Want to give the best gifts you can this holiday season? Then I’ve got the books for you! I believe the best gifts you can give anyone are the gifts of story. Words transport and transform; words inspire and inform. Words are powerful and lasting. When you give the gift of words, your gift will last long after the tinsel, wrapping, fruit cake and other novel items fall away.
During the November 2019 Logos & Mythos Book Club LIVE, I shared a few suggestions for book gifts for all ages and, thanks to the suggestion from one of my listeners—thank you, Heather!—I’m pulling those recommendations into this post for you.
If you’d like more recommendations for specific people on your list, drop me a comment or send me an email. Or, head to your local independent bookstore and chat with the friendly people there. They will have excellent recommendations for you as well!
On to the books!
For anyone on your list:
This 30-day devotional highlights all the beautiful names God has for his children. I cannot recommend this book enough. It will be the perfect gift for all ages on your list, and you can’t beat the price!
Bleeding Heart by Elizabeth Rawls
If you love inspirational poetry, this is the perfect collection, written by Elizabeth and her mother.
Any Good Thing by Joy E. Rancatore
This book has been enjoyed by men and women ranging in age from early 20s to late 60s, but it’s been recommended for late teens all the way up. Non-readers have not been able to put it down, and it’s had all four- and five-star ratings so far.
For all the Sci-Fi and Fantasy lovers on your list, this would be a winner. Plus, all profits go to Compassion International! Each story in this book comes with a PG-13 or under rating, and you can read more details about the content on Rachael’s site.
Fantasy meets steampunk wrapped up in Christian faith in this first in a series. Perfect for tweens through to adults!
For the women on your list:
Remaining Aileen by Autumn Lindsey
This is the best twist on the struggles of motherhood I’ve ever read. Not only does Aileen have to figure out how to embrace her new life as a vampire, but also she has to figure out what that means for her relationship with her husband and two young girls.
Mission Hollywood by Michelle Keener
This is both a fresh and refreshing take on the good-girl-meets-bad-boy story. She interweaves Christian faith in a realistic way. I love the way she writes and this story … and I’m not a huge romance reader.
Light on Glass by Michelle Keener
Michelle’s newest book releases on December 10—just in time for Christmas! I have an advanced copy that I cannot wait to dive into and will update here as soon as I do. Because I’ve already adored everything I’ve read by Michelle, I can go ahead and recommend this one without hesitation. Plus, I have it on good authority that this is the story of the author’s heart, so you know it will be special.
For the girls on your list:
Most girls love horses, fantasy, magic, unicorns and princess tales with a twist. You can’t go wrong with any of those themes.
Take the Reins, Canterwood Crest series by Jessica Burkhart
This is the first in my daughter’s (twelve years old) favorite series, all about horses.
Adela’s Curse by Claire M. Banschbach
The prologue of this book made me cry because the prose was so painfully beautiful. I highly recommend this book for girls of all ages.
The Beauty Thief by Rachael Ritchey
This is the first in a series of adventure, magic and purpose. I recommend this for teens and up, girls and boys. For younger siblings, this picture book follows the story of the first novel.
For the boys on your list:
Most boys love adventure, action, spies and potty humor. Look for any of those themes.
Fetch-22, Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey
The newest book in the Dog Man series, Fetch-22 releases on December 10. If you have a boy on your list, he will love these books. Seriously. You would also do well with any of the Captain Underpants books by the same author.
Niagara Falls, Or Does It? Hank Zipzer series by Henry Winkler
I loved Henry Winkler as the Fonz on Happy Days and I love him even more for his honesty about his struggles with dyslexia and his bravery to start a book series for kids that highlights a main character who faces the same challenges he did. This is the first book in a series that kids, young and old, will love!
A Tragic Introduction, Scott McCulley series by Jessica Joiner
This is the first book in a Christian spy series geared toward teens. I would recommend it for middle school on up, both boys and girls.
The Wolf Prince by Claire M. Banschbach
This is the second in the Faeries of Myrnius series, but you don’t have to read them in order. They stand separate from each other. While the first, Adela’s Curse (linked above) would be more appreciated by girls and this one would be preferred by boys, all ages and genders would love both!
For the men on your list:
In addition to these two specific nonfiction books, I always recommend Tom Clancy or Stephen King novels for men. They are fantastic writers whose stories are engaging, action-packed and thrilling. Stephen King is not just gruesome horror, by the way. If your guy would prefer something more along the psychological thriller vein, I would be happy to recommend a few more specific books.
Chip Gaines (of Joanna Gaines and Fixer Upper fame) shares his philosophies on life, business and learning from mistakes. The conversational tone makes this a quick read; and, because it’s Chip, you’re guaranteed to laugh out loud a time or two.
A friend of the Gaines, Clint has a story all his own. Stuck in a job that didn’t fulfill him, Clint decided to change his future and follow his passion instead.
For the writers on your list:
Since I have quite a few writers following me here, I had to toss out a few suggestions for you!
Finders Keepers: A Practical Approach to Find and Keep Your Writing Critique Partner by Joy E. Rancatore and Meagan Smith
This much-needed book releases in early December, just in time for the holidays. Check back here or on the Logos & Mythos Press site for preorder info!
Business for Authors: How to Be an Author Entrepreneur by Joanna Penn
I recommend every book on writing by Joanna, but this is at the top of the list. Joanna is an industry expert and guiding light for Indie Authors. Whether you read her blog posts, listen to her podcast or read her books, you will learn so much.
Write with Fire by Charles Allen Gramlich
This book lit me on fire when I took my first tentative steps toward a publishing career. It might do the same for the writer on your list. Plus, it’s written by a fellow Louisiana author!
What books top your own wish list this year? Do you have some other recommendations for us? I’d love to hear them! Comment below or send me an email today!
