The holidays are here—finally. Whether you’re lounging on a beach, curled up on the couch, or hiding from your extended family (no judgment), there’s no better time to pick up a good book.

I love to read, and over the last few weeks, I’ve come across some absolute gems. So, while you’ve got some downtime, here are three books I highly recommend adding to your Christmas break lineup:

1. The Tiger by John Vaillant. Imagine a true story that reads like a thriller. That’s The Tiger. Set in the wilderness of Russia’s Far East, this book dives into the hunt for a man-eating tiger that terrorized a remote village. But it’s not just about the tiger—it’s about survival, nature, and the delicate balance between humans and the wild.

Why you’ll love it: Vaillant’s storytelling is epic. It’s the kind of book you pick up and don’t want to put down because you need to know what happens next. Perfect for anyone who loves gripping tales with a mix of history, science, and edge-of-your-seat suspense.

2. The Artist’s Journey by Steven Pressfield. If you’ve read The War of Art, you’ll want to dive into this one. Pressfield takes you on a journey into the second act of a creative life—when you stop battling resistance and start embracing the work you were born to do. It’s a little philosophical, a little practical, and a whole lot inspiring.

Why you’ll love it: This one’s for the creatives, the dreamers, and anyone feeling stuck in their work. Pressfield has a way of lighting a fire under you, making you want to get back to the thing you’ve been avoiding. Plus, it’s a quick read, so you can feel productive while still in holiday mode.

3. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck by Mark Manson. You’ve probably heard of this one. If not, consider this your permission slip to dive in. Manson flips the self-help genre on its head, delivering a refreshing take on what actually matters in life. Spoiler: it’s not what Instagram tells you.

Why you’ll love it: It’s blunt, funny, and a little uncomfortable in the best way. Manson’s no-BS approach cuts through the fluff and gets to the heart of what it means to live a meaningful life. This book’s perfect if you’re over the sugar-coated “positivity” stuff and just want some real talk.

Take your pick (or read all three) and enjoy some well-earned downtime. And if you’ve read something recently that knocked your socks off, hit reply and let me know—I’m always on the hunt for my next great read.

Merry Christmas,

Broden Johnson

PS: Whether it’s tigers, creativity, or fuckless living, there’s something here for everyone. Happy reading!