A Literary Christmas-Gifts That Give Back
Stuck With What to Buy This Christmas? How About a Book?
Dec 14, 2008
Although it may seem daunting to get someone a book, worrying about whether they will like it, or might already have it, if you glance at their bookshelves or coffee table you will probably see some kind of pattern. Do you see lots of Nora Roberts, John Grisham, or celebrity names? Having a sense of what authors they like can tell you what genre of books to look for to get them a personal, thoughtful gift. Not only can they pick it up and relax with it, but they'll be touched that you took the time to figure out just what they like.
So, this year, here are a few of the books making waves on the New Releases table.
In the Crime and Horror Genres
Patricia Cornwell has released Scarpetta, her newest book in the intense detective series. Dean Koontz has released Your Heart Belongs to Me, a spooky book about a stalker who resembles the donor of a heart transplant. James Patterson has released Cross Country, his newest in the Alex Cross series. And finally, Stephen King's new book, Just After Sunset, delves into the psychological and fantastic.
Literature and Romance
A Mercy, by Toni Morrison, relates the tale of a 17th century slave and her daughter. Nicholas Sparks has released The Lucky One, a novel of a soldier attempting to locate a woman he becomes transfixed with from a photo found in Iraq. The Hour I First Believed, by Wally Lamb, recounts the stories of five generations.
Non Fiction and Auto/Biographies
The American Journey of Barack Obama comes at a timely moment, with Obama about to be the next US president. For a lighter read, Bill O'Rielley's A Bold, Fresh Piece of Humanity, gives a satiric look at life in the Western world. For those who like a bit of self help, The Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell, talks about why some people are successful, while others are not.
Children's Books
Perhaps one of the most anticipated new releases in this genre, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules by Jeff Kinney, has already released in the states, but has yet to hit the UK. Likewise, JK Rowlings newest book, a spin off of the Harry Potter series, is The Tales of Beadle the Bard, the book given to Hermione Granger at the end of the last Harry Potter book. In Big Words for Little People, by Jamie Lee, a family enlarges both their vocabulary and thier friends.
These are just a few of the huge number of holiday releases on the shelves. So, check out your giftee's bookshelves, or even ask someone close to them. The chances of them having a new release fresh from the press are low, and you'll give them a thoughtful gift they'll love.
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