Publish with Us

Follow Penguin

Follow Penguinsters

Follow Penguin Swadesh

5 Books You Must Read This Christmas

The joy of Christmas can be found anywhere, whether it be in presents or in the pages of your favourite book. To get yourself more immersed in the festive spirit, here is a list of five books that you should curl up with this Christmas.

A Christmas Carol

Who can forget the memorable characters Ebenzer Scrooge and Tiny Tim? This classic by Charles Dickens was originally conceived as a pamphlet against exploitative capitalism. This delightful story was credited with helping to revive interest among the Victorians in Christmas traditions. So, if you are looking to get closer to the Christmas spirit, this is the book for you.

The Night Before Christmas

Written in 1831 by Nikolai Gogol, The Night Before Christmas tells the story of a blacksmith called Vakula and his fight against the devil who has stolen the moon and is wreaking havoc on the inhabitants of his village. This uproarious tale is full of hope, fun, nostalgia and everything you need for an ideal Christmas eve read.

A Merry Christmas


The spirits of generosity and charity are synonymous with the Christmas spirit. In Merry Christmas, find yourself drenched with Louisa May Alcott’s familiar Yuletide benevolence of some dear characters like Marmee and her ‘little women’.

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus

Frank Baum in The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus chronicles everything you need to know about Santa Claus, from his origins in an enchanted forest to his vocation of giving gifts and spreading joy to people in the world. So, if you ever wondered about the life of Father Christmas, this is the book for you!

How The Grinch Stole Christmas

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
No Christmas is ever complete without the Grinch of Who-ville. This tale about the effects of Christmas spirit is full of so much warmth that it will melt the coldest of the hearts. Just like Santa Claus, Grinch is one of the most recognizable figures associated with Christmas and his story is one of the must-reads this Christmas.
So what are you reading on Christmas?

5 Badass Mothers in Literature

To call mothers a superhero will be an understatement (we are pretty sure they wear an invisible cape). Just like our real-life moms, mothers in literature also pull of some great tasks with breathtaking ease. Whether they are trying to protect the protagonists or just do a great job at raising them, we can’t help but look up to them.
So, here are five badass mothers:
Hester Prynne, The Scarlet Letter
cover.jpg.rendition.460.707.png
Hester Prynne, in 17th century, did what other ladies in that era couldn’t even imagine doing i.e. live an independent life while raising a child on her own. Even though punished by her Puritan neighbours, she refuses to give out the names of her lover and their daughter. Deemed as an outcast then, she’d be considered a heroine today, like many of our moms.
Raksha, The Jungle Book

She is the fiercest mother we know. She cared for Mowgli as much as she did for her cubs. When Shere Khan threatened the pack to give up Mowgli, she proclaimed as his protector. Foster or not, a mother is a mother.
Mariam, A Flight of Pigeons
Flight of Pigeons
Mariam is an indomitable lady with a charm. Despite being at Javed Khan’s house in the times of turmoil, she refuses his proposition to marry her daughter Ruth. She does not give into the adversity of her circumstances but takes a chance with faith, saving her daughter’s life in the end.
Rosa Hubermann, The Book Thief

Rosa Hubermann is Liesel’s foster mother who has a “wardrobe build”, sharp tongue and a no-nonsense attitude. She does laundry for the wealthier households to help her family financially. She also never got fazed by anybody, not even Nazis during World War II. She is a mom who uses cuss words to show affection.
Marmee, Little Women

Runs the household by herself, raises four daughters, becomes their counsellor and role model, Marmee did it all. She also teaches them and nurtures them to become strong, inspirational women while keeping each of them true to their individuality. If Marmee isn’t a badass mother, we don’t know who is.
Do you know any more names that should be on this list? Tell us.

error: Content is protected !!