Time is ticking and you’re starting to panic aren’t you? Only 14 more sleeps till the big day and you still haven’t got your act together. Well, it goes without saying that we’d recommend a book as the perfect present, but which book?

We thought, who better to choose some cracking Christmas books than our very own BookRabbiters? We scoured your reviews and picked some of your all-time favourites. Here is a whole heap of ideas if you want to give a book but just don’t know where to start…

For the one you love (especially if they grew up in the Eighties)

15th July 1988. Emma and Dexter meet on the night of their graduation. Tomorrow they must go their separate ways. So where will they be on this one day next year? And the year after that? And every year that follows? Twenty years, two people, one day. ‘Touching, surprising and very emotional’ according to BookRabbiter, Sonia. Read her review.

For your ‘Ma’

Jack is five. He lives with Ma in a single locked room and, as far as he’s concerned, that the entire world. But then Ma explains there’s a world outside – and when she and Jack manage to escape, Jack has to learn to live outside of Room… What is in essence a horrifying tale of forced confinement is transformed into a heartwarming homage to the limitless capabilities of maternal love and the power of imagination. BookRabbiter Anne says: ‘I have no doubt that this story will stay with me for a very long time, there are many things to consider. This is totally unique, unlike any novel that I have read before and I doubt I will read anything that is so affecting again.’ Read her review.

For your dad

NYPD cop Frank Parrish, already under investigation by Internal Affairs, is trying to live up to the reputation of his father, a legendary NYPD detective who was one of the original ’saints of New York’ who worked to rid the city of Mafia control in the 1980s. An intelligent thriller with a difference that will keep your Dad guessing till Boxing Day. Anne said: ‘Another great read from Roger Ellory – fabulous lead character, fast moving plot with touches of violence, great supporting cast of characters and his trademark page-turning, ‘can’t put it down’ ending. Read her review.

For history lovers

Lovely Treez said: ‘This is a powerful, gripping read which transports the reader into the squalor and fear of wartime Berlin. On one level it’s a very effective thriller, all the more chilling as it’s based on real events and the focus is on ordinary folk trying to retain some human qualities under a regime which strives to dehumanise them. Highly recommended.’ Read her review.

For the teen who has tired of Twilight

A dark but funny novel about a family of vampires living in your typical British town. Witty and original. Book Chick City said: ‘The Radleys is a wonderfully written book. It’s a fun, original concept I haven’t seen anywhere else. The ending wraps things up nicely, but for me I would love a sequel – now the secret is out and all the family are “in-the-know”, I can just see the Radleys getting into all sorts of trouble!’ Read her review.

For ‘The Thinker’

After being recommended by Stephen Fry on Twitter, book sales for this went stratospheric. Reviewer Dave H said: ‘A regularly amusing and always thought provoking consideration of the afterlife. One to dip into and ponder for a long time to come (if you’re lucky to last that long!) Read his review.

For the thrill seeker

Hailed as the new Stieg Larsson, Jo Nesbo’s The Snowman was a Richard and Judy Book Club pick. The Book Whisperer said: ‘With a smattering of red herrings and mistaken identities you start to suspect everyone who graces the pages of this book. There is, of course, the obligatory nail-biting climax to the book when everything comes together all at once, and the old race-against-the-clock, will he, won’t he make it in time. Pacey and gritty… if you enjoy crime/thrillers/whodunnits, then you will LOVE this!’ Read her review.

For your best friend

A warm and funny coming-of-age story about three Asian guys in an all white private school and their woeful attempts to set up a hip hop band. An entertaining portrayal of late-adolescent angst and real friendship. A perfect present for your wing man (or woman – it has universal appeal). Lovely Treez said: ‘Nikesh Shukla is an author, film maker and performance poet and you can feel his energy in the rhythmic pace of this coming of age tale… You won’t be able to resist smiling (wryly perhaps..) as you are reminded of the exhuberance of youth, the fashion faux pas, that teenage intensity and the conflict of one minute thinking you’re going to conquer the world and the next, being overwhelmed with self-doubt.’ Read her review.

For your sister

Set in post war WWII suburban London this debut novel charts the downward spiral and tortured redemption of a young man shattered by loss. Jane said: ‘This is a book which will test all your emotions. From sadness to anger to sorrow… I highly recommend it. If you want to experience an emotional roller coaster then this is for you. It brought out feelings of anger against the schemers and perpetrators of violence in this novel and against those who weakly stood by and let things happen.’ Read her review.

For your favourite geek

Written by Justin Pollard, researcher for the BBC’s brilliant QI programme, this is a fascinating read, perfect for dipping in and out of. Mar Dixon said: ‘Boffinology is filled with hidden gems of factual information that is both interesting and helpful in the understanding of how things work and why we use items the way we do. If you enjoy trivia or are curious about how modern day items came to be, this is the book for you.’ Read her review.

For laughs

Sonia said: ‘It may be over 120 years old, but the humour is spot on…I was annoying myself with the amount of times I snorted uncontrollably with laughter. Simply perfect – and perfectly simple ’ Read her review.

A big, bouncing thank you to everyone who has visited the site this year, and shared their love of books. In particular, thank you to those who have taken the time to write some fantastic reviews.

Hoppy Christmas!

With love from us all down The Warren x

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