The Art of Racing in the Rain
A friend gave me a wonderful book as a gift: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. I will definitely be giving this book for the holidays! It's a wonderful story told from the dog's perspective about what he is learning inside his dog body before he is reincarnated into human form. There are some funny moments, sad moments, insightful aha! moments and lots of learning moments. I laughed, I cried, I learned a lot about what could possibly be going on inside a dog's head!
— Lis, Cincinnati
Firefly Lane
A friend at work gave me the book
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. It is a wonderful book about love, both the love from a spouse and a best friend. The book reminded me of the
Bette Milder movie
Beaches. I have two copies now and pass them around to anyone who tells me they enjoy reading.
—
Alishia, Oceanside, California
Eat, Pray, Love
I usually try to find books that I feel will be meaningful to friends. I think about their personalities, likes and dislikes and also what is going on in their lives. For example, a friend of mine is going through a break-up and she likes nonfiction, so I'm giving her
Eat, Love, Pray by Elizabeth Gilbert. Another friend is pregnant, so I'm giving her
What to Expect When You Are Expecting. In the past, I have given
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett and anything by
Isabelle Allende. —
Denise, Key West
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
I recommend the book The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by Dr. John Gottman. It's a must-read for all newlyweds and to reassure yourself if you're already in a great marriage.
— Lavone, San Antonio
The Joy of Cooking
My favorite book to give is a hardbound copy of
The Joy of Cooking by
Irma Rombauer. It's the bible of cooking. Because it's expensive in the hard-bound format, it makes it a gift that most people would not purchase for themselves.
—
Carol, Aurora, Ontario, Canada
Wishin' and Hopin'
I just finished reading
Wally Lamb's Wishin' and Hopin': A Christmas Story and will definitely give it as a Christmas gift. This book was laugh-out-loud funny, and having lived through the time period the book was written about, it brought back great memories of Catholic school, fifth grade and being 10 years old during the 1960s. I have already recommended this book to most of my reading buddies and cannot wait to share this book as a gift.
—
Pat, Selbyville, Delaware
The Guinness Book of World Records
Preteen to young teen boys are always difficult to buy for. When my great nephew was about 10 or 11, I began giving him the Guinness Book of World Records every year. Last year, I was wondering if perhaps he was tired of getting it every year. His mother told me he asked her, "Do you think Aunt Pat will still get me the Guinness Book? I hope so!" So of course I did and was thrilled to know he still enjoys it. He is 15 now. And, yes he wants it again this year. I really think it is sort of an ageless book, to be enjoyed by all ages.
— Pat, Vallejo, California
From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
We just purchased From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L.. Konigsburg for our grandson. This was my favorite book when I was a child. I read it to my daughters several times! The book is about a 12-year-old-girl named Claudia who had the nerve to leave her unappreciative family and run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art with her little brother in tow. They had the best adventures hiding out from the security guards and figuring out the creator of a lovely statue. The way Claudia planned their getaway, lived on what little savings they had and hid out in the museum was so intriguing to me as a young girl! I hope my grandson Alex will enjoy it as much the rest of the family!
—Cheri, St. Louis, Missouri
Jillian Jiggs series
For my imaginative granddaughters, I am getting books from the Jillian Jiggs series by Phoebe Gilman.
— Helene, Red Deer Alberta, Canada
The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia
The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia by Vance Ferrell and Dr. Harold M. Cherne. It has more than 11,000 inexpensive home remedies using foods and herbs to treat more than 730 diseases. It's the greatest gift ever!
—
Juliet, Hollywood, FloridaWhat books are you giving as gifts this year? Share with us!The best books for kids at any ageThe best everything of 2009
