If you’re searching for the perfect read to cozy up with as the clock strikes midnight on December 31, look no further. These handpicked novels set on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day capture the essence of the holiday in captivating and unique ways.
Writing this post has always been a dream of mine. Some of the best books set during this time have left a lasting impression on me. Unfortunately, this genre often goes unnoticed in the realm of holiday reading.
The last day of the year is the ideal backdrop for nostalgic tales, while the first day of the year sets the stage for stories of transformation. Let’s explore my three personal favorite books set on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, followed by seven more incredible recommendations for your festive December reading.
Top 3 Novels Set on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney
A national indie bestseller
Transport yourself to New Year’s Eve in 1984 with Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk. This novel skillfully evokes the nostalgia associated with the holiday. Eighty-five-year-old Lillian Boxfish is on her way to a party, reminiscing about her remarkable journey from a 1930s New York City advertising woman to the highest-paid in the country. As she strolls through a changing Manhattan, encountering bartenders, bodega clerks, and even criminals, she reflects on her highs and lows. Lillian’s tale encapsulates the essence of New Year’s Eve and never fails to captivate me.
The Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
Begin your New Year’s journey with The Rules of Civility. Although it only begins on New Year’s Eve, this novel perfectly encapsulates the holiday and sets the stage for an extraordinary storyline. In 1937, twenty-five-year-old Katey Kontent is celebrating in a Greenwich Village jazz bar when she encounters Tinker Grey, a handsome banker. This chance meeting sets Katey on a year-long adventure through the upper echelons of New York society, for better or worse. Hailed by readers as an exquisite tale, The Rules of Civility is an absolute must-read.
This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens
Instant New York Times bestseller
A Good Morning America Book Club pick
Meet Minnie in This Time Next Year, a captivating story of fate intertwined with the New Year. Convinced that her New Year’s birthday is cursed, Minnie blames Quinn Hamilton, a man she’s never met. When they unexpectedly cross paths at a New Year’s celebration on their thirtieth birthday, Minnie is drawn to the attractive and charming business owner. However, as Minnie faces the potential loss of her pie-making company and home, serendipity keeps bringing them together. This unique and engaging tale will leave you wanting more.
More Captivating Novels Set on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
While the previous three books hold a special place in my heart, there are even more remarkable novels set during these festive days. So, continue your search for the perfect seasonal read with these recommendations:
Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
USA Today’s Top 100 books to read while stuck at home social distancing
The iconic #1 bestseller
Bridget Jones’s Diary, which begins on New Year’s Eve, delves into the comical and relatable life of the notorious singleton, Bridget Jones. Throughout the year, Bridget meticulously tracks her resolutions, counting calories and weighing herself daily, all while managing two different love interests. This quick, quirky read is unlike anything I’ve ever encountered.
A Castle in the Clouds by Kerstin Gier
Embark on a Young Adult adventure in A Castle in the Clouds, set in a grand old hotel in the Swiss mountains during the week leading up to New Year’s Eve. Sophie, a hotel intern, finds herself entangled in a thrilling escapade that jeopardizes both her job and her heart. With a captivating mix of mystery, romance, and suspense, this atmospheric tale will captivate readers of all ages.
A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby
Join four unlikely individuals on a London rooftop, the infamous spot for those contemplating the end, on New Year’s Eve in A Long Way Down. This provocative and oddly funny novel brings together a former TV talk show host, a struggling musician, an emotional teenage girl, and a single mother. Their paths collide as they embark on an unexpected journey, forging an unparalleled bond. A Long Way Down is a moving and quirky slice of real life.
The Rewind by Alison Winn Scotch
In The Rewind, Frankie and Ezra find themselves back at their snowy New England campus for a wedding, ten years after their breakup on the eve of the new millennium in 1999. As they wake up together the next morning with an unexpected engagement ring, they must piece together the events of the previous night. This novel invites readers into a new year of reflection and the exploration of second chances.
White Teeth by Zadie Smith
National bestseller
2000 James Tait Black Memorial Prize for fiction
The 2000 Whitbread Book Award in the category of “best first novel”
The Guardian First Book Award
The Commonwealth Writers First Book Prize
The Betty Trask Award
Time magazine’s 100 Best English-language Novels from 1923 to 2005
White Teeth commences on New Year’s Day 1975, as Archie Jones, a 47-year-old man on the verge of suicide, finds his fate changed by an unexpected encounter. This mesmerizing novel follows the lives of two World War II veterans and their families as they navigate through England’s transformation. Zadie Smith’s remarkable storytelling will leave you captivated from start to finish.
No matter which book you choose from this list, your New Year’s reading experience is sure to be extraordinary. So, grab a warm beverage, find a cozy spot, and let the magic of these novels transport you into the heart of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.