As cold weather moves in and the days get shorter, I’m starting to crave time in front of the fireplace with a good book. Wouldn’t it be great to take a reading vacation just about now?

If you have someone on your shopping list who likes to read or who loves cookbooks, maybe one of these books will make the perfect gift.

This list covers novels, short stories, memoirs, political commentary and cookbooks. I’ve included links to Audible audiobooks for everything except for the cookbooks.

• There There — Tommy Orange’s debut novel introduces us to a group of 12 urban Native Americans attending the Big Oakland Powwow. While learning each person’s story, we are given a glimpse of the effects of the past and present day society on Native Americans.
  Their stories tell us of the beauty of traditions and some of the ugly realities of life in this country. (Here’s the Audiobook and Kindle version.)
• Sadie — Courtney Summers will keep us on the edge of our seats with her story of Sadie’s quest to figure out who killed the younger sister she raised and to bring the killer to justice. It’s also about West, the radio broadcaster who becomes obsessed with Sadie’s search. As Sadie tracks the killer, West follows her journey in his podcasts. (Here’s the Audiobook and Kindle version.)
• If You Leave Me — A story of two childhood friends and star crossed lovers in Korea during the war. They are forced to flee with their families from their homes to refugee camps. Crystal Hana Kim’s epic tale shares their journey through war, refugee camps, tragedy and an epic romance. (Here’s the Audiobook and Kindle version.)
• Lethal White — I’m looking forward to the fourth book in the Cormoran Strike series, from author Robert Galbraith (aka J. K. Rowling). I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this private detective series. It’s gritty and delves into the lives of several seedy characters. You won’t necessarily like them. Cormoran isn’t a ball of positivity. He’s a bit down and out and living in a messy room next to his office, He’s estranged from family and a former fiancé, his prosthetic leg doesn’t fit well and causes him a lot of pain. But, Cormoran is one of the good guys and we root for him. His assistant, Robin Ellacott, is in her own rut and her job with Strike gives her opportunities that she desperately needs.  Some readers are not crazy about the slow pace of these books, but I like the pace. It seems to reflect Cormoran’s personality. (Here’s the Audiobook and Kindle version.)
• I Might Regret This: Essays, Drawings, Vulnerabilities, and Other Stuff  — Abbi Jacobson (co-creator and co-star of the series Broad City) wrote this collection while traveling alone across the country. I’ve done the traveling cross country alone bit and it gives one plenty of opportunity to reflect. I regret not writing while on my trips. I will live vicariously through Jacobson’s reflections, thoughts on life’s big questions, funny stories and illustrations. (Here’s the Audiobook and Kindle version.)
• Becoming — Michelle Obama’s memoir should bring us back to the positive vibes that came with her days in the White House. She has been a champion of women and girls and an example that you can do anything and be anyone you want to be. She’s a leader who can make us laugh. I want to hear more of her story. (Here’s the Audiobook and Kindle version.)
• Good and Mad — Rebecca Traister, (author of All the Single Ladies) examines the history of female anger and its ability to become a political movement, “from suffragettes marching on the White House to office workers vacating their buildings after Clarence Thomas was confirmed to the Supreme Court.” (Here’s the Audiobook and Kindle version.)
  For a sneak peak at what the author thinks about this subject, check out her opinion piece in the New York Times, Fury Is a Political Weapon. And Women Need to Wield It.
• Now & Again: Go-To Recipes, Inspired Menus + Endless Ideas for Reinventing Leftovers — Julia Thurshen is the author of two other cookbooks that got rave reviews: Small Victories and Feed the Resistance. Her new book, Now & Again, includes recipes and menus for preparing food for gatherings, parties and using leftovers. Deb Perlman, another favorite food writer, says, “I am so excited about this book because Julia is very, very good at throwing unpretentious, cozy meals together…”
  Here are a few recipes that I want to make:
  • Scrambled Eggs with Cilantro and Coconut Chutney
  • Greek Yogurt with Fried Pistachios and Lemon
  • Celebration Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Dates
  • Lazy Vanilla Semifreddo with Honeyed Strawberries
• Bread and Salt Between Us:: Recipes and Stories from a Syrian Refugee’s Kitchen — I recently read this New York Times article about Mayada Anjari cooking her first Thanksgiving dinner. Bread and Salt is her new cookbook. Celebrating the flavors of Syria and the traditions of eating together, the book includes recipes that Mayada learned from her mother and shared with the people who sponsored the family’s immigration to the U.S.
  The Times article described the rub that she made for the first turkey she cooked. I tried a similar blend of yogurt, tomato paste, cinnamon, nutmeg, onion, turmeric and black pepper on chicken and it was delicious.
  The Amazon page includes her recipe for Baked Chicken and Potatoes, with a savory blend of vinegar, tomato paste, cumin, garlic and cayenne pepper. And there is this description, “From the fresh tabbouleh she learned to prepare alongside her mother and sisters to the rice pudding that won over her future husband…” I’m sold!

Related Posts

Here are more holiday shopping suggestions and other cookbook reviews:

• 2018 Holiday Gift Giving Ideas
• 2017 Holiday Gift Giving Ideas
• New Cookbooks for Fall and Winter 2017
• New Cookbooks for Summer Entertaining