By Heidi Simmons
It’s that time of year when the obligation of gift giving can take the fun out of the holiday. But there is a simple solution for the “giver” who is challenged with a variety of finicky “receivers.” And it only takes one shopping trip – to the great bookstore Barnes & Noble.
Books are a wonderful gift idea. They are a personal and thoughtful present that can be opened over and over to thrill, surprise and entertain. I guarantee there is something for everybody. If the books you seek are not on the shelves at Barnes & Noble, no worries, they can be found online and mailed directly to your home or that of the lucky recipient. And B&N will wrap them!
Here are a few selections from my Book Review column over the last year with a brief synopsis and suggestions for who would really enjoy the read. These books are all well-written. Your gift will be appreciated and your giving will be a simple and stress less success.
Nonfiction:
Animal Wise: The Thoughts and Emotions of Our Fellow Creatures by Virginia Morell (Crown Publishing, 304 pages) looks at the scientific evidence that proves our fellow creatures with whom we share this amazing planet are indeed intelligent and emotional. Perfect gift for: Anyone who loves and admires all living things; likes dogs; appreciates biology; psychology or natural science.
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg (Knoff, 228 pages) is mainly about women and the challenges they face as equals, not only in their jobs, but also in the home and in the country. This is not a feminist manifesto, but rather a strategy for women who want to pursue a career as well as maintain a healthy, happy family. Perfect gift for: Working women; businessmen who want to understand the difference between men and women in the workforce; young women out of high school or college; CEOs and managers who take their jobs seriously.
Heart of Dankness: Underground Botanists, Outlaw Farmers, and the Race for the Cannabis Cup by Mark Haskell Smith (Broadway, 236 pages) is a fascinating travelogue into the world of growing and selling Marijuana. The author travels to Amsterdam and scours California in search of the perfect high and “artisanal” weed. Perfect gift for: Adults who are open-minded; those interested in the burgeoning business of Marijuana and curious about the medical possibilities; want to learn more about the plant and its potential; hipsters; connoisseurs; those who love to travel; and those who smoke pot.
Fiction:
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (Crown Publishing, 419 pages), a husband and a wife must come to terms with their future in this provocative, psychological thriller of crazy love and twisted obsession. Perfect gift for: Those who love a good crime thriller; appreciate the complications of modern marriage; and those who are cynical when it comes to 24/7 media coverage of the murdered and missing.
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter (Harper, 352 pages) spans five decades, incorporates exotic locations and has multiple characters that tell a story about love and ambition around the odd and interesting world of Hollywood. Perfect gift for: Those who love romance; travel; Hollywood celebrity past and present.
The Cost of Living by Rob Roberge (Other Voices, 291 pages) takes the reader on a journey in which characters pay a high price for their addiction, mental illness and dysfunctional relationships. Perfect gift for: Those with an appreciation for the grittier side of life; been in a rock-n-roll band; don’t mind spending time on the wrong side of the tracks dodging on-rushing trains.
Biography:
Manson: The Life and Times of Charles Manson by Jeff Guinn (Simon & Schuster, 495 pages), we get a sweeping historical account of the man and the era that fed his madness. Perfect gift for: Anyone who came of age in the 60; remembers the horrible crimes; is curious about human behavior; interested in what makes a cult; and those fascinated in the changing culture and history of America’s youth.
Memoir:
Unsinkable: A Memoir by Debbie Reynolds and Dorian Hannaway (William Morrow, 306 pages) is an honest, revealing and fun-filled biography of the life and movies of beloved American sweetheart Debbie Reynolds. Perfect gift for: Anyone who loves film and Hollywood gossip; has an interest in Hollywood history; or someone who has overcome bad marriages and survived major challenges.
Self-help:
The Still Point of the Turning World, (Penguin Press, 260 pages) author Emily Rapp struggles to comprehend reality with the pending death of her young son Ronan who is diagnosed with Tay-Sachs, a rare and fatal degenerative disease. Rapp writes, “It is a unique and terrible privilege to witness the entire arc of a life, to see it through from its inception to its end. But it is also an opportunity to love without a net, without the past, but right now.” The lesson of The Still Point of the Turning World is to live and love fearlessly every moment. Perfect gift for: Those who wonder why we exist; question reality; are challenged by the notion of God; grieve and search for hope; and the philosophical who seek meaning.
Books make a terrific gift plus they’re easy to wrap. There is no such thing as high or lowbrow when it comes to the reading experience. The people you think are hard to buy for may not be so difficult when you consider there is a book for everyone. Happy holidays and make time to enjoy a book.
