Great Books for Christmas
Books For Christmas!
Who doesn't love receiving a book on Christmas day? Today the Book Tarts are sharing great ideas for those last minute gifts on your list. Something for everyone---we hope. Please add your contributions in our comments section. We always want to hear about good things to read!
When did the tradition of memorizing poems die out? Re-kindle it this year! For children, how about the book of poetry collected by Caroline Kennedy? A FAMILY OF POEMS make a delightful gift.
For mystery lovers, how about the new PD James, Death Comes to Pemberley? A blend of classic mystery and--yes, Jane Austen!
Catherine the Great by Robert Massie is a terrific biography for any feminist on your list.
Any writer--poet, fiction, non-fiction or postcards---is going to love Stephen Sondheim's examination of his own writing process in FINISHING THE HAT. This book includes photos of his notes to himself, and it's brilliant. An intimate look at a complicated man's writing process:
100 Dresses by Hal Rubenstein. A terrific coffee table book with great photos . . . and some slyly entertaining text, too.
For mystery readers, what could be better than a riveting story about a young man who picks locks? Naturally, it leads to trouble. Try THE LOCK ARTIST by Steve Hamilton. (Have we mentioned that Mystery Lovers Bookshop offers free shipping? What could be easier?) 
In the mood for some fascinating non-fiction? I keep having to replace my copy of "Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain" by David Eagleman. This is because everyone who picks it up wants to take it with them. It's about the workings of the subconscious brain. A great gift for men and women both.
Here is the link to buy it from Mystery Lovers: http://www.mysterylovers.com/index.php?target=products&product_id=59089
What books would you add, dear readers? Fill us in! What books will fill your stockings this year?
It's called "Best Friends, Occasional Enemies" and it is the perfect gift for the mom, daughter, sister or friend on your list.
Here is the link: http://www.mysterylovers.com/index.php?target=products&mode=view&product_id=59025
Can't think of a particular book to recommend this year as a gift, but I did buy two $50 gift certificates from where else http://www.mysterylovers.com/index.php
The perfect gift for two readers in my family who can pick out the books they want to read.
Posted by: peach | December 16, 2011 at 08:38 AM
Okay, I want the PD James book, the Stephen Sondheim book and the one about the brain. Also The Lock Artist. Too bad nobody who has me on their list is likely to be reading this. O, the irony!
Posted by: Harley | December 16, 2011 at 09:07 AM
Have to add my sister's book this year, The Story of Beautiful Girl, which is about people with disabilities who were institutionalized and stuff like that, but is a love story of sorts and had me crying at the end. And, big plus, I am not in it, either as a real character, part of a composite, or anything; there is nothing about any character related to me.
Posted by: Josh | December 16, 2011 at 09:28 AM
The Stephen Sondheim is a MUST HAVE-- I have the first one, and am enchanted. Finishing the Hat is my absolute inspiration..I talk about it all the time.
I just read Stephen King's 11/23/63--and it is AMAZING.
Posted by: Hank Phillippi Ryan | December 16, 2011 at 09:30 AM
Hint to my family: I'd enjoy any of these books! But I really want 100 Dresses, being the student of fashion history that I am. What an intriguing topic, the story of iconic images from our shared history.
Our daughter gave us Freakonomics for Christmas. I read it in just over a day, it was so fascinating.
Posted by: Karen in Ohio | December 16, 2011 at 09:55 AM
Most of my books are for the younger set.
"Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword" by Barry Deutsch. It s a graphic novel about an Orthodox Jewish 11 year old girl, sword swinging, troll fighter. Princess One has checked it out of the library twice and wants her own copy.
"Hanukkah at Valley Forge" by Stephen Krensky and Greg Harlin is for younger children. On a cold night (was it ever summer at Valley Forge?) a Jewish private tells the Chanukah tale to General Washington. An excellent telling of out matched fighters fighting for freedom. A fiction based on fact story well suited for early readers.
In non-fiction, I love the Freakonimics books. "Conventional Wisdom" something repeated as fact with no basis in fact.
Josh is not in his sister's book. But I make a brief appearance in "Death on a Platter" By Elaine. Thanks!
Posted by: Alan P. | December 16, 2011 at 09:59 AM
Ooh, I'm adding Finishing the Hat to my wish list. Thanks!
Posted by: stuckinmypedals | December 16, 2011 at 10:07 AM
I keep harping about "The Invention of Hugo Cabret", but Brian Selznick's new book, "Wonderstruck" is getting lots of buzz for Caldecott and Newbery Medals. I'm wishing it would win both--a first!
It's a time travel and historical book for young readers, and part of it takes place in the Museum of Natural History because Selznick is a dinosaur geek in addition to being a fabulous author and illustrator. Put it all together, what's not to love?
Posted by: Ramona | December 16, 2011 at 10:08 AM
Hank, you are so right about King's 11/22/63. Whether you are an "Oswald acted alone" person or a conspiracy theorist, it is a great read. One of his best in years.
Posted by: Pam aka SisterZip | December 16, 2011 at 10:46 AM
I do buy books for Christmas, and can definitely recommend Lisa and Francesca's "Best Friends, Occassional Enemies".
On the side, I will mention that I was down at Chester County Books last night just so that I could meet Oogy. (Oogy: A Dog only a family could love) So sweet. Then, since it was a multiple author event, with local authors, I also picked up a thriller by a new author (book: Primacy).
My friends and family should know by now to not buy me books. Just give me the gift cards to get the books! LOL! Since my book list is constant flux, it is just easier this way.... :)
Posted by: Debby | December 16, 2011 at 11:05 AM
Josh *says* he is not in his sister's book. But let's be real. What author could pass up the chance to work with such fine Carrera?
Still on my first cuppakoffee, I misread Ramona to say, "Selznick was a dinosaur."
Okay . . . Well, why not?
Posted by: Tom | December 16, 2011 at 11:25 AM
I just started Wonderstruck -- my lovely niece suggested it. It does look wonderful. I've sent Elaine's _Death on a Platter_ to a friend in Jersey ho is partial to gooey butter cake. It's so good! (the book and the cake ;-)
There are so many good books, and not nearly enough time.
I just finished the last Eragon book _The Inheritance_ and there's a new Gabaldon . . . Those long books are a real commitment. Evanovich books are like appetizers by comparison. . . but do keep writing y'all. I like the security of knowing I'll never have to be bored.
Posted by: Storyteller Mary | December 16, 2011 at 12:01 PM
I am adding my vote for The Invention of Hugo Cabret and Wonderstruck. There was a moment near the end of Wonderstruck that actually made me gasp out loud. He really plays with the graphic novel form in a way that no one else does (and really I am not a big fan of the form, except for in Selznick's hands). It is brilliant.
I also can't recommend The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern enough. Beautiful and so imaginative.
Also, if you have a fan of biography and/or WWII, I loved Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood With Britain in Her Darkest, Finest Hour. I swear I have a retroactive crush on Edward R. Murrow.
Laurie Notaro's latest book of essays, It Looked Different on the Model: Epic Tales of Impending Shame and Infamy is hilarious. If you have never read her, start with her first book, The Idiot Girls Action Adventure Club and work your way through the rest of her books. She cracks me up.
Posted by: Jill W. | December 16, 2011 at 01:09 PM
Wait---what happened to my comment! Yeesh! I highly recommend Caroline Kennedy's collection of poetry about the various eras in a woman's life. It's insightful and funny (sometimes very funny!) and poignant. PLus, it looks very pretty. Great gift for any woman:
http://abcnews.go.com/US/walks-beauty-poems-selected-caroline-kennedy/story?id=13294893
Posted by: Nancy Martin | December 16, 2011 at 01:21 PM
I loved Andy Williams' "Moon River." I love biographies and autobiographies.
For pure entertainment I recommend "SPIDER"S DANCE" by Will Graham aka William Simon.
A thrilling read from start to finish!
Posted by: marie | December 16, 2011 at 01:43 PM
Just in case nobody has read any of them yet, I highly recommend the Flavia de Luce series of mysteries by Alan Bradley. I just finished the third one "A Red Herring Without Mustard" and it was great.
And, of course, if you are buying for a young boy, you can't do better than some Doc Savage stories, many of which have been reprinted in recent years.
Dr. Seuss is great for all ages.
Posted by: Doc In CA | December 16, 2011 at 01:44 PM
I both love and hate book suggestion days, because I end up wanting them all. Several of the books mentioned in the blog are on my Christmas list. I also just bought the latest in Alan Bradley's series, "I am Half Sick of Shadows". I second Doc's suggestion - this is a great series. Also newly purchased is Charles Finch's latest, "A Burial At Sea" - another series I really enjoy. I'm currently reading Julia Spencer-Fleming's "One Was A Soldier" (I'm a bit late to the party). I bought a signed copy of "Best Friends, Occasional Enemies" for my sister (and myself).
The PD James book and Dresses book were already on my list. Now I have more to add.
Posted by: Laura (in PA) | December 16, 2011 at 02:54 PM
I enjoy any book written by Laura Childs. I think I've collected all her teashop mysteries, most of the scrapbooking ones and am starting on the egg ones. Light, enjoyable reading which prompted a trip to Charleston and a foray into scrapbooking.
Posted by: Charlotte | December 16, 2011 at 03:08 PM
For an 8 year old I got 2 Dinkin Dings books and 3 Franny K. Stein books!
Posted by: gaylin in Vancouver | December 16, 2011 at 04:44 PM
Also, I did buy the books from an independent bookseller. An amazing store called Vancouver Kidsbooks.
Posted by: gaylin in Vancouver | December 16, 2011 at 05:19 PM
I'm late to the party today!
Hank's recommendation of "11/23/63" by Stephen King is 120% dead on. The Man is Back! I've not been so enthralled with a King novel since "Salem's Lot!"
Personally, I'm reading the newest version of Dame Agatha Christie's Autobiography. The book has been out of print for years, and this edition includes a CD of interviews with Dame Agatha herself. A fascinating woman, a fascinating life....
Posted by: William | December 16, 2011 at 05:21 PM
DebbraSue! Are you around? I lost your address...sigh. Can you send again??
Posted by: Hank Phillippi Ryan | December 16, 2011 at 05:37 PM
I love THE MAMMY trilogy(?) by Brendan O'Carroll. They are about family that deals with crap of life that can come one's way. They aren't pretty, but they are brilliant and can give one a certain boost especially, I think, if you've struggled and failed, and still found joy in the struggle-- or if you want to.
Posted by: Reine | December 16, 2011 at 05:43 PM
Jill, I want to know which part of Wonderstruck made you gasp . . .
Posted by: Storyteller Mary | December 17, 2011 at 10:25 AM
Just finished Death Comes to Pemberly. I got it the first day it was available as who can resist PD James and Jane Austen. It is a terrific read and I highly recommend it for fan of either James or Austen or both. James channels Austen perfectly - and we see what everyone from Pride and Prejudice is up to six years later.
Posted by: Maya Hasegawa | December 21, 2011 at 06:44 AM