Forget the Grinch! The holidays are the perfect time for indulging in re-reads of favorite books from the year and from years past. If you're looking for a book to cozy up to for a few hours, here are a few ideas. These books are also highly giftable if you're looking for a last-minute selection for a literary loved one.

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry: A beautiful book that shows an odd mix of characters becoming a family--for a brief spell--and ultimately having that joy systematically dismantled by the vagaries of life under a highly corrupt Indian government.

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein: Highly recommended for readers who like a strong female lead, anyone interested in WWII, those who like a kick of page-turning adventure, and budding engineers/techie types. Code Name Verity is a perfect crossover novel with as much adult appeal as teen appeal.

Everything Is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer: Funny, tragic, beautiful. A book that makes you feel new things about Holocaust experiences. Superior to Foer's more recent novel, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.

Beginner's Greek by James Collins: This novel immediately made me think of Jane Austen. The characters (who matter) are privileged, marriage is a central concern, and we're wondering from page one to the end if the two who are so right for each other will overcome all the confusion and earn their shared happiness.

Holiday cheers and best wishes for the new year!