The Best Books for Christmas Gifts

From captivating fiction to inspiring non-fiction, discover the 2024 Waterstones Book of the Year winners and shortlist—ideal for curling up on the sofa in front of a fire with during festive season downtime or indeed for popping under the tree for that special someone.

Waterstones Book of the Year 2024

Butter by Asako Yuzuki

Translated by Polly Barton

A provocative Japanese cult classic, Butter delves into themes of sexism, obsession, and indulgence. The story centres on a renowned female chef, convicted of murdering lonely businessmen, and a young journalist eager to uncover both her secrets and her gourmet cooking expertise. It’s a rich and thought-provoking tale, exploring the complexities of modern relationships, morality, and societal expectations. Asako Yuzuki’s deeply insightful narrative, beautifully translated by Polly Barton, draws readers into a world where choices, judgments, and societal norms are intricately woven into a story that lingers long after the final page. It’s a moving, nuanced masterpiece and a deserving winner.

Waterstones Children’s Book of the Year 2024

I Am Rebel by Ross Montgomery

A heartwarming and action-packed tale of loyalty and love, I Am Rebel by the twice Costa-shortlisted Ross Montgomery, follows Rebel, a devoted farm dog, and his beloved owner Tom. When war threatens their peaceful life, Tom joins the rebellion, leaving Rebel desperate to protect him. With courage and determination, Rebel embarks on a dangerous mission to bring Tom back before it’s too late. A moving story about the unbreakable bond between a dog and his human.

The Shortlist: Books to Gift and Treasure

Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton

When lockdown drew busy professional Chloe back to her rural roots, she didn’t anticipate becoming the caretaker of a tiny, abandoned hare. Raising Hare tells the heartfelt story of their journey together—nurturing the leveret through its vulnerable early days and preparing it for a return to the wild. With captivating detail, Chloe’s bond with Hare rekindles a sense of wonder for the natural world, reminding us that life’s most beautiful moments often come unexpectedly. A tender exploration of trust, hope, and our deep connection to wildlife.

James by Percival Everett

James by Percival Everett reimagines The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, reclaiming the voice of Jim, an enslaved man seeking freedom. Set in 1861, Jim escapes to Jackson’s Island, where he meets Huck Finn, and together they embark on a dangerous journey along the Mississippi River. Facing treacherous waters, a brewing war, and his own inner struggles, Jim’s story is a bold, transformative exploration of humanity and resilience. Everett’s powerful retelling cements his place as one of today’s most celebrated authors.

The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson

When a true crime documentary about her mother’s disappearance begins filming, 18-year-old Bel’s life is upended in unimaginable ways. Sixteen years ago, Rachel Price vanished without a trace, leaving Bel as the only witness. Presumed dead, Rachel’s absence has haunted the family ever since. Now, just as the cameras start rolling, Rachel reappears, throwing Bel’s world into chaos. From Holly Jackson, the author of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, comes The Reappearance of Rachel Price—an unputdownable thriller full of twists.

Easy Wins by Anna Jones

Award-winning chef Anna Jones spotlights 12 hero ingredients—like lemons, olive oil, miso, and tahini—in her latest book, Easy Wins. With 132 new recipes, from Double Lemon Pilaf to Cherry & Chocolate Peanut Butter Sundae, Anna delivers effortless, flavour-packed dishes perfect for any day. Alongside golden rules for easy cooking, she shares plant-based swaps and tips to maximise flavour while supporting the planet. Easy Wins is a game-changer for anyone looking to transform their kitchen with vibrant, simple meals.

The Garden Against Time by Olivia Laing

In The Garden Against Time, Olivia Laing weaves a rich exploration of gardens as spaces of paradise, privilege, and possibility. Beginning with the restoration of her own walled garden in Suffolk, Laing delves into the history of gardens, from Milton’s Paradise Lost to Derek Jarman’s queer utopia in Dungeness. Through these vivid accounts, she examines gardens as both sites of exclusion and fertile grounds for rebellion and renewal. This stunning tapestry offers hope and insight for a changing world.

Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon

Ferdia Lennon’s debut, Glorious Exploits, is a thrilling tale of art, brotherhood, and courage set against the backdrop of war-torn 412 BC Sicily. When Athens’ invasion fails, defeated soldiers imprisoned in the quarries perform Euripides for scraps of food. Inspired, two struggling local potters, Lampo and Gelon, hatch an audacious plan: stage Medea in the quarry. Their ambitious venture blurs the lines between enemy and ally, testing their resolve and daring them to dream of something greater. A story of hope amidst chaos.

Eighteen by Alice Loxton

In Eighteen, Alice Loxton offers a fresh and witty take on British history through the eyes of 18 remarkable individuals at the age of 18. From Empress Matilda shaping nations to a rugby-obsessed Richard Burton, Loxton blends big history with personal stories. Packed with quirky insights—like Chaucer’s stint as a scantily clad pageboy—this engaging exploration reveals how youth reflects society’s values. Irreverent and thought-provoking, Eighteen invites readers to rethink Britain’s past and its lessons for today.

The Siege by Ben Macintyre

In The Siege, Ben Macintyre delivers a gripping account of the 1980 Iranian embassy siege in London. Drawing on exclusive interviews and unseen material, Macintyre recreates the six-day standoff that captivated the nation, culminating in the SAS’s daring rescue mission, Operation Nimrod. Through vivid details of hostage negotiations, behind-the-scenes intelligence, and the unfolding media frenzy, this book offers the first full account of a pivotal moment in British history. The Siege reveals the extraordinary events that forever shaped perceptions of the SAS and Britain itself.

Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors

In Blue Sisters, Coco Mellors crafts an intimate and deeply moving portrait of sisterhood, grief, and self-discovery. Following the death of their fourth sister, three siblings reunite in their New York family home from lives scattered across Paris, London, and LA. As they navigate loss, addiction, and ambition, they must confront their differences and rediscover the bonds that unite them. Blue Sisters is a poignant exploration of love, resilience, and the complexities of family.

Cloudspotting for Beginners by Gavin Pretor-Pinney & William Grill

Cloudspotting for Beginners by Gavin Pretor-Pinney and William Grill is a beautifully illustrated guide to the wonder of clouds. From low-lying Stratus to towering Tornados, this book uncovers the secrets, science, and stories behind every major cloud type. Learn their Latin names, how they shape weather, and their stunning interactions with sunlight. With fascinating insights—even clouds on other planets—it’s perfect for nature lovers and sky-watchers alike, offering a fresh perspective on the world above us.

Intermezzo by Sally Rooney

In Intermezzo, Sally Rooney, author of Normal People and Conversations With Friends, explores the lives of two brothers, Peter and Ivan Koubek, who couldn’t be more different. Peter, a successful Dublin lawyer, is struggling with grief, love, and his own demons after their father’s death. Ivan, a socially awkward chess player, finds himself drawn into an intense relationship with Margaret, an older woman facing her own turbulent past. Rooney’s poignant exploration of desire, loss, and emotional complexity reveals how much one life can hold without breaking.

Shakespeare’s First Folio by William Shakespeare & The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Shakespeare's Plays, published in association with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, is the first-ever illustrated children’s edition of the First Folio, celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2023. With stunning artwork by Emily Sutton, this beautifully crafted book features all 36 plays in their original order. Abridged for performance by at least eight children in under 20 minutes, it preserves Shakespeare's dramatic language while making it accessible for young readers. A perfect gift, this book introduces children to the Bard's timeless words in an engaging, repeatable format.

Long Island by Colm Tóibín

In Long Island, Colm Tóibín delivers a masterpiece that explores the complexities of love, regret, and the possibility of returning to the past. A sequel to his bestselling Brooklyn, the novel follows Eilis Fiorello, who, after twenty years of marriage to Tony and a secure life on Long Island, is confronted by a stranger from her past. This encounter forces Eilis to question the life she’s built and reconsider her choices, drawing her back to Ireland and the unresolved questions of her heart.

From stunning fiction to inspiring non-fiction, the Waterstones Book of the Year 2024 winners and shortlist offers something for everyone. Perfect for gifting or treating yourself, these exceptional reads are a celebration of storytelling at its finest.