NEW YORK, Nov 2 ― Ensure you remain in your in-laws’ good books this Christmas by offering them a selection from this season’s most anticipated book releases: from fantasy fun to short story collections and creative collaborations.

It’s All Relative: Adventures Up and Down the World’s Family Tree by AJ Jacobs

The best-selling New York Times author AJ Jacobs’ latest offering is the result of three years spent putting together the world’s largest family tree in an attempt to better understand the “Family of Humankind.” From drinking beer with a president to singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Jacobs’ stories are funny and enlightening ― questioning preconceived ideas about genealogy and identity. For curious minds that enjoy humor and self-reflection.

Out November 7.

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Queen Victoria’s Matchmaking: The Royal Marriages that Shaped Europe by Deborah Cadbury

Not just for history aficionados, the Emmy-award-winning author, historian and television producer Cadbury has produced a book that will appeal to a wide audience. Full of European scandals, revolutions, wars and family tensions, Queen Victoria’s Matchmaking puts the spotlight on the Queen as both a doting grandmother and political schemer prepared to upset her loved ones for what she believed to be the greater good. 

Out November 14.

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The Emerald Circus by Jane Yolen

Fun yet uniquely twisted, Jane Yolen’s latest book is a collection of ‘reworked’ tales (involving fairytale characters, famous writers, medieval stories and other familiar childhood literature) that are sure to appeal to adults with a dark, witty sense of humour and who appreciate a touch of the fantastical.

Out November 14.

The Stone Building and Other Places by Asli Erdogan, translated from the Turkish by Sevinç Türkkan 

Already a bestseller in her native Turkey, Erdogan’s The Stone Building and Other Places is now available to enjoy for English speakers. The collection of three inter-connected short stories has received praise from around the world. Her translator Türkkan has also received critical accolade for a fluid rendering of her words into English. Anyone with an interest in current affairs, quality short stories and translation will enjoy this offering.

Out November 21.

I Wrote This For You: 2007-2017 by Iain S. Thomas (author) and Jon Ellis (Photographer)

I Wrote This For You is a collaborative project between Thomas and Ellis, where (almost) every day, the photographer sends the writer a new photo, from which he is inspired to write a piece. This edition, the second from the duo, is a selection of the best work produced through their collaboration over ten years. Recommended for anyone inspired by poetry and/or photography. ― AFP-Relaxnews