By Heidi Simmons
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! That is, unless shopping is not your favorite thing. If that’s the case, then the season can be overwhelming, frustrating and tedious. This column is a reminder that books make great gifts and that there is indeed something for everybody. Selecting a book can be done online or at a place called a bookstore where there are thousands of books in one location for your perusal. Here are some ideas for books to give or get.
FICTION:
The Reckoning by John Grisham
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Men and women have different tastes in fiction. Be aware there are men who won’t read fiction written by a woman. Sounds crazy, but it’s true even in this day and age.
NON-FICTION:
Animalkind: Remarkable Discoveries about Animals and Revolutionary New Ways to Show Them Compassion by Ingrid Newkirk & Gene Stone
Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties by Tom O’Neill with Dan Piepenbring
There is an abundance of great non-fiction writing! The genre is maybe the best it’s ever been.
Pick a subject that interests the person on your list and surprise him or her with a great read. Consider his or her age and the era they grew up in to find something that will intrigue.
TRUE CRIME:
Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow
The Lazarus Files by Matthew McGough
There is nothing more thrilling than true crime whether it happened decades ago or is still in the news. What’s so interesting about these books is the investigations and how the “authorities” did less than their best to bring the culprits to justice.
HISTORY:
Pioneers by David McCullough
The Woman’s Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote by Elaine Weiss
We are living in fascinating times! It is hugely entertaining to read about the folks who made a difference and changed the world for the better.
GEO-POLITICAL:
Sandworm: A New Era of Cyberwar and the Hunt for the Kremlin’s Most Dangerous Hackers by Andy Greenberg
Upheaval by Jared Diamond
Both these books will rock your perception of the world. These two books are not for those who keep their heads in the sand.
SCI-FI /FANTASY:
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James
When reality gets too intense, science fiction and fantasy can be a welcome escape. However, these worlds are filled with intense allegory that will keep a person up at night.
MEMOIR:
The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates
Educated by Tara Westover
To walk in someone’s shoes is the best way to understand their perception of the world. Depending on the memoir, it can show the reader what it really takes to make a difference on this planet whether in your community or across the globe.
YOUNG ADULT:
We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
Show the young adult in your life that you can tune into and appreciate their personal world by finding him or her a good YA story. This is a wide-ranging category with age appropriate content.
GRAPHIC NOVEL:
The Iliad by Homer adapted by Gareth Hinds
Where the World Ends by Geraldine McCaughrean
A story with pictures for grown-ups is all the rage. These books cannot be printed fast enough. They are extremely popular and a load of fun to read.
Don’t forget to consider classic literature as gifts. They are great reading for college kids as well as grandparents.
Paperback books of recent bestsellers are thoughtful gifts. Remember, not every new release is in hardcover, and trade paperbacks travel very well.
We all want to read more, and when someone personally and thoughtfully selects a book as a gift, we are more inclined to take time and read. Don’t forget to get a book for yourself. You deserve it! Happy holidays.
