Top Books For Holiday Gifts

There is always pressure to get your loved ones a good gift for the Christmas and holiday season. And a book can be just the perfect thing. Giving a book is very personal, especially if you've read the book you're gifting. It says, I enjoyed this, and I want you to share in those feelings, and it also says that I was really thinking hard about what you would like.

So we at the Lone Book Club have come up with our top book suggestions to wrap up this holiday season, and we've broken it down by each family member to make it even easier to shop!

For Mom 

The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling
If your mom likes small town drama, gossip, and good characters, she'll really enjoy this novel by J.K. Rowling.  Read Our Review 

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
Packed with romance, classic films, and nostalgia, Jess Walter's Beautiful Ruins is a great gift for Mom. Read Our Review

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
An oldy(ish) but a goody, Bel Canto by Ann Patchett is a beautiful tale of love and loss in a very unconventional setting of a terrorist hostage situation.

For Dad

The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thorton Wilder
An older book, but a great one. The story follows five travelers and their lives as they lead up to a tragic event. An incredible testament to the human heart and the things it can survive, this is a great book for a good reader. Read Our Review

The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson

If Dad is a history buff and enjoys light-hearted historical fiction, let author Jonas Jonasson lead him on an adventure of a life-time. Read Our Review 

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

For the more reflective and contemplative reader, Remains of the Day, follows an English butler who reminisces about the days of grandeur long past. 

An incredible testament to the human heart and the things it can survive, - See more at: http://www.lonebookclub.com/2013/11/book-review-bridge-of-san-luis-rey.html#sthash.oqB5sg24.dpuf

For Your Wife/Girlfriend

The Ghost Bride by Yangszee Choo

Yangszee Choo's debut novel follows Li Lan as she journeys into the land of the dead to save herself from the spirit of a man who wants to make her his bride. Read Our Review

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
This adult fairy tale is dark and whimsical and will remind the reader of the joys and innocence of childhood. Read Our Review

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
You can't go wrong with this romantic tale of a very unconventional love that transcends the laws of time. Don't worry it's much better than the movie, and if, in fact, she did like the movie, she'll really love the book!

For Your Husband/Boyfriend

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
This is for the video game fan inside all of them. (It's for non-fans as well.) This high-energy story takes place in the world of virtual reality, and will be devoured faster than your holiday feast. Read Our Review
 
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
This beautiful book is for the more devoted reader. It is the tale of an Indian boy who is stranded in a life boat with a tiger and the awe inspiring experiences they share.

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (AKA: J.K. Rowling)
Is he a murder mystery fan? If so, this is the perfect gift. It is the tale of detective Cormoran Strike a man who must solve a murder that no one even believes happened at all. Read Our Review

For the Teen Girl

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Set in Nazi Germany, this story follows Liesel Meminger, a foster girl who learns to read from stolen books and shares them with her neighbors as well as the Jewish man hidden in the basement. Now a major motion picture, this book is a must read.

The Woodcutter by Kate Danley
This unconventional fantasy takes place in the heart of the enchanted world where all fairy tales are real. But someone or something is trying to ruin their happily ever afters. Read Our Review

Diverse Energies
It's the end of the world as we know it! A collection of short stories set in dystopian futures from some of today's leading young adult authors.

For the Teen Boy

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
You cannot go wrong with this sci-fi adventure of Ender, the child genius who must save the world from an alien race. Read Our Review

The Giver by Lois Lowry
Soon to be a major motion picture, this is a must read classic about a boy who learns that his perfect and controlled world is not perfect at all after he receives the memories of the past. And don't forget about the other two books in the series, Gathering Blue and The Messenger!

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz 
This poignant and beautiful novel follows two teenage Mexican-American boys who grow up in the same neighborhood but come from very different worlds. Together they traverse the treacherous environment of growing up, budding sexuality, and learning the importance of family.  Read Our Review  

For the Kids

The Dark by Lemony Snicket
Any child can relate to being afraid of the dark. Lemony Snicket tells a captivating tale with a surprising, heart-warming twist.

Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman
What could possibly happen when Dad runs out to the corner store to get some milk? Quite a bit, in fact. Whimsical, funny, and full of delightful illustrations! This one is fun for the adults too!

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan
This more mature middle-grade book follows 12-year-old Willow, who is struggles with the death of her adoptive parents. It is not a tragedy, but a triumphant tale of perseverance and joy.

Good luck with your holiday shopping! And if you're someone who will receive a gift from me this Christmas, sorry you had to see all of your gifts in advance.