The holidays are upon us and I know many of us get a lot of joy from giving gifts to those we love! Well lucky for you, a book can be the perfect gift. Maybe you personally loved it and want to share the love. Maybe you know they would love to unwind and escape reality with a good book. See below for some book recommendations for everyone on your list this holiday season. I've tried to include mostly books published in 2021, but a few older releases snuck in there too!
For the Amateur Baker
We all know that one person who adopted a sourdough starter as a pet during peak-pandemic (lolz me). They'll feel seen when they read Accidentally Engaged by Farah Heron, a rom-com featuring a lovable baker and the fake fiance she enlists to help compete in a couples baking game show. Not to mention the delectable Indian food she makes throughout the book! For another baking competition romance, check out Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake by Alexis Hall. This will give you all the Great British Bake-Off vibes!
For the History Buff
All aboard! Travel back to 1950s America in The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles, the bestselling author of A Gentleman in Moscow. Follow along 18 year old Emmett as he treks along from the midwest to San Francisco, and all the places in between.
You know the story of the Titanic, but do you know about the people on it? Stacey Lee takes you back to that fateful voyage over 100 years ago in Luck of the Titanic, a book written in remembrance of the Chinese passengers aboard the Titanic who lost their lives, or were shamed for surviving.
For the Rock 'N Roll Fanatic
Do you know someone with major Daisy Jones and The Six hangover? Ahem, me again. Then gift them The Final Revival of Opal and Nev by Dawnie Walton or Songs in Ursa Major by Emma Brodie. Both are electrifying novels set during the early 70s Rock 'N Roll music scene, one with heavy racial themes and one focusing on gender issues, respectively.
For the Social Commentary Lover
Give the gift of discussion and conversation with these relevant books. Gutter Child by Jael Richardson is set in a fictional world that explores colonization of indigenous populations. Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour would be a great gift for fans of The Office, and is a satirical look at being Black in corporate America.
For the Hopeless Romantic
Everything After by Jill Santopolo is a complex, emotional, and relatable love story, leaving Emily wondering if she's made the wrong decision in love. Need something a bit lighter? Not to worry - The Soulmate Equation by the star writing duo Christina Lauren brings humor and heart and a little chemistry to the table. For the bride to be or the Love Actually fanatic, gift Georgia Clark's It Had To Be You, a rom-com set in the weird, wide world of wedding planning!
For the one who Thrives on Chaos
We all know those people who find themselves addicted to the drama and chaos of life. This is not me, but books about other people's chaotic lives and families are right up my alley.
Any of Taylor Jenkins Reid's books would be great gifts, but her most recent book, Malibu Rising, is one of 2021's best books. It features a rich family's completely-out-of-control party and the family secrets that led to it's eventual fiery conclusion.
Dava Shastri's Last Day by Kirthana Ramisetti seems like such an interesting idea that I would never carry out. Dava arranges for the news of her death to leak early, so she can see read all of the lovely things her adoring mourners say about her. Well, that's not quite what she gets, and I am here for it!
For the Bookworm
For the bookworm in your life (or really everyone in your life...) gift The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. This is one of my favorite books of the year, and explores all the choices we make and infinite possibilities our life can take, like a library with shelves that go on forever.
Know a bookstagrammer or, better yet, a bookstagram lurker? Talk Bookish to Me by Kate Bromley follows an influential bookstagrammer and all her millenial escapades. Talk about meta!
For the Drama and Literature Student
Do you know someone obsessed with Greece? Ariadne by Jennifer Saint follows the forgotten women of Greek mythology as they strive for their happy ending even if it means defying the gods. Are they more into Shakespeare? Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell depicts a little-known story of Shakespeare's son and namesake of the famous play, Hamlet.
For the Desperate Housewife Fanatic
The hot mess express is here, and it's bringing you three fun, humorous, and deadly books today! First is Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano, a struggling author and single mom who is mistaken for a hit-man, but can she actually pull off the job? Next up is Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala, the first book in a new culinary cozy mystery series, that starts with the mysterious death of a food critic ex-boyfriend. And finally, Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto mixes murder and weddings, and what could be better?
For your Teenage Niece with Nothing to do over Winter Break
Gift the teenager in your life a new best friend from Tahira in Bloom by Farah Heron. Tahira has big-time fashion design dreams, but finds herself spending the summer designing flower arrangements instead. Tahira is sure to grow on you throughout this YA novel. The Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley is an own voices Native story interwoven with love, mystery, and community. Finally, check out the more sinister pair of Devon and Chiamaka from Ace of Spades, by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, a popular mashup of Gossip Girl and Get Out. By the way, who said adults can't enjoy a little YA once in awhile?
For the Adrenaline Junkie
Survive the Night by Riley Sager is an intense locked-car thriller, and your reminder that it is never, ever, a good idea to get into a car with a stranger!
No Exit by Taylor Adams is an older book, but a sure way to start off the new year with a bang! This thriller is non-stop and very unexpected, plus it's an upcoming movie in 2022! If the Adrenaline Junkie in your life has read No Exit, then consider 2021's Hairpin Bridge - a riveting new psychological page-turner by the same author!
For the Friend who Must Read the Book before the Movie
These are both older books, but both are getting a fresh new makeover in 2022. Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie comes to the big screen in February, a follow-up to Murder on the Orient Express from a few years ago. One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid is one of the best books I read in 2019, and I have such a special place in my heart for it! It is hopefully coming to the big screen later next year!
Still at a loss? Gift a subscription to Book of the Month!
Book of the Month is a monthly subscription that lets the subscriber choose one new, shiny, hardcover book every month to get shipped straight to their doorstep. This is a great option for the readers in your life if you aren't sure what kinds of books they like! Check out this post for a guide to Book of the Month!
If you'd like to try Book of the Month, you can get your first month for $5 with my discount code, and I'd get a discount off of my next box too!
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