The Gift of Reading
Julia Ercolano ’20 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer/Contributor
It’s the holiday season, and that means it’s time for some holiday shopping. The search for gifts can be tough, but you can never go wrong giving the gift of reading! Here are eight book suggestions for everyone on your list.
For the Home Improver:
Is HGTV always on in your house? Each time you go home for break, is there a new piece of furniture, a new color on the walls? If you’ve got a Home Improver in your life, then get them:
Dream Home by Jonathan and Drew Scott
Any Home Improvement enthusiast knows the Property Brothers, so what better gift then a book written by the enterprising twins? A guide to everything real estate—buying, selling, and renovating—this book, complete with photos, is perfect for any aspiring house flipper.
For the Harry Potter Fan:
Harry Potter’s fan base spans the globe, so it’s likely you know a Potterhead or two. If one ends up on your gift-giving list, you can’t go wrong getting them:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: The Illustrated Edition by J.K. Rowling
Rowling’s famous first adventure accompanied by beautiful artwork by Jim Kay? Count any fan in. And if they’ve already got this one, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: The Illustrated Edition just came out this fall!
For the Musician:
Got a virtuoso conductor on your hands? A lead soloist? Anyone with a love and appreciation for music will surely be pleased with receiving:
Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
An autobiography from the Jersey-raised legendary rock star, with this book, you can give the gift of rock-and-roll this holiday season. Springsteen shares his remarkable story in his own words, and gives a new look at his famous song “Born to Run.”
For the Liberal:
Politics may not be the first thing you want to bring up at holiday gatherings, but if you’ve got a known liberal on your list, you may want to check out:
Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In by Bernie Sanders
The story of Senator Sander’s campaign for the presidency, told in the popular politician’s own words! This book is sure to be informative and inspirational.
For the Classicist:
One of the best classics is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary with a new, exclusive edition! So, for the classics fan in your life, get:
The Outsiders: 50th Anniversary Edition by S.E. Hinton
The story of Ponyboy, Sodapop, Johnny and the gang is back with a new cover and new, exclusive content. Any wannabe Greaser would be thrilled to get their hands on this book, but be sure to check out the Anniversary Edition and the Barnes and Noble Exclusive for unique content!
For the Romantic:
Is there someone on your list who just loves love? With so many great romantic tales out there, it’s hard to choose the right story for the romantic in your life, but you can’t go wrong with:
The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
A touching, highly-acclaimed story about two people from two very different worlds who, by some chance of fate, fall in love on a busy New York City street. Natasha and Daniel will find out that there’s more in store for them in life then they had ever imagined.
For the Young Adventurer:
There’s nothing like escaping into a book for an epic quest! For the young thrill-seeker on your list this year, try:
The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Steward
An awesome tale of an ordinary boy who discovers an extraordinary secret written by a celebrated storyteller whose words are supplemented with beautiful illustrations, this book is sure to intrigue and entertain minds of all ages.
For Anyone:
Some stories are meant to be read by everyone, and this year, that book is:
A thought-provoking story examining race, power, privilege, and justice in contemporary America, this is a must-read for anyone on your list. The lauded book offers a candid look at America as it really is, not as it ought to be.
No matter who is on your list this year, these books are sure to make excellent gifts and help you get through that holiday shopping madness!