So Black Friday is happening, and while you can purchase books at any time, and the start of the gift purchasing season is upon us. So here is a hopefully helpful guide to books to buy for your loved one this holiday season.
First, a note. Support a small, independent bookstore this holiday season, because they are a valuable part of our economy and are often overlooked during the holiday season. My personal favorite is the Wild Iris Bookstore in Gainesville, Florida, and you can order online, through the store, to ship anywhere.
Moving on, here are my recommendations:
The Time of My Life, By Cecilia Ahern: This book is a touchstone for me, but it’s also a great book for that busy, chaotic friend that needs a subtle wake up call that she needs to get it together. It’s a book I need to read frequently to remind myself to take care of myself. It’s simply a great book.
The Life Changing Magic of Not Giving a F***, By Sarah Knight: This book was recommended to me by a friend, and while I have yet to actually read this book, just hearing about it has already changed my perspective. This is the book for a person who doesn’t take themselves too seriously(or for the friend who does, and you want to get a rile out of). Either way, it’s on my wish list for this year.
Just Kids, by Patti Smith: This book. Just. I want to wake up every day and read this book for the rest of my life. This is for anyone who likes memoir, the 70’s, Americana, or for your very best friend.
The Curious Charm of Arthur Pepper, by Phaedra Patrick: This is a great book for your Mom. Or your Aunt that you like but have no idea what to get. I mean this in the BEST WAY. This is a really lovely book that is like UP for adults, and whomever you give it to will love it.
Food Rules, By Michael Pollan: For your foodie friend, this is where it starts. They may already have this, but most likely don’t. This, paired with a cookbook or a nice whisk or something would be a great gift.
The Second Mango/Mangoverse Series, by Shira Glassman: Disclaimer, Shira is a friend, but I’d recommend her books anyway to anyone wanting to dive into LGBT+ independent literature. Get this for your bookish friend, or your friend who is into books about royalty, or your friend who liked Shannon Hale’s The Goose Girl and wanted it to be gayer.
The Namesake, by Jhumpa Lahiri: This is the book for your friend who likes classics. It’s written lyrically, it’s accessible, interesting, and the sort of quiet novel that needs a good mug of tea and a few hours to read.
Those are some of the books I have read this year and loved enough to give to friends. You definitely should too. Or read them yourself, they’re all very good.
Mehek Writes 