12 books of Christmas: Check out these Michigan titles - for yourself or as a gift

Michigan winters provide the best excuse for avid readers who want to curl up with a good book. It’s hibernation season. Whether you’re looking to round out your winter reading list or shopping for a holiday gift, consider showing some love to authors with Michigan ties.

I always try to include local and regional authors on my reading list because a) there’s something special about reading about places you can identify with and b) I like supporting fellow Michiganders.

Here are my 12 books of Christmas, compiled from books I’ve read in 2023, plus a few favorites. You can find mini reviews on all the books I read on Instagram at @stephaniewangel. Happy reading!

'Firekeeper’s Daughter'

“Firekeeper’s Daughter” is set in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and tackles some serious issues facing Native American communities. The storyline itself is captivating and author Angeline Boulley layers that with the history, culture and traditions of the Anishanaabe. In her author’s note, Boulley said, “Growing up, none of the books I’d read featured a Native protagonist. With Daunis, I wanted to give Native teens a hero who looks like them.”

'Uphill'

I’ve casually followed Jemele Hill’s career because she’s a Michigan State alumnae and worked at the Detroit Free Press. Plus I’m a journalist and a sports fan. Her memoir is at times vulnerable and at times feisty. She gives credit where it’s due but also doesn’t shy away from claiming her own success. More women need to do the same. If you don’t read her work, now for "The Atlantic," you should.

'What the Fireflies Knew'

Written by a Detroiter, this book is set in Lansing, although the experience could happen anywhere. Author Kai Harris invites us into the lives of Kenyatta (KB) and her complicated family. It’s a story about despair, hope, the need for forgiveness and the resiliency of family ties. It’s a great reminder that all families are different and have unique terrain to cover. There is peace in that. I also love that KB finds comfort in reading, caterpillars, rocks and her special tree.

'Famous in a Small Town'

Cute read set in a small town Up North, “Famous in a Small Town” is about legacies, friendships, finding your path and leaving your comfort zone. Michiganders will find themselves nodding as the author describes Lake Michigan and summer scenes. I noticed myself smiling while reading. If you’re looking for a feel-good read, author Viola Shipman's latest is it. Plus, who doesn’t want summer vibes in the cold of winter?

'Once We Were Here'

This book opens at a cottage on Lake Michigan but primarily is set in Greece during World War II. “Once We Were Here” is an intertwined story of love - of one’s country, family, comrades and spouse. The suspense starts early and builds. Author Christopher Cosmos doesn’t sugarcoat the ravages of war, yet the undercurrent of hope holds throughout.

'The Mason House'

This is a powerful memoir of surviving and overcoming an unstable childhood as the daughter of an Ojibwe mother and white stepfather in the Upper Peninsula. Author T. Marie Bertineau found refuge in the Mason house with her paternal grandmother and carried lessons learned there through her life.

'The Star That Always Stays'

This is such a sweet book written for middle grade readers. Norvia is a teen trying to find her way in the world after her parents divorce. Set in Beaver Island and Boyne City, Michigan, the story tackles the age-old issue of what people do to try to fit in, including denying their heritage. Author Anna Rose Johnson deftly reminds readers how important a few people (her Grand-pere and her stepfather) and the messages they impart can be in the life of a child. She also reenforces the importance of education and the joy of reading.

'August Snow'

The is the first book in a mystery series from new-to-me author Stephen Mack Jones. I'm not sure how I've overlooked him since "August Snow" was published in 2017. Three more books have followed, including "Deus X", which published this month. Set in Detroit with a ton of Michigan references, the main character, Snow, is a former DPD officer with considerable baggage. He seems to have no trouble finding trouble. Snow's relationships with his late parents provide insight into why he does what he does.

'The Dockporter'

If you’re a fan of Mackinac Island, you’ll enjoy this novel about summer life there. It captures the allure and charm of the island through the eyes of dockporters who use bicycles to deliver luggage to hotels. Authors Dave McVeigh and Jim Bolone were dockporters in their younger years and they use that knowledge to underpin their storytelling. Their second book, “Somewhere in Crime,” features the same main character as “The Dockporter” and is equally entertaining.

'A Very Merry Bromance'

I had to include a holiday book on the list and this romance from Lyssa Kay Adams fits the bill. Reading an author you know personally brings a certain joy. Adams is a former LSJ reporter. "A Very Merry Bromance" is the fifth in the the Bromance Book Club series, in which men learn how to navigate relationships through reading romance novels. The core characters are familiar to Adams' regular readers, but each of her books stands alone. Adams' writing is sharp and at times hilarious. Read this book leading up to the holidays. It will improve your mood.

'The Life List'

Lansing area author Lori Nelson Spielman's debut novel from 2013 acknowledges what’s important in life and reminds us not to settle for less. When Brett Bohlinger's mother dies and leaves her daughter to run their cosmetic company, the reins come with a mammoth stipulation. Brett must fulfill the list of dreams she wrote as a child. "The Life List" chronicles that journey and what Brett learns along the way. I'm also a fan of Spielman's "The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany."

'The Boys Come First'

Hang on because author Aaron Foley takes readers for a ride with “Boys Come First.” Remy, Troy and Dominick are Black, gay, millennial Detroiters trying to figure out life, love, careers and relationships. Aaron’s writing is clever and accessible. It’s definitely raw in places, so be forewarned. A book set in Detroit offers particular charm for Michiganders. I picked up this book because Aaron is an LSJ alum and Michigan State grad.

'Tom Lake'

This book was so rich — beginning to end. Set primarily in northern Michigan — with segments in New Hampshire, New York and Los Angeles — the reader joins Lara as she tells her three adult daughters her life story as they harvest the cherry crop. Or most important, she tells the story of the summer she had a fling with famous actor Peter Duke. It sounds like a simple storyline but it’s not. Some twists you can see coming; others will surprise you. I included "Tom Lake" on the list as a bonus title because it’s set in Michigan and Ann Patchett’s work is a delight to read.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: 12 books of Christmas: Curl up with one of these Michigan titles