I like to give books as presents, there’s nothing unique about that. And I spend a fair amount of time selecting the right book for the right reader, because when someone gives me one I’m always interested in why they made that particular selection. I think most people who give books do the same, but for some reason (probably because I published a book in this third career of mine), there are a lot of questions each holiday season about not only what I’m buying, but for whom and why. 

So, this year I thought I’d consolidate and share. It’s not like there aren’t plenty of lists for best holiday gift books out there. But the questions come, so here goes. They aren’t all the latest titles, just the best suited for particular friends, perhaps some of yours as well.

The Candy House / The Many Daughters of Afong Moy

Please be Advised

Coco at the Ritz

Suspect

The Women of Troy / The Silence of the Girls

Oh, William

Klara and the Sun

Where are the Snows / A Necessary Explosion

Sandman, a Golf Tale

How to Walk on Water

Last Summer on State Street

And Now For The Plug (You knew it was coming).

Please scan your list and consider gifting The Fourteenth of September, a novel that checks many boxes for many readers: historical fiction, coming of age, women’s and war fiction (Putin and his conscription/draft have made it newly relevant). Available in paperback, e-book and audio formats.