While I love the holidays and all the activity that comes with them, by the time January rolls around, I’m ready for cozy nights at home with a great book. If you’re feeling the same way, here are 12 of my favorite can’t-put-it-down reads – and I’d love to hear about yours in the comments!

City of Thieves by David Benioff

Arguably the most “serious” book on my list, City of Thieves is based on the author’s grandfather’s stories of surviving World War II in Russia. That said, the story balances suspense with humor, and is one of the most engrossing books I’ve read. If you’re still not convinced, the author is the co-creator of Game of Thrones. ‘Nuff said?

Commonwealth by Ann Patchett

I probably picked up this book in 15 different bookstores before finally buying it at the airport on a business trip – the description on the jacket seemed equal parts intriguing and overwhelming, and the prospect of a cross-country flight without a book in hand finally drove me to commit. I’m glad I did. The story jumps around in time and follows a variety of characters whose lives are intertwined; I felt like I got to know each of them, and was left wanting to know more.

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

If it were June, I’d recommend this as a beach read, but since it’s January, I’ll call it a snow day read. I sped through this rom-com and couldn’t wait for more; luckily, there are now two more books in the series (though this first one is the best). It’s also being made into a movie, coming to theaters this August. I’ll definitely be there.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

If you love makeover movies, this is the book for you. Eleanor is a quirky (yet completely endearing) character who thrives on routine and shies from social interactions. Her life begins to change when she helps rescue Sammy, an elderly man who has fallen on the sidewalk. The story has some surprising twists and is being made into a movie by Reese Witherspoon.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Ignore the fact that this is categorized as a Young Adult novel – it’s amazing. Eleanor & Park was sort of a gateway drug for me: as soon as I finished, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on anything else by the author. The story follows two high school misfits through 1986 as they experience their first love.

How I Paid for College: A Novel of Sex, Theft, Friendship & Musical Theater by Marc Acito

Apparently I’ve got a thing for novels set in high schools of the ’80s; this one follows high school senior Edward Zanni through 1983 as he dreams and schemes his way to college tuition. As soon as you finish this book, you’ll want to pick up Attack of the Theater People to keep up with Edward as he takes on Manhattan.

Moonglow by Michael Chabon

I’ve read many of Michael Chabon’s novels – some I’ve loved (The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay is a favorite) and others I’ve given up on despite multiple attempts (I just can’t get into Telegraph Avenue); I thought this one was his best so far. Moonglow is based on stories from Chabon’s grandfather, a character you’ll fall in love with, and is as poignant as it is funny.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

If you’ve read and loved Eleanor Oliphant, you’ll probably also enjoy The Rosie Project. This novel follows socially-challenged genetics professor Don Tillman as he sets out to find a wife and realizes that sometimes, life doesn’t go according to plan.

The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

Written by the ladies behind Go Fug Yourself, this book came out a few years ago, but feels especially timely for 2018 with another royal wedding approaching. It’s a fast-paced and funny royal rom-com, and one that is always at the top of my list of recommended vacation reads.

The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick

I’ve yet to read a Matthew Quick novel that I haven’t loved, and this one is no exception. I’m going to assume you’ve seen the movie, so I won’t rehash the plot here – just know that while the movie was great, the book is even better.

Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin

Tales of the City first appeared as a serial novel in the San Francisco Chronicle in 1976 and has now followed the same characters for four decades. Not since The Baby-sitters Club have I so eagerly awaited the next installation of a series (the last three novels were released in 2007, 2010, and 2014). The characters are flawed but endearing, and while their stories are at times absurd, they’re never unrelatable.

You’ll Grow Out of It by Jessi Klein

I recently recommended this memoir to a friend, and she has been texting me quotes as she’s listened to the audio book over the last several days – it’s that good. The author is the head writer and executive producer of Inside Amy Schumer, and the observations she shares in this book are so spot-on, you may find yourself quoting them to your friends.