Shortly before the holidays, I was picking out books to take with me. How do I choose? I open a random book to any page and read a passage. If the style and narrative don’t captivate me, I put the book aside. It doesn’t get a second chance. If an author can’t write fluidly and excitingly, they have no place in my holiday reading.

By chance, I stumbled upon the book Money Makers by Harry Bingham. It’s a financial tale spanning over 700 pages. If you can answer the following questions with a clear “Yes,” then I recommend getting this book and reading it:

Have you always wanted to know what an investment banker and stock trader earns? Do you prefer fast-paced and inventive stories? Do you like it when the good triumph in the end and the bad and immoral are punished (at least a little)? Do you prefer it when the attractive and wealthy characters are also morally impeccable, and the evil, sneaky ones appear pitiful? Do you enjoy Grimm’s fairy tales? Do you like it when one obstacle follows another, and when, as soon as the goal seems within reach, a new hurdle emerges?

If the answer is yes, then this is definitely a book for you. It’s a smooth read, and I had a hard time putting it down. I was too timid to skip to the last chapters; I just had to know who would end up with the millions, and I couldn’t resist getting a glimpse into the lives of the rich, smart, capable, and hardworking protagonists. During the three days of my vacation when I read the book, I likely got on everyone’s nerves around me. I carried the book everywhere and opened it to read whenever the situation allowed. And with 700 pages, it’s no small book!

The only thing that slightly bothered me was that despite all the nastiness and crimes that occur in the book, a sickly-sweet resolution was presented at the end. But that’s how fairy tales are. Similarly, a malicious character, whom you wouldn’t even use to clean your shoes, manages to transform into a lamb who selflessly dedicates himself to higher causes.

However, if you don’t like (financial) fairy tales, I have a second book for you: Bonnie Garmus’ Lessons in Chemistry. This book (only 460 pages) is also hard to put down. For readers who appreciate strong and intelligent women, this book is highly suitable. The story isn’t sweet (only the end is super sweet)—far from it—and it doesn’t resemble a fairy tale. The narrative is smart, close to reality, and the fates are—as often in life—frustrating and unjust. As a real fairy tale the end is super sweet, which was not needed. The only weakness of the book. But I’ve fervently wished that the main character, Elizabeth Zott, wasn’t just a fictional figure, but someone real whom I could meet. Even better, if there were more Elizabeth Zotts in our world, and even better still, if our world were governed by women like Elizabeth Zott.

And if you only have time for one book, then Bonnie Garmus’ book is the better choice, even though both are highly entertaining and exciting, and you can learn a lot from both (if you want to). And last but not least—Julia, thanks for the book!

Have fun and enjoy your holidays!