Genre titles may make beloved holiday gifts
Still searching for holiday gifts for your loved ones? Here are some books in specialty genres that could make perfect presents.
BIOGRAPHY / AUTOBIOGRAPHY / MEMOIR
For the fiercest of fierce women on your gift list, look for “Passionate Spirit: The Life of Alma Mahler” by Cate Haste. It’s the story of Mahler, wife of the artist, who was also the first woman to write an opera at a time when women were supposed to be shadows of their husbands. It’s one of those little-known stories you should know.
The giftee who needs a boost of confidence will gain from reading “More Than Enough” by Elaine Welteroth. It’s the story of the author’s realization that she really WAS everything she needed to be, and that’s a great lesson to take into the new year.
They say that America’s Royalty sprung from the New England area, and if your giftee is a fan or follower, then wrap up “The Kennedy Heirs” by J. Randy Taraborrelli. This big book is all about the JFK kids and their generation, as well as their cousins.
For the person who’s spent time this year as caregiver to a parent, “How to Forget” by Kate Mulgrew is the book to wrap. It’s the story of caring and loss, and coming to terms with a past that one may or may not know until secrets are no longer kept.
The Anglophile on your gift list will love finding “Our Rainbow Queen” by Sali Hughes under the tree. It’s a celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s colorful style and the splashy fashions she favors.
For readers who are into music, feminism and fierce women, “No Walls and the Recurring Dream” by Ani Di Franco will make a perfect gift. It’s the story of Di Franco’s first 30 years on earth, her activism, her life, and her music.
If there’s a Hollywood watcher on your gift list this year, then wrap up “Seduction: Sex, Lies and Stardom in Howard Hughes’s Hollywood” by Karina Longworth. It’s the story of a very rich man, the women who wanted him (or his money, or both) and the women who got what they wanted — much to their regret.
Historians and connoisseurs alike will love reading “The Bourbon King” by Bob Batchelor. It’s the story of George Remus, his crimes and his totally illegal prohibition-era empire.
BUSINESS
If there’s a business-minded future college student on your gift list this year, you’re both in luck: you, because finding their gift is easy for once; them, because of the “Masters at Work” series. These quick-to-read books take a look at various professions, from the kind of education needed, to the salaries that can be expected, the best parts of the job, the most hated, and what it’s like to go into business for yourself. Look for Masters at Work books on being an architect, museum curator, fashion designer, sommelier, baker, life coach, neurosurgeon and others.
HEALTH / MEDICINE
Here’s a book for the teacher, parent, or pediatrician on your gift list: “Let the Children Play: Why More Play Will Save Our Schools and Help Children Thrive” by Pasi Sahlberg and William Doyle. Yes, this is a book on horsing around, play, goofing off and all the other fun things we should encourage children to do more. This book will explain why.
Parents of all ages will love reading “I’m Staying at Richard’s” by Bernadette Agius, a book about motherhood, and Agius’ journey with her son, who has Down syndrome. Wrap it up with “Normal Sucks” by Jonathan Mooney, a book about living with differences and knowing that “normal” is whatever you say it is.
For the giftee who strives to stay as healthy as possible, “Living with a Green Heart” by Gay Browne may be the right gift to give. It’s about getting rid of toxins in your house and in your body, not just inside and outside but also outside the door. And if that giftee is a bit older than most, add “Eightysomethings” by Katharine Esty to that gift package. Neither of you will be sorry you did.
ANIMALS AND PETS
There are actually three kinds of people who will love seeing “No Beast So Fierce” by Dane Huckelbridge under the tree: Animal lovers, for sure, will want to read this book about deadly tigers. Conservationists will be eager to see what the author says. And adventure lovers will thrill at the danger inside this book. Lucky are those three people with this book. Lucky you, if they’re one in the same giftee.
No dog lover is going to want to miss “Unleashing Your Dog” by Marc Bekoff and Jessica Pierce. It’s about how your giftee can learn more about their dog by learning about the dog’s senses and how to make Doggo as happy as possible through those senses. Wrap it up with “Smoky the Brave” by Damien Lewis, the true story of a tiny Yorkie dog and his role in World War II.
That cat lover on your list will yowl with joy when “Tiny but Mighty” by Hannah Shaw is unwrapped. Filled with the cutest of kitten pictures, this book is a delight right there. Add plenty of information and tips on saving orphans, and you’ve got a book absolutely meant to give this holiday.
The lover of wildlife and the feeder of birds will squawk when they open “Saving Jemima” by Julie Zuckefoose. It’s the story of a blue jay and the woman who helped raise her, who kept the bird alive and who loved a feathered friend. For more wild book lovers, try “The Hidden World of the Fox” by Adele Brand, and let your giftee see what the fox says. (Hint, this makes a great stocking-stuffer).
— Terri Schlichenmeyer, for The Oklahoman