Books for Giving!

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Did you know Iceland has a book-giving tradition at Christmas? It even has its own name, Jólabókaflóð, (pronounce yo-la-bok-a-flot) which means “Yule book flood.” It is widely accepted that you give your loved ones books on Christmas Eve and spend the evening reading. I assume this means curled up in front of a fire with something yummy to sip on. Sign me up!

Now drum roll please…..here are my recommendations of books to give for gifts this year:

1. For the Science and Earth Lover: Scott Kelly’s Infinite Wonder. Scott Kelly spent a year alone in space and captured unique images of our planet. Back in early quarantine, his op-ed went viral.

2. For someone who loves a great story. The Stationary Shop is one of my favorite books of the year (along with Dear Edward and Take Me With You). Beautifully set in Iran and America, a bittersweet story of love and second chances.

3. For the Book Lover: Dear Reader: The Comfort and Joy of Books is both a memoir and an ode to the value of books in our lives.

4. For the History Lover: Gombrich’s Little History of the World. This little book covers everything in an interesting and digestible way. Runner up: Bill Bryson’s A Short History of Nearly Everything.

5. For the Poetry Lover: A Poem for Every Day of the Year (edited by Allie Esiri). I love this series — the covers are gorgeous and it is easy to dive in and out of. How about reading a poem every day in 2021?

6. For the Adventure Seeker: Touching the Void by Joe Simpson — This is a harrowing tale of survival in the same vein as Into Thin Air. It is not just about climbing; It is about mortality, determination, suffering, hope, and friendship.

7. For the Mystery Lover: Anthony Horowitz writes clever mysteries that have not gotten the acclaim they deserve. Magpie Murders is a mystery within a mystery. It is great fun! Runner up: Anything by Jane Harper.

8. For the Chef: Salt Fat Acid Heat by Samin Nosrat has almost 8,000 Five star reviews on Amazon. It was hugely popular in 2019 and people have not stopped raving about this or watching the Netflix show of same name.

And, as I am in the spirit of celebrating, I am passing along this delightful holiday bucket list from Kellyhapton.com (note: for me, replace Home Alone with A Christmas Carol):

BOOK REVIEWS

I really enjoyed this multigenerational book about family loyalty, secrets kept and stories told. Set in Pakistan, India, The United States, and England; The story spans time and place. The protagonist, Saira, uncovers truths about her family while growing up and finding her place in the world. We were privileged to have the author, Nafisa Haji join our book club discussion. I appreciated hearing about her writing journey and how she used her own family’s stories as the inspiration for this first novel.

This is a tough review to write. I finished Shelly Miller’s second book, Searching for Certainty the week before she passed away from an aggressive cancer. Imagine writing a book about letting go of worry and relying God and then being diagnosed with cancer and experiencing the global pandemic? I loved Shelly’s first book Rhythms of Rest and this was the perfect follow-up. She never wavers in her deep faith and positive attitude about life. The world is a bit dimmer with her gone. If you want to hear how lovely Shelly was, here she is speaking recently on a podcast about her journey.

Long Bright River is everything a literary mystery should be: strong story line, complex characters, and enough twists to keep me guessing. Mickey is a single mom and beat cop on the streets of Philadelphia. She is struggling to find child care while: (1) searching for her missing sister, and (2) trying to find the a killer leaving bodies in her drug-ridden beat. Running throughout the novel are repercussions from her (and sister’s) traumatic childhood that is working itself out many years later.

I also listened to two apocalyptic books that were terrific (if this is your kind of read.)

Moon Over the Crusted Snow, is written by First Nations author Wabgeshig Rice. The story asks what it would mean for a reservation in the far North of Canada to lose power, communications, and the supplies that they have grown dependent on. What if those that were originally able to survive in the wild are too dependent on the conveniences of modern life?

In a similar vein, Devolution looks at a group of privileged families that have established an exclusive neighborhood in a remote wooded area. When they lose communication because of a natural disaster, their first concern is having enough to eat. It then becomes apparent what they really need to fear is not becoming something else’s meal.

---

Before I sign off and begin all of my Christmas preparations, I want to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know for many of us it will be unlike any before. Yet every morning when I wake up, there are so many things I am thankful for. Now more than ever.

For each new morning with its light, for rest and shelter of the night, for health and food, for love and friends, for everything Thy goodness sends.

— Ralph Waldo Emerson