Livi's Gift Guide, 2012

Here we go again!  It's not to late to give books as gifts.  Let's start with resources.  Here are my previous gift guides.  MotherReader's 150 Ways to Give a Book is a master class in making books exciting, interesting gifts.  In fact, her list inspired me to give this tip:

Reading in bed is fun, but reading in the bath is luxurious.  Pair a book (or a selection of books) with LUSH's Secret Santa Gift, which includes their Cinders bath bomb and Honey I Washed the Kids soap.  Throw in a donation to a literacy-related charity and a small tub of Charity Pot cocoa butter hand and body lotion wrapped in a Santa's Hat scarf and you've really got a great gift for any reader.  (Please note: I am open to receiving some books and LUSH for the holidays, just so you know.  I need some pampering.)

Now on to the book suggestions!

New York Review Books (NYRB) is having a fantastic holiday sale.  Several great bundles are 40% off and individual books are 25% off.  My top pick for children's books is the Adventurous Tales Collection, featuring THE RESCUERS by Margery Sharp.  My top pick for adults is the Fantasy Novels Collection, featuring THE ADVENTURES OF SINDBAD by Gyula Krúdy.

McSweeney's also has several holiday deals.  Personally, I want the Best of Bundle and the Christmas Morning Stocking Stuffer, which contains a classic mug.  My high-ticket recommendation is the signed copy of David Byrne's HOW MUSIC WORKS.  My review is still to come, but that's because I am lingering over this incredible volume.  It's a must for any music lover in your family - my dad is getting a copy for Christmas.

My dad isn't the only one getting a McSweeney's volume for the holiday.  My younger cousins are getting S. S. Taylor's THE EXPEDITIONERS AND THE TREASURE OF DROWNED MAN'S CANYON (review coming Tuesday).  This is McSweeney's McMullen's first middle grade novel and it is a handsome volume.  There are 35 illustrations by Katherine Roy, the cover turns into a poster, and it is a little over-sized and just a gorgeous object.  It looks like a gift.  I'm pairing it with THE MARK OF ATHENA, the newest book in the Heroes of Olympus series, because they love Rick Riordan and don't own it yet.

As for other book-related gifts, I am giving the BabyLit version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL to my niece and nephew.  They're a little old for it, but they have a lot of fun with this series - Alison Oliver's art and design is hugely responsible for that.  Expect a review and interview with author Jennifer Adams soon.  You can read my review of earlier books in the series.

For the crazed bibliophiles in you life, I have three top gift recommendations:

• THE BOOKS THEY GAVE ME by Jen Adams (review)
• JUDGING A BOOK BY ITS LOVER by Lauren Leto (review)
• FAIRY TALES FROM THE BROTHERS GRIMM by Philip Pullman (review and excerpt)

I raved about this three in my reviews, but I'm willing to do it again.  These books will remind you of why you love to read.  Absolutely essential.

Now for my top picks from the books I've reviewed this year.

Contemporary YA:

• ASK THE PASSENGERS by A.S. King (review)
• BURNING BLUE by Paul Griffin (review)
• FRIENDS WITH BOYS by Faith Erin Hicks (review)
• MY LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE by Natasha Friend (review)
• SMART GIRLS GET WHAT THEY WANT by Sarah Strohmeyer (review)

Fantasy YA:

• GRAVE MERCY by Robin LaFevers (review)
• THE GIRL WITH BORROWED WINGS by Rinsai Rossetti (review)
• THE FRIDAY SOCIETY by Adrienne Kress (review)
• THE RAVEN BOYS by Maggie Stiefvater (review)
• UNSPOKEN by Sarah Rees Brennan (review)

Science Fiction YA:

• FOR DARKNESS SHOWS THE STARS by Diana Peterfreund (review)
• INSIGNIA by S. J. Kincaid (review)
• LOSERS IN SPACE by John Barnes (review)

and one adult novel:
THE CRANES DANCE by Meg Howrey (review)


I wasn't sure whether I should add books I haven't reviewed, but I feel like this list is getting unwieldy.  Just take note that there may be a Part II soon.  This list is also available on Amazon.