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It’s easy to give books for the arrival of newborns, who should be exposed to a diversity of writing styles until they’re old enough to decide on favorites. But when it comes to holiday book gifts for family and friends, it can be tough.
Reading tastes are personal. You can love every page of a novel and recommend it to someone, but that person can respond unenthusiastically. Instead of choosing books based on your taste, think instead of the recipient’s favorite genre. Check out the selections below for this year’s holiday season.
Young Adult Readers Who Are Hard to Please
Arya is a senior in high school who earns money working in a bookstore. When her sister gets engaged, her life feels like a Bollywood film. Arya Khanna’s Bollywood Moment, by Arushi Avachat, is a rom-com packed with sibling rivalry, senior-year worries, dreams, best friendship troubles and a handsome guy who throws more tension into the mix of this thought-provoking novel filled with humor, sadness and the temptation to dance.
Holiday Romance
Most Wonderful, by Georgia Clark, follows three adult siblings — Birdie, Liz and Rafi Belvedere — each grappling with unique challenges and perspectives as they reunite at their charismatic mother’s lavish Catskills manor for the holidays. As the close-knit siblings navigate their complex relationships and familial expectations, they discover the true meaning of family, love and self-acceptance. A delightful read for fans of Casey McQuiston and Emily Henry, this joyful romantic comedy captures the heartwarming chaos of family gatherings with humor, heart, and a sprinkle of holiday magic.
History Buffs: This One’s a Tie!
Percival Everett wrote Erasure, the novel that became the 2023 film American Fiction. Now, he’s rewritten Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. A daunting task that Everett narrates from slave Jim’s point of view. James is a piercing adventure story about slavery, race and identity — and currently on the shortlist for leading literary prizes. You don’t need to read Huck first, but it would be an extra special gift to include both wrapped as one.
Freedom: Memories 1954-2021 reveals one of the most powerful leaders in the Western world. Angela Merkel’s memoir is multi-layered, her life divided between the German Democratic Republic and reunited Germany. She was chancellor for 16 years after the fall of Communism. Freedom is a timely topic. Merkel says: “Freedom, for me, is to never stop learning, to never stand still, to continue moving forward, even after leaving politics.”
May-December Romance
Susan Minot explores a mid-life affair between a 52-year-old woman and a musician 20 years her junior. Ivy is a divorced mother overcome by her desire for a younger man with a prison record and a dark past. Don’t Be a Stranger is an emotional novel about sexual attraction with a man who can’t make a commitment and the self-discovery of a responsible mother who is devoted to her young son.
Spy Thrillers
Creation Lake, by Rachel Kushner, is sly, sexy and set in the south of France. In her fourth novel, Kushner creates memorable female heroines in tense political settings. This novel is made for readers of John le Carré and Jean-Patrick Manchette. The 34-year-old protagonist calls herself Sadie Smith. Her love interest is Lucien. Enter enigmatic Bruno, a captivating antagonist. Who’s seducing whom? Your gift recipient will relish reading and discovering.
Race & Identity in America
Colored Television by Danzy Senna is a gripping page-turner sprinkled with humor — despite its deep theme of "mulattos" in our country — a term Senna, who grew up with a Black father and white mother, prefers to biracial. Tired of being a struggling literary novelist lacking the income to support her husband and children, Jane wonders if the answer is to “sell out” and write for Hollywood television shows — or if it will lead to her downfall.
Intrepid Travelers
Anthony Bourdain traveled to places I would love to discover, combining his passion for food with his intense curiosity for foreign lands. He discovered unique aspects of well-known places like New York and Paris and journeyed beyond typical destinations from Borneo to Tanzania and Oman. In World Travel, Bourdain’s distinctive voice goes beyond the usual logistics of traditional travel guides. He uses his discerning eye and taste buds combined with humor and memorable descriptions.
Beyond Recipes for Foodies & Cooks
Ina Garten, the “Barefoot Contessa,” has written over a dozen cookbooks and is a favorite Food Network personality. In her new memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens, Garten goes beyond recipes. The remarkable cook and storyteller illuminates how she faced — and rose above — obstacles in her personal and professional life, leading to her accomplished career. She shares many adventures in and out of the kitchen.
Happy reading and gift-giving. In case you can’t decide, a gift membership to the Book of the Month Club is always appreciated.
What are YOU reading right now? Have any recommendations? Let us know in the comments below.
