The best part of having a book lover on your gift list is that you can order well-priced books from Amazon and get them in a day!  Or stop by your local bookstore and grab a few books!   

But which books to get them, you say?  Here's my list for 2016 to help you out.  I'll try to include a few for some of those harder to shop for people too...

Let me start by saying, kids books can be great for all people!  Like, Dr. Seuss... I mean everyone needs some great Dr. Seuss in their lives... 

As far as kids, I put together my all time favorites last year, so check those out, they haven't really changed this year. 

Alright, so this is my current favorite genre... but in order not to be too biased this year, I'm getting recommendations from Goodreads. 

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Mass - This series is very popular with the fantasy fans.
2. The Shadowhunter's Chronicles by Cassandra Clare - Another series that is gaining a large following.
3.  Salt to the Sea by Rute Sepetys - This stand-alone read has amazing reviews and won the best YA book of 2016 on Goodreads.
4. The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon - While this book has mixed reviews, it is popular.
5. P.S. I Like You by Kasie West - Just like the rest of this list, I have not read this one, but I have read West's books before, and she is just a fun real-life writer. 

1. Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty - This book is officially the winner of the fiction books of 2016 on Goodreads... but it has some serious opinions...
2. The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney - Who wouldn't want to read about a "spectacularly dysfunctional" family? Granted this is another mixed review book...
3. Shades of Magic by V.E. Schwab - This series is gaining popularity.. it is full of mystery and magic.
4.  All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders - this book is clearly an odd book... it is it's own story to say the least, but for fans of good literature and wonderful stories, this could be a big hit!
5. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - JK Rowling, Jack Thorne, & John Tiffany - Alright, so if you are buying for a real book fan, this might be the wrong pick as most fans have already read this... but still, you never know!

1. Hamilton: The Revolution by Lin-Maneul Miranda, Jeremy McCarter - Clearly this would be a slam-dunk if your recipient doesn't already have it...
2. Hungry Heart: Adventures in Life, Love, and Writing, by Jennifer Weiner - This is probably for the women on your list, but it's down to earth and real...
3. When Breath Becomes Air  by Paul Kalanithi - This is the kind of story that will never leave you, while the author died from cancer (the focus of the book) before finishing, this is still a must read
4. Leonard: My Fifty-Year Friendship with a Remarkable Man  by William Shatner - Perfect for fans, and for those who love a good biography!
5. The Romanovs: 1613-1918 by Simon Sebag Montefiore - This is the book to get for the history buff on your list.  

1. Cold Shot by Dani Pettrey - This is a surprise book for most Christian fiction readers and should please all fans of murder mysteries.
2. A Spy's Devotion by Melanie Dickerson - Perfect for the Regency Era fans
3. CS Lewis's 'Mere Christianity': A Biography by George Marsden - Clearly if Christian books are a popular choice, then this is going to be a great choice.
4. No God but One: Allah or Jesus? by Nabeel Qureshi - This is a must read for all Christians who are looking for understanding, and could really help Muslims who are fearful of converting... oh and it's a must own...
5. Fool's Talk: Recovering the Art of Christian Persuasion by Os Guinness - Perfect for the apologist, or hopeful apologist, on your list!

The options are limitless when it comes to books. That has to be one of the best parts of it.  You can get books for all the people on your list if you just think about it.  If you have someone who would really benefit from just some time with you over the next year, think of a book you want to read, then buy two copies, one for you, and one for them.  Then insert a little card into the one you are gifting, telling them of how you will visit with them to discuss chapters in the book over the next couple of months. Then they can mark their calendar, and you have a gift that will keep on giving!

Also, just my humble opinion here, but if you are going to give someone a book, try to go for the hardcovers.  They are a little extra, but when possible, they fill out bookshelves beautifully!




Already have a book, and want a little something extra?  Check out this wonderful Etsy &; online shops full of bookish gifts!!  And you will be "shopping small" this season! (Granted shipping on these won't be as quick... maybe these can be extra gifts for birthdays??)

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