Gift Worthy Books for the Holidays
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Hi there. How are you?
Picture this…
It’s a cold and snowy Christmas Eve. You’re gathering with friends and family to exchange books and share stories, while enjoying hot cocoa, chocolates, and a special holiday ale.
Sounds quite lovely, don’t you think?
Known as Jolabokaflod (Christmas Book Flood), this Icelandic tradition originated during World War II, when books were one of the few things available in abundance.
Though there’s not any reading at my family Christmas Eve celebrations, I have been gifting books for Christmas over the last few years. I pick books based on their interests and a bit selfishly, mine too. (We usually pass the books around so we can all read them. Win-Win!)
I compiled a list of books that I will be gifting this year and some that I’d love to receive myself. Perhaps there’s something on this list that might be perfect for someone on your list or for you!
I’ve shared Amazon links to all of the books on the list, but I encourage you to purchase these titles locally if you can. There’s nothing better than an independent book store. (Shout out to Mystery to Me in Madison, where I purchased some of these titles!)
HEADS UP: As an Amazon Influencer, I earn a small commission when you make a purchase via the links in this post. It is a small way to support the I do without any cost to you. Thank you!
A hand lettered spread from “Keep Going” by Austin Kleon. Click to purchase!
For ANY Creative:
“Keep Going” by Austin Kleon
Austin Kleon is one of my favorite creative mentors and this is his third book on the topic of creativity. In this book, he shares 10 ways to stay creative in good times and in bad, using anecdotes from his own life and other creatives. His advice is tangible and practical and highly approachable. Some of the pages are hand lettered and illustrated, so it feels like he’s talking right to you. On top of that, his books are small and square and makes them even more endearing! If you really want to treat the creative in your life consider gifting all 3 of his books!
I included his two other books in a previous book roundup. Find it here.
The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza. Click to Purchase!
For Fiction Fans:
The Sicilian Inheritance - Jo Piazza
I’ve been following the work of podcaster Jo Piazza for years now. When I heard she was writing a novel based on the life of her Sicilian great-great grandmother, I made a mad dash to preorder and was able to snag a signed copy! I devoured this book in just a few days while on vacation this spring.
Set in both in present day and 1900’s Sicily, Piazza tells the story of Sara Marsala and her great-great grandmother Serafina who never made it to the US when the rest of her family emigrated in the early 1900’s. Jo is a fabulous storyteller, imbuing her story with rich detail of the food, culture, and people of Sicily. Best of all, this is a story about women supporting and empowering other women.
Though, you don’t have to be Sicilian to enjoy it, it certainly made me think about my own Sicilian great-great grandmothers who probably lived very similar lives.
The New Art of Paper Flowers by Quynh Nguyen. Click to purchase!
For the Crafter:
The New Art of Paper Flowers by Quynh Nguyen
I met Quynh this year in a business mastermind I was part of. (Shout out to Lauren V. Davis for connecting us!) She was finishing up writing this book when I met her, and she was an invaluable resource to me while I wrote my own book.
Quynh is an absolute master of paper flowers. It’s amazing to see what she can do with humble crepe paper! She breaks everything down in 30 step-by-step paper flower tutorials that she elegantly photographed herself.
Bush Baby, Bush Baby by Heidi Garcia. Click to purchase!
For Babies, Toddlers, & Pre-Readers:
Bush Baby, Bush Baby by Heidi Garcia
This picture book was illustrated by my soon-to-be father-in-law Jon Strawbridge, an extremely talented and accomplished artist. (It’s fun to be able to talk shop with him!)
This melodic, rhyming book details, “the features of the Bush Baby animal. Also known as Gallagos they have dug eyes, long tails and make a cute cry like a human baby.” This would make a fabulous bed time story for young ones.
Creepy Frank Finds a Friend by Kim Winberry. Click to purchase!
For a Young Reader:
Creepy Frank Finds a Friend by Kim Winberry
This is another book written and illustrated by someone I know! (Kim and I are in an artist business community together.)
Kim writes,"Creepy Frank Finds a Friend" is a heartwarming children's book that tells the story of Frank, a character who is misunderstood by those around him due to his unusual and spooky appearance. The book beautifully illustrates the themes of acceptance, kindness, and the importance of not judging others based on how they look.”
Though I haven’t read this one, I can vouch for the gorgeous illustrations and love the underlying message of the story. At 92 pages, this is best for school aged children with a longer attention span.
Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir by Ina Garten. Click to purchase!
For Non-Fiction Fans (and Me!)
Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir by Ina Garten
In my teaching days, Ina Garten was a close companion. Most days, I’d come home from school, lay down on the couch, and watch “Barefoot Contessa” on HGTV. Her soothing voice, and approachable style of cooking and entertaining were so comforting to me. Several of the recipes she shared on the show have become go-to’s in my cooking rotation. I appreciate that she felt no obligation to cook an entire meal from scratch. She’d whip up a main dish and a salad, then pick up bread, appetizers and a dessert at the market. She made it all look so easy!
I adore this woman and can’t wait to read her memoir and learn more about her life and experience.
That’s All for Now
Happy Holidays from Richard and Cleo. This pretty much sums up their relationship. Cleo is trying to relax in the hammock while Richard is by her side, ready to wreak havoc at any moment. Photo credit to my mom (Carla Mullin). She snapped this one on Thanksgiving.
Last thing, if you’d like to see some more giftable books, be sure to check out this list.
