Chapter 49 - The Christmas List

It is about this time of year I start thinking about books to give as gifts. I really try to match books to people although I have been known to push people out of their comfort zones with book gifts or suggestions. I have read a lot of terrific books this year and in many cases I have given a friend the book as soon as I finish it. So much for waiting for Christmas!

Here are some recommendations for the people in your life who love books.

History - If you have a friend or loved one who enjoys history and went to see the movie Midway a couple of times, give them Target Tokyo by James M. Scott. The book is about Jimmy Doolittle and the raid that avenged Pearl Harbor. The Doolittle raid was featured in the movie Midway. If earlier history is preferred I am going to suggest Sam Houston and the Alamo Avengers by Brian Kilmeade.

John Grisham Fans - Grisham has two terrific books out right now, The Reckoning, currently in paperback, and The Guardians his latest. Both are a little different from what you might expect from John Grisham.

Historical Fiction - I have two contenders for my friends who love this genre. The first is The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes. This is a book about the Pack Horse Librarian program started by Roosevelt's WPA program. My second choice is The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott which is about the CIA's efforts to get the book Dr. Zhivago into the hands of the Russian people.

Biography/Memoir - I have a few friends who love memoirs so again I have two I am giving. For my right-leaning friends I will gift With All Due Respect by Nikki Haley. Mrs. Haley is a strong leader who tells about her time in the United Nations in this book. For my left-leaning friends I am giving Becoming by Michelle Obama. I will encourage them to exchange the books when they are finished with them!

Literary Realism - I have a few friends who love this genre and, hands down, I am gifting The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. Publisher's Weekly describes the book as "... a thoughtful, compassionate exploration of obsession and forgiveness, what people acquire, keep, lose or give away, and what they leave behind." I couldn't agree more.

Do you have any books you are gifting this Christmas? Let me know!