It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like... — Emerging Writers Festival

In case you missed it over on Instagram, the holidays are officially here at Old Town Books! Whether you’re hauling out the holly, clinging to pumpkin, or already dreaming of sandy summer beaches, there are books, accessories, and décor waiting to brighten your (ever darkening) days. Today, we asked our team to share some of their favorite fall and winter reads and activities. Check these out as you play the fun Virginian game: “Which season is it outside today?”

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If you're like me, you're not ready to let go of spooky season so this book is the perfect bridge between that and "holiday cheer". This book is NOS4A2 by Joe Hill (yes the son of Stephen King), and he takes you on a wild ride to a place called Christmasland. I'd have to say the perfect pairing for this book is my newfound love of mulled wine - wine, apple cider, cranberries, oranges & honey. What's not to love!? Just watch out for Charlie... -Amanda (Events Coordinator)

How the Dukes Stole Christmas is guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit. It’s a collection of four stories from some of my favorite romance authors: Sarah MacLean, Tessa Dare, Sophie Jordan, and Joanna Schupe. I recommend playing an ambient holiday video on in the background while getting lost in the cozy and steamy story settings. -Angie (Social Media Coordinator)

I've always loved the uncanny yet beautiful artwork in the picture books of Chris Van Allsburg. He's rightly famous for The Polar Express and Jumanji, but his autumnal-themed book The Stranger has equally gorgeous art. A stranger in town is amnesiac but otherwise unhurt. As he stays in town, he has an unusual effect on the weather and the season, until he remembers his purpose and who he is. It's a lovely book to read to kids and pairs well with Thanksgiving and pumpkin pie. -Jen (Book Buyer)

I loved reading Little Women over and over again when I was growing up. And I especially loved the numerous scenes that took place around the holidays. Remembering the books descriptions of Christmas trees and holiday wishes always helps to get me in the decorating spirit as the weather gets colder (hypothetically) and the days grow darker. -Laura (Bookseller)

Since high school, one of my favorite winter reads has been the YA short story collection Let It Snow, by Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle, and John Green. With three sets of characters existing in the same town, the collection has some wonderful Love, Actually vibes; each story is enjoyable on its own, but it’s so fun to discover the “Easter egg” moments where characters or events from the other two stories cross over. Come December, you’ll find me with some hot cocoa and under the twinkle lights, revisiting my old faves. -Shannon (Bookseller)

A book that always comes to mind when I think of short winter days, is the graphic novel Blankets by Craig Thompson. An autobiographical story of Thompson's own childhood in a deeply religious household to a long-distance relationship with his first serious girlfriend, it's deep and sad and yet so satisfying at the same time. Set predominantly in a Wisconsin winter, I only ever read it when I know I can curl up in a blanket of my own with a nice cup of tea and read it in one long sitting, flipping through the simple yet evocative artwork until, before I realize it, I've reached the end. -Abby (Floor Manager)

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