BSU Books: Festive Roundup
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BSU Books: Your book lovers' Christmas shopping list
Tuesday, 16 December, 2025The festive season is in full swing, and if you haven’t already, it’s time to start thinking about prezzies.
Books make wonderful gifts, no matter the occasion, but they’re especially great for the holiday season. Who doesn’t love to cosy up with a hot drink and good book on a cold winter’s night? Or maybe you’ve had a few too many days with your family (even though you love them dearly) and need to hide somewhere and get lost in a good story?
Here’s a round-up of books that have made us #BSUProud this year. We think any of these would make great gifts for the book lovers on your list.
Academic and research
Embers of the Hands: Hidden Histories of the Viking Age – Eleanor Barraclough, Senior Lecturer in Environmental History
Embers of the Hands was also longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction and shortlisted for the Wolfson History Prize.
Non-fiction
Edward de Bono: Love Laterally – Sarah Tucker, MA Children’s Publishing
Fiction
Swift Blaze of Fire – Lin Rose Clark, MA Creative Writing
The Serial Killer’s Party – Amy Cunningham, MA Creative Writing
My Sister is a Treasure – Tracy Darnton, MA Writing for Young People
The Ghosts of Merry Hall – Heather Davey, MA Writing for Young People
Sculling - Sophie Dumont, MA Creative Writing
Lies I Told My Sister – Louise Ells, MA Creative Writing
When the Numbers Don't Add Up – Clare Evans, MA Creative Writing
The Quietist – Daniel Gothard, MA Creative Writing
After the Horses – Mary Griese, MA Creative Writing
The Girl and the Robot Heart – Neal Hoskins, MA Creative Writing
A New Life in Amsterdam – Helga Jensen, MA Creative Writing
When Snow Falls Like Fire – Anne Leone, MA Writing for Young People
By Way of Paris – Christopher J Newman, MA Creative Writing
Play – Luke Palmer, MA Creative Writing
Play was also shortlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal 2025.
Dancing on Knives – Joanne Rush, Professional Development Officer
A Language of Dragons – S.F. Williamson, MA Writing for Young People
Poetry
Minx – Karen Downs-Barton, MA
Minx was also included in The Guardian’s Best Books of 2025.
Do you have a story to tell? Our Creative Writing courses can help you find your voice and take your writing to the next level.