Giving Books as Gifts: All-around Favorites
This list is going in all kinds of directions.
I almost titled this list “For literary types,” but that 1) sounded a little silly and 2) excluded some titles I wanted to add. So here are eight of my favorite books that I would joyfully share with another interested reader.
What Happened to Sophie Wilder by Christopher R. Beha - Rarely do I finish a book and want to turn right back to page one, but this is one of those books. I had it out from the library and immediately bought a copy.
One Long River of Song: Notes on Wonder by Brian Doyle - Doyle was a master of the short essay and the proem. This is a great book to keep by your bed or your favorite chair (preferably if said chair allows you to look out at a natural landscape) to imbibe in doses that will stay with you.
In Defense Of Sanity: The Best Essays of G.K. Chesterton - Yes, essays again, but in a different style. These, too, will make you smile, make you think, and then make you want to find someone else nearby so you can read them out loud.
The Scandal of Holiness: Renewing Your Imagination in the Company of Literary Saints by Jessica Hooten Wilson - A great listen on audiobook and a wonderful way to rethink what we read and why.
The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender - Listen, this book is kind of weird. But I love it because the characters are so well drawn and the premise is unlike what I’m otherwise used to reading.
Mariette in Ecstasy by Ron Hansen - Hansen did a great deal of research for this book and it shows, but in a good way. He created a powerful story that you’ll be thinking about for weeks—or years—afterward. Find a friend and read it together; it’s a great one to discuss.
Plot Twist by Bethany Turner - I love a romcom now and then, and this one knocked it out of the park. A quick, delightful read.
My Life in France by Julia Child and Alex Prud’homme - Yes, this is a story of a woman who overcame the odds to become incredibly successful. But I love it because it’s infused with love, honors a strong marriage, and proves it’s never too late to try something new.
Next—and last—up, a peek into my wishlist.