I’m sure no one is surprised that I’m recommending that you buy books for the holidays, but here’s my reasoning (beyond the fact that reading is GREAT): books are the ultimate personal-but-not-so-personal-that-it’s-creepy gift. With just a little bit of thought, you can figure out what sort of reading material will really speak to your mom/friend/co-worker. Then, with minimal effort and just a little bit of money, you find them the perfect book.
Hooray! And the best part is that there are so many choices!
Oh, and before I forget: (C)Hanukkah is already over (sorry, guys), but that doesn’t mean you can’t buy these for yourself!
FICTION
Here are a few novels and graphic novels I recommend for this holiday season (warning, I have a strange predilection toward dark stuff. This is not a cheery list, necessarily):
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn: do you know someone who likes literary fiction with a twist? Are they a fan of the dark side of things? If so, they’ll love Flynn’s sinister tale of a marriage gone terribly wrong.
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo: are you hoping to find something for a Harry Potter fan? Look no further than the first novel in Bardugo’s Grisha Trilogy. I attended a discussion a few months ago, during which Bardugo said the world of Shadow and Bone was inspired by Czarist Russia. AWESOME.
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury: Looking for a fantasy, but want it to have a dark edge? Want to find a novel by one of the greats, but not sure where to start? Something Wicked is brilliant, spooky fun that’ll keep you up reading late into the night.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien: okay, I know this one is a little obvious, but seeing as how the movie is out…it’s the perfect time to read (or re-read) the wonderful novel that started it all. Plus…I’ll let you in on a secret…it’s not that long!
The Walking Dead, Compendium 1 & 2 by Robert Kirkman: You’ve seen the show, now read the incredible graphic novel. Not a fan of zombies/horror/guts? You’ll still love this.
NON-FICTION
But wait! You aren’t limited to fiction. There are so many wonderful non-fiction books out there!
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Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky: Confession. I haven’t read this one. BUT my best friend did and she LOVED it, as did about a million other people. Here’s what Amazon has to say about it: “The only rock we eat, salt has shaped civilization from the very beginning, and its story is a glittering, often surprising part of the history of humankind. A substance so valuable it served as currency, salt has influenced the establishment of trade routes and cities, provoked and financed wars, secured empires, and inspired revolutions. Populated by colorful characters and filled with an unending series of fascinating details, Salt by Mark Kurlansky is a supremely entertaining, multi-layered masterpiece.” Told you.
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin: want to find a fun, fascinating historical look at Lincoln’s life and legacy? Then look no further than this amazing book, which was recently made into the blockbuster hit Lincoln, starring Daniel Day Lewis!
ETC.
I know that a lot of people “hate to read” (whatever that means), but that doesn’t mean you can’t still buy them reading material they’ll love. Magazine subscriptions can actually be a really nice gift (does your uncle LOVE fishing, but you have no intention of buying him a new tackle box? i think you see where I’m going with this), as can cookbooks, coffee table books and carefully chosen How-To guides.
Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill Cookbook by Bobby Flay: I’ve eaten at Mesa more than five times, and I’ve had recipes out of this book (I gave it to my dad for Christmas last year). IT IS AWESOME.
Extinct Boids by Ralph Steadman: This gorgeous coffee table book features art by Ralph Steadman. Check out a review and some of the birds here.
Smithsonian Magazine: This is the most beautiful and informative magazine I have read in ages. I LOVE IT, and so will anyone in their right mind.
NOW LET’S START SHOPPING!
I hope some of these picks have inspired you last minute gift-buyers to give the gift of reading (barf. but seriously) this holiday season!
Santa says “Hurry up you lazy jerks!”
Happy Holidays and Thanks for Reading.
Lauren
OMG, those book recs were so helpful. Been trying to figure out what to get for the boyfriend’s dad for AGES and that Lincoln book is just it. You rock. Thanks.