The holidays come with lots of great food to share with family and friends. And if you’re lucky, after a big meal you’ll have some time to read a new book! But with visiting, baking, and shopping, who has time to choose a new read? Not to worry! At Writer’s Relief, we love food almost as much as we love books, and we have some great ideas for delicious holiday pairings! Savory or sweet, crunchy or creamy, tell us your favorite side dish on our list and we’ll tell you what book to read! Yummy!

What Book To Read Based On Your Favorite Side Dish

Mashed Potatoes/Sweet Potato Casserole

This holiday classic is satisfying and filling, whether it’s a fluffy white scoop with a pat of butter or a sweet potato casserole with marshmallows. If this is your favorite side dish, we recommend giving yourself the gift of reading (or rereading) a satisfying literary classic: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. After all, the holidays have begun, and “Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents.”

Green Bean Casserole

Creamy soup, green beans, and crispy onions—this side dish is a unique combination of flavors and textures, and it’s undeniably delicious. If you have a craving for a book that’s also a little odd but still irresistible, save room for Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman.

Cranberry Sauce

This side dish can be surprisingly controversial: either you love it or you’ve had one taste and decided it’s not for you—ever. For diehard fans who love cranberry sauce as a go-to holiday side dish, Atonement by Ian McEwan may appeal to your tastes as well. Let us know how you feel about Briony when you’ve finished!

Roasted Carrots

A splash of olive oil and a dash of dill and pepper add some zesty spark to this side dish. If a stimulating mixture of flavors suits your taste, Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead offers a fusion of character personalities that’s sure to please!

Stuffing

There are all sorts of variations on the ingredients used for stuffing: corn bread, herbs, raisins, apricots, walnuts, even bacon! Those who enjoy enticing, mouthwatering combinations will also appreciate a heaping helping of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Warm Bread

Mmmmm…fresh from the oven! Full of delicious carbs, a slice of warm bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover gravy. For a substantial read with lots of tasty details you won’t want to miss, try The Hobbit, or There and Back Again by J.R.R. Tolkien. And we all know a nice, crusty bread is a perfect addition to a Hobbit’s second breakfast or elevenses.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Southern-style baked mac and cheese is a “stick to your ribs” hearty favorite that’s absolutely delicious. For an epic story that will stick with you long after you’re finished reading, Pachinko by Min Jin Lee is sure to please.

Of course, you may have more than one favorite side dish, which means you get to read more than one book! And when it comes to great reads, there’s always room for seconds, or thirds, or even fourths! Whatever book you decide to add to your To Be Read list, have a great holiday season!

Question: Which side dish is your favorite, and what book will you be reading?