Gift Guide: Book Edition 2021
Written by Sally Anne Groomes
Garrison Keillor once said, “A book is a gift you can open again and again.” I could not agree more! If you are looking for the perfect gift, here is a book guide for every type of reader in your life!
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For the non-fiction news reader:
The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 by Garrett M. Graff
While lengthy, this book provides an in-depth and multi-faceted exploration of the happenings on September 11, 2001. This narrative is propelled by detailed first person accounts woven together from politicians, newscasters, firefighters, pilots, and numerous other witnesses and survivors. Graff never loses sight of the tragedy of this day, yet one cannot help but feel inspired by the level heroism, patriotism, and utter dedication to fellow humanity displayed by so many.
For the HGTV lover:
House Lessons: Renovating a Life by Erica Bauermeister
This is an ideal memoir for any one that loves a good fixer upper. Through the lens of her home renovation, Bauermeister reflects on the power renovating one’s home, marriage, and family life. She offers wisdom and entertaining anecdotes for readers.
For the lover of life hacks:
The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi
The lazy genius approach expanded upon in this book provides readers with helpful tips and tricks to identify what matters in any situation. The book is divided into thirteen principles to help you lead a happier, easier, more purpose/passion-driven life!
For the athlete reader:
North: Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trail by Scott Jurek
Scott Jurek is an ultramarathon runner with an impressive race resume. However, after turning forty, he decided to set his sights on achieving the fastest crossing of the Appalachian Trail. The book alternates each chapter as Scott gives his account followed by his wife, Jenny, who was his “race crew” for the journey. Hearing the perspective of both uniquely reveals the grueling lows and the highest highs experienced by both. This was a fascinating read and definitely inspires you to lace up your sneakers!
For the fan of fashion or all things British royalty:
HRH by Elizabeth Holmes
Every dress tells a story and the sartorial decisions of the royal family even more so. HRH deep dives into the power of a good dress from Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, and Duchesses Kate and Meghan.
For the psychology/self-help guru:
The Gift: 12 Lessons to Save your Life by Edith Eger
A survivor of the Holocaust and a trained psychologist, Eger’s perspective on life and wisdom in approaching challenges that arise is incredibly insightful and a true testament to the power of forgiveness. The twelve lessons expounded upon in the book offer the reader valuable approaches to dealing more productively with adversity and facing each day with grace.
For the mystery reader/Dateline enthusiast:
The Library Book by Susan Orlean
I started reading this book not knowing that it was actually nonfiction and enjoyed every twist and turn. On its surface it may seem like a strange focus—the 1986 Los Angeles library fire—but Orleans provides a fascinating and detailed recounting of the events following the fire, the investigation into the perpetrator who started it, and the larger ramifications of the importance of the library to the community.
For the Sci-fi reader:
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Science fiction is rarely my preferred reading genre but this novel kept my attention from the very first page. This book examines the extent to which technology and artificial intelligence can replace human connection and the problems that can arise when we attempt to make that substitution.
For the animal lover:
Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley
This book was decidedly unique as it’s told from the perspective of a French race horse (Perestroika), a dog, two ducks, and a bird. They form a sweet little family as they meander around Paris getting into scrapes while also forming life-changing friendships with those (both animal and human alike) around them.
For the lover of classics:
Ruth by Elizabeth Gaskell
Having studied nineteenth century Victorian literature in both college and graduate school, I’m not sure how this gem of a novel escaped my purview. Gaskell, a contemporary of Charlotte Bronte and George Elliot, writes a compelling tale of a fallen woman who, after one youthful indiscretion, learns the redemptive power of grace. Meanwhile, the community around her gain a new and deeper appreciation of genuine goodness versus the hypocritical appearance of righteousness.
For the Anne of Green Gables lover:
Marilla of Green Gables by Sarah McCoy
For anyone that fell in love with Anne Shirley and is dying to return to Prince Edward Island, this is the book for you. Serving as a lovely prequel to Anne of Green Gables, McCoy’s novel delves into the story of Marilla. Marilla was always a character that seemed mysterious to me as a child—why wasn’t she married? Why did she have such a stern exterior masking her loving heart? Why did she and Matthew live together at Green Gables? McCoy provides answers to all these questions and so much more in her narrative that seems flawlessly in sync with Lucy Maud Montgomery’s fictionalized world.
For the historical fiction fan:
The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner
This book is a lovely read for any Jane Austen fan. The characters within the book and themes explored parallel that of an Austen novel. Meanwhile, the focus of the novel also centers on a wide array of characters that form a bond dedicated to preserving Austen’s legacy with a great deal of homage paid to the dear author.
For the lover of books who has read everything:
The Reading List by Sarah Nisha Adams
Adams creates a wonderful book about books in this very meta text that demonstrates the power of literature to unite even the most unlikely people. After the death of his wife, Mukesh finds one of her unreturned library books which starts him on a reading pilgrimage with the help of a rag-tag cast of characters he meets at the library. The books they read—each a classic in its own right—offers insight into the characters and the struggles each is facing in their lives.
Gift Guides ✨ 2021
We know how difficult it can be to find that perfect gift—and how rewarding it is when you find it! That is why we have curated 2021 gift guides for the women and men in your life. Happy gifting!
Sally Anne Groomes
Washington D.C.
Sally Anne is a former literature professor who still cannot be caught without a book close at hand. Currently, she is raising her three kids, running many miles, and adventuring around the world one duty station at a time with her husband (a Navy doctor). She loves Jesus with all her heart and is learning daily how to count it all JOY.
Learn more about Sally Anne here and find her on Instagram at @sagroomes21
Sally Anne’s Book Club is available exclusively to members of Dive Collective.
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