Choose Books: A Gift Guide For People Who Care About Stories



It's here!

Finally, finally, I have for you the second edition (revised and expanded!) of Choose Books: A Gift Guide For People Who Care About Stories (PDF). Here's what you can look forward to:

• Hundreds of thoughtful and original book recommendations, including those featured in expansive profiles and those recommended for particular groups of readers--like, say, sports fans, people going through hard times, children, politicos, and wannabe cooks
• A revised version of the Top Ten Magazine Gift Subscriptions
• A brand-new section on the best literary organizations to offer your gift donations

More than a mere list of my personal favorites, Choose Books is outward-looking, featuring outstanding books of different styles for different tastes (and ages). These are both contemporary titles and classics, authored by both esteemed and emerging writers, and released by both small and large publishers. While updated for the 2010 holiday season, this gift guide can also help you navigate 2011’s birthdays, holidays, ceremonies, and affectionate 'just thinking of you' surprises.

Why Choose Books for your gifts this holiday season? Glad you asked. It's because there are few things more fun than giving someone a book they fall in love with; it lasts longer and matters more than, say, necklaces or sweaters, while rarely being more than about fifteen dollars. What's more, your purposeful choice of books, purchased from indie booksellers, supports a vibrant and dynamic literary culture in a time when the book world is struggling and even literacy is horrifically low. Choose Books because you really can make a difference. Choose Books because it is joyful.

This 57-page gift guide is free and accessible, my gift to you. If you find it worthwhile, however, I'd appreciate it if you'd consider pitching in a donation.

 

 

 

And also, I'd love to hear your recommendations. What's missing in this gift guide? I'm acutely aware this this guide is hardly comprehensive. ... What books have you given to others that they've loved? What gifts that you have received have worked for you? I want to hear all your stories about your stories.

Comments

[Monet]

This is wonderful Anna!

[Shelley]

Yes, thanks. And don't assume that younger people have read all the books you might think they've read. Horton Foote, the screenplay writer for To Kill a Mockingbird, changed my life, and not only is the film lovely, but the book still stands the test of time.

You may be surprised at who hasn't read it.

[gina]

I think you've sold me on a subscription to Harper's. Of course, in my mind, $16.97 translates to three beers--two if you're fancy--which isn't all that much in the grand scheme of things. I'm happy to see Per Petterson, Ludmilla Petrushevskaya and Alison Bechdel in the updated guide. And so many more who I've yet to meet. Thank you for this resource!!

A few recommendations
For the culinary-challenged vegan/vegetarian with a taste for world cuisine: Vegan Planet by Robin Robertson
http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781558322110
This was especially helpful for me when I was transitioning from lacto-ovo to strict vege/vegan.

For people who like a dash of mystery: Last Night in Montreal by Emily St. John Mandel
http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781936071609
I also categorize this as lit fiction that even the non-reader will enjoy.

For those who are looking for a different kind of American novel, those interested in immigrant literature, those who appreciate introspective protagonists: Dinaw Mengestu's The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears
http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781594482854

For spiritual seekers, people at crossroads, writers: What the World Will Look Like When All the Water Leaves Us by Laura van den Berg
http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780976717775

[Anna Clark]

This is great, Gina -- thanks so much! I STILL haven't read Dinaw Mengestu, so it's great to get another nudge. And so many wonderful things have been written about Laura van den Berg's work ... but I'm totally new to Emily St. John Mandel; I haven't heard of her and I'm intrigued. Same with Vegan Planet. Thanks so much for the arrows pointing in such promising directions! I'm learning a lot from you and your book interests.

Also, I hope you save enough beer money to enjoy a pint while reading your Harper's magazine -- I find they go well together. :)

(P.S. Here a few other vegan cookbooks that I've enjoyed! http://www.govegan.net/)