Welcome to Quick Lit, where we share short and sweet reviews of what we’ve been reading lately on the 15th of every month.
Today I’m sharing 9 newer books that are perfect for gifting this season. The right book makes a wonderful gift, and there’s something here for everyone—young or old, devoted bibliophile or casual reader, cook or artist or history buff.
Books for Gifting 2017
L’Appart: The Delights and Disasters of Making My Paris Home
Author: David Lebovitz
That subtitle! This wasn't on my radar, so stumbling upon a new David Lebovitz at my local indie this month was a delightful surprise. I love his recipes and especially his writing, which manages to simultaneously be interesting, informative, and laugh-out-loud funny. As Lebovitz fans have come to expect, this one combines stories about food and French culture mixed with a heady dose of philosophy-of-life. More info →
The Card Catalog: Books, Cards, and Literary Treasures
Author: Carla Hayden
If you're the sort to swoon over a vintage card catalog, this beautiful and well-curated volume from the Library of Congress is for you. It traces the evolution of the card catalog from ancient times through today, and features more than two hundred photos of card catalogs through the years, library images, and first edition book covers. I especially love that the inside cover has a flap for holding the due date card. More info →
Going into Town: A Love Letter to New York
Author: Roz Chast
From the author of Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant, a new release all about Manhattan. Whether you (or your recipient) is a native New Yorker, soon-to-be first time visitor, or somewhere in between, there's plenty to enjoy in these pages. If the thought of Manhattan brings a smile to your face, put this on your coffee table this season. More info →
Little People, Big Dreams Book Series
Each book in this new series provides a glimpse into the life of an outstanding, inspiring woman: Maya Angelou, Marie Curie, Frida Kahlo, Amelia Earhart, and more. These would make wonderful bedtime reading for little ones or beautiful keepsakes for older ones. More info →
Smitten Kitchen Every Day: Triumphant and Unfussy New Favorites
Author: Deb Perelman
My introduction to Deb Perelman of the fantabulous food blog smittenkitchen.com wasn't via the usual route: I found out she was speaking at my local library, a friend told me I should go, I took her advice and found Deb and warm and funny and smart, and only then did I look up her website and her first cookbook, The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook. This follow-up contains more than a hundred real recipes for real people, gorgeously illustrated. More info →
Plotted: A Literary Atlas
Author: Andrew DeGraff
In this amazing book for book lovers, Andrew DeGraff maps not only the physical terrain of beloved stories, but also character arcs and storylines. His intricate illustrations are based on books readers know and love, like Watership Down, A Christmas Carol, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, A Wrinkle in Time, and Pride and Prejudice. This is easier to see than explain, so check out these nine maps from the pages of Plotted here. More info →
I’m Just No Good at Rhyming: And Other Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-Ups
Author: Chris Harris
This is wrapped and under our tree, thanks to Holland Saltsman's recommendation on What Should I Read Next. This laugh-out-loud collection will delight the children in your life, and would make an excellent choice for a family that reads aloud because it appeals to kids and grown-ups. An excellent choice for anyone who enjoys Shel Silverstein or B.J. Novak's The Book With No Pictures. The illustrations by Lane Smith are perfection. More info →
The Great Halifax Explosion: A World War I Story of Treachery, Tragedy, and Extraordinary Heroism
Author: John U. Bacon
You may have seen references to this devastating event throughout the years; now, thanks to Bacon's brand-new book to commemorate its 100-year anniversary, you can read the rest of the story. In 1917, two cargo ships collided in the port of Halifax, Nova Scotia. One was dangerously overloaded for munitions bound for the French front in WWII; the collision caused the worst man-made, non-nuclear explosion in history, killing 2,000 people, wounding 9,000 more, and leaving half the town homeless. This is the story of how it happened, what happened after, and how the recovery changed history. Check out this list for more great books for dad-types. More info →
What I Found in a Thousand Towns: A Traveling Musicians Guide to Rebuilding Americas CommunitiesOne Coffee Shop, Dog Run, and Open-Mike Night at a Time
Author: Dar Williams
When Holland Saltsman recommended this as a great gift on Episode 107 of What Should I Read Next, I ran out and bought Will a copy. Singer/songwriter Williams draws on her experiences from many years on the road to tell specific, personal stories of how small towns are thriving in unique, unexpected ways. This would be an excellent companion or follow-up to one of my personal favorites This Is Where You Belong. More info →
What have YOU been reading lately? And what books are you giving this season?
16 comments
I finished reading a wonderful book last night. It is called The Charm Bracelet, written by Viola Shipman, set in Michigan, close to Lake Michigan. A great read!
These look so fun! The rhymes and the maps are both especially appealing. Thanks!
The Plotted book looks so interesting! I will definitely check that out.
The new Smitten Kitchen is on my wish list, Anne; I sure hope someone comes through for me – ha! Hope you have a great weekend!
Wow–I can’t believe that I hadn’t heard of ANY of these titles! What a great selection to choose from! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Oh my gosh, I want all of them , either for myself or for someone I love. Good job!
The card catalog card book looks like fun. Thanks for hosting the link party!
There are several plus more possibilities here. I could almost match a person with each suggestion. Back to shopping! Thankyou.
I have the “I’m Just No Good at Rhyming..” book out from the library. It is so incredibly good. My 7 year old is just loving it and I’m thinking we need our own copy.