and words to create imagery that parallels the narrative. The book also incorporates numerous footnotes that reference various elements, both real and imaginary, adding layers of depth to the storytelling.

    The narrative structure of the book weaves together multiple stories within stories, creating a layered and enthralling journey into the unknown. Readers are drawn into the tale of The Navidson Record, told through the lenses of Zampano and Johnny Truant, each contributing to the unfolding mystery of the house that challenges reality. The book's presentation and narrative style offer a blend of horror, academic critique, and metafictional elements, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.

    §Provide examples of hand shadows ranging from crabs, snails, rabbits,and turtles to dragons, panthers, tigers, and kangaroos. Also includehippos, frogs, elephants, birds of paradise, dogs, cockatoos,...

  9. #9

    Seducing Mr. Darcy by Gwyn Cready
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    'Seducing Mr. Darcy' by Gwyn Cready is a comical and fast-paced novel that follows the story of Flip Allison, a recently divorced ornithologist who finds herself entangled in a mix of Regency England and a modern romance. After participating in a reading of Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice,' Flip's life takes a bizarre turn when she becomes a character in the novel and embarks on a scandalous affair with Mr. Darcy. As the plot unfolds, Flip must navigate between two worlds, trying to fix the altered storyline while dealing with her ex-husband and a stuffy English professor, Magnus Knightley.

    The book cleverly mixes elements of fantasy, romance, and humor, creating a unique and entertaining narrative that explores the consequences of meddling with a beloved classic. Through witty dialogue, steamy romance scenes, and outlandish plot twists, 'Seducing Mr. Darcy' offers a lighthearted and imaginative take on Jane Austen's iconic novel, blending literary references with offbeat humor and unexpected surprises.


  10. #10

    Unwrapped by Jessica Gadziala
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    'Unwrapped' by Jessica Gadziala is a heartwarming Christmas novella that follows the story of Lyra and Jack, two lonely individuals who find love and the true Christmas spirit in each other's company. Lyra, who has never experienced a proper Christmas, meets Jack, a rugged lumberjack with a tragic past, after a car accident during a snowstorm. As they spend time together in a cabin, they create new Christmas memories and embark on a festive fling, slowly falling for each other amidst the holiday magic.

    The book is filled with sweet and sexy moments, capturing the essence of Christmas and the joy of finding love unexpectedly. Gadziala's writing style weaves together a cute romance with humor, roughness, and steamy scenes, avoiding the clichés often found in holiday-themed books. The characters of Lyra and Jack are well-developed, with readers praising their chemistry and the overall feel-good atmosphere of the story.


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