’Tis the season, and giving books is the best way we know of to let someone know they matter to you.
So here, in categories but not in any ranking format, are our 25 Book Suggestions for the Season. Enjoy, and think books!
Cookbooks are always a hit, so we chose these two to spark your appetite.
“Turtle Island: Foods and Traditions of the Indigenous Peoples of North America,” by Sean Sherman
Not just great recipes from three-time James Beard Award winning Oglala Lakota chef Sean Sherman, but loaded with indigenous history and traditions.
“Something from Nothing: A Cookbook,” by Alison Roman
Everyone’s favorite New York-based cook, Alison Roman, has just released 100 easy recipes, with ingredients you can pull right from your cupboards.
“Here in New England: Unforgettable Stories of People, Places, and Memories That Connect Us All,” by Mel Allen
Mel Allen, the long time editor from Yankee Magazine, has collected 50 years of his wonderful stories about the characters and character of New England. Delightful stories, this is a must-have, and a must-send, for everyone that knows and loves New England.
We are excited about these two brand new memoirs of pure inspiration.
“Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts,” by Margaret Atwood
The acclaimed writer behind “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Cat’s Eye” shares the journey of her unconventional and magical life through her long-anticipated memoir.
“Finding My Way: A Memoir,” by Malala Yousafzai
In her latest work, education activist Malala Yousafzai takes the reader behind the curtain and shares her life as a young woman in college, making mistakes and growing from them. The authentic memoir shines light on how role models are navigating life the same as anyone else.
“Little Woodchucks: Offerman Woodshop’s Guide to Tools and Tomfoolery,” by Nick Offerman
This much beloved actor, author and musician has 12 family-friendly and fun woodworking projects to get everyone crafting and laughing.
“An Almanac of Birds: 100 Divinations for Uncertain Days,” by Maria Popova
From writer and poet Maria Popova, creator of the weekly Marginalian, comes the most elegant and unique of gifts: a boxed set of 100 cards with daily inspirations on gorgeous collages from the illustrations of 19th-century ornithological books. An artistic and literary gem.
“Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm,” by Charlie Mackesy
On the heels of the world famous best seller, “The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse,” comes this sequel, equally lovely and inspiring.
“Letters From Father Christmas, Centenary Edition,” by J. R. R. Tolkien
For all of you J. R. R. Tolkien fans, here is a gorgeous reproduction of the letters and illustrations that he sent to his own children, courtesy of Father Christmas. A keeper to bring out every Christmas.
“The Land of Sweet Forever: Stories and Essays,” by Harper Lee
Here is a collection of just discovered short stories, and essays over the years from Harper Lee. Just to hear her voice again is an immeasurable gift.
“Carcrash Parker and the Haven of Larpers,” by Ian M. Rogers
From Warner’s own Ian M. Rogers comes his latest book of fiction, “Carcrash Parker and the Haven of Larpers.” A hilarious, heartfelt collision of old-school fantasy, ’80s and ’90s cult classics, and the magic of friendship. Takes place in a land of fantasy that looks an awful lot like Warner, New Hampshire!
“The Suspect: Murder in a Small Town,” by L. R. Wright
Thanks to customer recommendations, we are now obsessed with this psychological thriller mystery series about a cop, a librarian and a sleepy Canadian town (think of Louise Penny). Written 30 to 40 years ago, there are nine of these cult classics to keep you going.
“Spirit in Creation: Two Women, One Vision Finding Peace and Truth in Creation,” by Marjorie A. Burke and Patricia O’Connor
A truly delightful poetry collection from two local authors, Marjorie Burke and Patricia O’Connor, who spent a year writing in tandem about the every day miracles right here under our noses. People and places we all know and love, a book to be given and treasured.
“The Library of Unruly Treasures,” by Jeanne Birdsall
New from the author of the delightful children’s series, “The Perderwicks,” comes this absolutely enchanting tale about a young girl, a library, and a huge secret. While seeking home and family, her adventures take her into the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. What could be more magical!
“Gather,” by Kenneth M. Cadow
I confess to being a late arrival to this perfectly beautiful Young Adult novel, written by a Vermont school principal. This is about a teen struggling against all odds to find community and support, and mastering resilience along the way.
“Winter is the Worst!” by Dan Tavis
We like to think we “discovered” Dan Tavis as a teen many years ago, a budding and very talented local artist. He has gone on to have his illustrated books make the New York Times best sellers list. Here is his perfectly delightful newest, which he both wrote and illustrated.
“Boar and Hedgehog,” by David Elliot
We didn’t discover David Elliott, but we can claim him as a fellow Warner resident. A prolific author of fun children’s books written in poetry, here is his latest. You can catch David right here at MainStreet BookEnds on Saturday, Dec. 6 at noon, reading this and signing all his other books as well.
“The Book of Fairies,” by Susie Spikol
Here is the latest book from Susie Spikol, a naturalist at the Harris Center for Conservation Education in Hancock, who has mastered the art of bringing children out into nature. Discover how you can find the fairies of earth, air, fire and water that exist all around us in nature.
“The Forest Revealed: An Illustrated Year,” by Jada Fitch and Kateri Kosek
This is a beautiful, oversized book, good for sprawling out on the floor for deep inspection. Discover our Northern Forest through 12 vivid paintings, each with a numbered key to search for and identify the animals, plants, insects and fungi pictured.
“The Christmas Sweater,” by Jan Brett
It would not be Christmas without a new, lushly illustrated book from Jan Brett. Surely to join her many other classics, such as “The Mitten” and “The Hat.”
Now, for the all important category of stocking stuffers. Here are some small books that become instant keepers.
Ursula K. Le Guin’s “Book of Cats”
More than 30 poems, meditations and drawings from the beloved science fiction writer Ursula Le Guin, and her lifetime of reckoning with cats.
“Lessons from Cats for Surviving Fascism,” by Stewart Reynolds
While we are on cats, here is a fun little book, where cats finally reveal to us how to channel their feline wisdom to fight evil and right the world.
“Poetry Is Not a Luxury: Poems for All Seasons”
Broken down into the four seasons, a wonderful collection of poems from centuries of poetry and all around the world. From the anonymous creator of the beloved @PoetryIsNotaLuxury Instagram account.
“On the Hero’s Journey” and “On Bliss” by Joseph Campbell
For all of us who sat glued to the PBS series “The Power of Myth,” where Bill Moyers interviewed the mythology and philosophy scholar Joseph Campbell, here comes the first two in a series of tiny books that present his themes. You can still stream this amazing series, and reintroduce Joseph Campbell to a whole new generation.