Reprinted from auburnpub.com
Now that Halloween is in our rear view mirror, stores go all
out to decorate for Christmas and people begin to think about putting together
their gift lists. The great thing about giving books as gifts is that they
always fit, they are never the wrong color, and they open up minds.
Let’s start with the kids. Actor/writer B.J. Novak, whose
adult book of stories, “One More Thing” drew critical praise has written a
unique book for children. “The Book With No Pictures” is just that- a book with
no pictures, but children are delighted with all the silly words and sounds
that adults make reading this clever book.
Baseball superstar Derek Jeter has written a children’s book
(ages 8-12) about his life as a Little Leaguer. “The Contract” describes how
his parents had him sign a contract stating the rules for his behavior if he
wants to play baseball. Every young baseball fan (and their parents) will love
this book.
“I Am Malala” by 17-year-old Malala Yousafzai is a
children’s version of her story of defying the Taliban to get an education.
She’s a recent Nobel Prize winner and great role model for children too.
Older teens will adore Allie Condie’s latest YA book,
“Atlantia” set in a fascinating underwater world she created, about sisters and
their bond.
For people who appreciate humor on your list, standup
comedian Jim Gaffigan’s newest book is “Food, A Love Story” which shares his
love of junk food in his own funny way.
Speaking of food, the cook on your list will be happy that
Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa is back with “Make It Ahead”, which gives the
reader recipes to make meals ahead of time and reheat. Country singer Martina
McBride follows in the steps of
Trisha Yearwood with her cookbook “Around the Table”.
Horror fans will be happy to know that Stephen King has
returned to his roots with is newest big novel, “Revival” about faith,
addiction, redemption and humanity, with a crazy, heart-stopping ending.
Thriller lovers will rejoice at the return of Michael
Connelly’s Los Angeles detective, Harry Bosch, in his newest novel, “The Burning
Room”. On the mystery side, Irish writer Tana French continues her brilliant
Dublin murder squad series with “The Secret Place”.
Romance is always in the air, and some of the favorite
writers in the genre have Christmas-themed books out. Debbie Macomber’s “Mr.
Miracle” features a guardian angel who takes the guise of a community college
teacher to help a young woman get her life back on track.
Sherryl Woods’ “The Christmas Bouquet” is the 11
th
book in her popular Chesapeake series featuring the O’Brien clan and their
various friends and romantic partners.
Nora Roberts has written over 200 books, and her latest is
“Blood Magick”, the last in her Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy. Set in Ireland, Branna
O’Dwyer, the owner of The Dark Witch Shop, a tourist shop that sells lotions
and soaps, is looking for love; will she find it?
For the more literary fiction fans on your list, there are
lots of wonderful books available. Former Pulitzer Prize winner Jane Smiley begins
an ambitious series about 100 years of life in the American Midwest with the
first novel, “Some Luck”. It takes us from the 1920’s to the 1950’s through the
life of a farm family. It has been long-listed for the National Book Award.
For people who prefer true stories, Atul Gawande has written
“Being Mortal” a thought-provoking book that looks at how Americans deal with
the end of life. It discusses nursing homes, hospices and how our culture has
trouble with this difficult part of life.
Many history buffs were glued to their TV sets this fall
with PBS’s series “The Roosevelts” about the lives of Theodore, Franklin and
Eleanor Roosevelt. The companion piece to the series is a gorgeous book, filled
with beautiful photos, “The Intimate Roosevelts” by C. David Ward and Ken Burns,
and will look wonderful on every coffee table or bookshelf.
For the sports fan, Harvey and Fredric J.Frommer has written
a terrific book about the heated New York Yankees/Boston Red Sox rivalry over
the years, “Red Sox Vs. Yankees: A Great Rivalry” .
And don’t forget that Syracuse University basketball coach
Jim Boeheim will be signing copies of his new book, “Bleeding Orange” at
Downtown Books & Coffee on E. Genesee St. on November 13
th.
Contact the store at 515-3411 to preorder your copy.
Now that you can cross off your Christmas gift list, you can
plan your Thanksgiving dinner.
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