The Ultimate Holiday Book Guide Tailored For the Women in Your Life

Mermaids in Paradise by Lydia Millet: Newlyweds Deb and Chip find themselves in a unique situation at a Caribbean resort where they meet a marine biologist who says she has sighted mermaids in a coral reef. When the couple team up with an unlikely group of people to try to save the mermaids from an underground theme park, their trip to the Caribbean takes an unusual turn. This is an unforgettable and hilarious tale that is darkly comic on the surface and illuminating in its depths.

Peanut Butter and Naan by Jennifer Hillman-Magnuson: Jennifer Magnuson knew her spoiled family needed a wake-up call but just couldn't seem to find the right time to do it. However, when her husband was offered a position in India, she knew this would be the perfect opportunity to gain perspective and unplug from their hectic lives in Nashville. A beautiful memoir about parenting against a backdrop of malaria, extreme poverty, and no luxuries, and Jennifer's story of rediscovery and igniting her connection with those she loves the most.

Yes Please by Amy Poehler: Yes Please is a rich and varied collection of stories, lists, poetry (Plastic Surgery Haiku, to be specific), photographs, mantras, and advice that will make you love Amy Poehler even more. With chapters like "Treat Your Career Like a Bad Boyfriend," "Plain Girl Versus the Demon," and "The Robots Will Kill Us All," Yes Please will make you think as much as it will make you laugh. Honest, personal, real, and righteous, Yes Please is full of words to live by.

The Body Tourist by Dana Shavin: Dana Shavin shares her road to recovery with her battle against anorexia, mental illness, and addiction in an insightful, heartfelt, and comedic memoir. The journey to recovery is not a quick and easy process as her six-year pursuit of making her life whole again is shared when it comes to counseling jobs, her living situation, and relationships, not only the personal ones but the one with food as well. Shavin bares her soul across pages while being inspiring, brutally honest, and absolutely hilarious as she describes her journey of overcoming obstacles.

Us by David Nicholls: Douglas has been more or less happily married for almost three decades and has a moody 17-year-old son, Albie. Unexpectedly, his wife, Connie, tells him she thinks she wants a divorce. The timing could not be worse, as the family has a monthlong trip planned to explore the European capitals. However, Douglas is privately convinced that this landmark trip will help rekindle their marriage and might even help him bond with his incredibly moody son. Will this Summer be the last as a husband? Or will this trip turn Douglas's marriage, and maybe even his whole life, around?

Stillwater Rising by Steena Holmes: After an elementary school shooting devastates the tight-knit community of Stillwater Bay, Jennifer finds herself struggling to acclimate back into her normal life as perfect stay-at-home mom and committee organizer. Meanwhile, Jennifer's best friend, Mayor Charlotte Stone, struggles to keep the town together and calm. The friends find themselves at a crossroads, and their relationship is put to the ultimate test when they have to weigh their own interests against the friendship.

What Is Found, What Is Lost by Anne Leigh Parrish: Meet Anna, Lorraine, Freddie, and Beth. Four women, who share blood and not much more, except that each is searching for something lost. Anna seeks to find her place in a new world. Lorraine looks for something to forget herself in. Freddie searches for herself without religion, and Beth can't find her soul in her mother's guarded eyes. Explore the journey of motherhood and family in this intelligent and understanding novel that questions the deep connection between love and true faith.

The Look of Love by Sarah Jio: Born during a Christmas blizzard, Jane receives a rare gift: the ability to see true love. On Jane's 29th birthday, she receives a mysterious greeting card, specifying that Jane must identify all six types of love before the full moon on her 30th birthday or face the consequences. However, when Jane falls for a science writer who happens not to believe in love, she fears her fate is sealed.

The Barter by Siobhan Adcock: This powerful novel is a ghost story and a love story that explores the riveting roles of motherhood, work, and feminism. A suspenseful and provocative heart-stopping story about two conflicted women, separated by 100 years and bound by an unimaginable sacrifice.

Lila by Marilynne Robinson: Lila grew up homeless and alone, and after roaming the countryside, she finds herself in a church in a small town in Iowa igniting a romance and a debate that will reshape her life. Lila becomes the minister's wife and begins a new existence while trying to make sense of her old life.

Rock Angel by Jeanne Bogino: Shan is young, beautiful, talented, and addicted to heroin. In this fast-paced and intense story, follow the journey of Shan's rise to guitar goddess stardom in the '90s as she travels among the best nightclubs across the country. There is no rock 'n' roll without love, and there is no doubt that this book doesn't lack a love story.

Lucky Me by Cindy Callaghan: Meghan McGlinchey is the most superstitious girl in her family — and probably in the entire state of Delaware. When she receives a chain letter from a stranger in Ireland, Meghan immediately passes it on, taking only a tiny shortcut in the directions and breaking the chain. Thankfully, her family was already headed to Ireland on Spring break, and Meghan makes it her mission to find the original sender and break her extremely unlucky streak. After breaking a chain letter, can superstitious Meghan find a way to turn her luck around?

#Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso: Sophia Amoruso spent her teens hitchhiking, committing petty theft, and dumpster diving. By the time she was 22, she was employed, but still broke, and working a mediocre day job for the health insurance benefits. Now, Sophia is the founder, CEO, and creative director for Nasty Gal, a $100 million-plus online fashion retailer with more than 350 employees. After selling vintage clothes on eBay, eight years later Sophia found herself in a position she was proud of. Sophia is anything but a typical CEO, and she has written #Girlboss for those who are seeking a unique path to success.