I think you’d agree that this 1927 poster from the National Association of Booksellers has a great message. Are you giving books this Christmas? I am! Spoiler alert. My father-in-law is getting an autographed copy of The Boys in the Boat and my mother-in-law will be opening Bill Bryson’s One Summer: America 1927. If you need some book buying ideas, here are some of the most popular gift books of the holiday season.
For kids, I like to give books that they’ll look at again and again. A perfect example is Guinness World Records which is always checked out at the library because the kids love it. You also can’t go wrong with The Animal Book. Every child loves animals and this book has them all.
For the drinker on your list, consider the World Atlas of Wine or The Complete Beer Course. This is the seventh edition of the great wine reference book and this new book on beer claims to teach you how to select and enjoy a brewski. Talk about a win-win.
Everyone loves the indulgence of a beautiful coffee table book. Remodelista: a Model for the Considered Home is not just a primer on remodeling, but is also full of tips on creating a home full of personality and pizzazz. The Smithsonian’s History of America in 101 Objects is any history junkie’s dream.
Let’s face it, it’s always entertaining to gawk at people. If you’re a fan of Brandon Scranton’s blog, or even just people in general, Humans of New York offers hours of enjoyment. You could also try Awkward Family Holiday Photos which will surely become a holiday treasure.
I would love to receive a copy of Art Made From Books: Altered, Sculpted, Carved, Transformed (hint, hint). I mean, just look at the cover! Wish I could open it up right now. Or how about the luscious Wes Anderson Collection? You won’t be able to put it down.
For the cat lover on your list, here’s Kittenhood. It’s darling. And for the dog lover, give Shake which is a pictorial work of different breeds of dogs shaking after being wet.
For someone who needs a good laugh,consider Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Borsch. Apparently, it’s pee your pants funny. Or let Ron Burgundy entertain you with stories from his past in Let Me Off at the Top. Either may be the perfect gift for that young teenager or aging anchorman on your list.
For the history buff, try History Decoded by Brad Meltzer. This book, inspired by the History Network show, explores unexplained mysteries such as what the government is hiding in Area 51. Doris Kearns Goodwin’s The Bully Pulpit will appeal to many history lovers on your list.
If you know someone who loves biographies, buy Lawrence in Arabia. It is one of the best books of the year, a history with flair and a fun read at that. I can also recommend Nancy, the Story of Lady Astor. It is a well written account of an American woman who was the first female member of Parliament.
Finally for the cook on your list, give the Ottolenghi: the Cookbook. This cookbook of Mediterranean food is exquisitely designed, entertainingly written, and the food is delicious. I’d also like to put a plug in for my friend Bob Donegan’s new book, Ivar’s Seafood Cookbook: the O-fish-al Guide to Cooking the Northwest Catch.
It may be too late to order online, but your local independent book dealer will have her shop open Christmas Eve. I hope these suggestions will help you make this a “Book Christmas” for a year of good reading ahead!
Be sure to visit A Reading Life for more reviews and news of all things happening at the Everett Public Library.
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