They can’t be delivered by drones (yet), but books are one of my favorite things to give at Christmas. It’s a way to really show someone that you care about them and pay attention to their interests. Over at my personal blog I usually do a guide to finding unique gifts online, but this year I decided to just focus on books. Enjoy and happy giving!
Seven Men: And the Secret of Their Greatness by Eric Metaxas
Metaxas is one of my favorite Christian writers and speakers. I have given his bestseller, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, to many people over the last couple years. Seven Men is great because it can appeal to sports fans, history buffs, not just Christians. The book discusses the life and faith of seven great men, including George Washington, William Wilberforce, Eric Liddell, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Jackie Robinson, John Paul II, and Charles Colson.
The Tao of Martha: My Year of LIVING; Or, Why I’m Never Getting All That Glitter Off of the Dog by Jen Lancaster
This book is perfect for crafty and not-so-crafty women. After the devastating loss of her beloved pitbull Maisy Lancaster immersed herself in Martha Stewart’s way of life. Hosting holiday parties. Crafts. Decorating. Gardening. With Martha, it’s all about the process of doing things the right way. I’ve always found freedom in rules and process (Ok, I may be in the minority), so I really enjoyed this latest book from Lancaster. In Lancaster-style, there are hilarious and poignant missteps, as well as successes. One of my favorite missteps is her day of making toffee. She describes one badly-burnt batch as tasting like war.
Listography Journal: Your Life in Lists by Lisa Nola
My good friend Liz introduced me to these books. There are a few different versions, like Parenthood, My Future, Movies, and one for kids. It’s a fun way to be introspective without having the pressure of keeping a “real” journal. I think it would even be fun for a family to do a book together.
Not Cool: The Hipster Elite and Their War on You by Greg Gutfeld
Unfortunately, Gutfeld’s latest won’t be out by Christmas, but if you pre-order before December 10 (tomorrow!) you can then go to Gutfeld’s website and get a free “Not Cool” coozie to put under the tree. You can even keep the book for yourself when it arrives. I won’t tell.
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays: 140 Step-by-Step Recipes for Simple, Scrumptious Celebrations by Ree Drummond
Ok, this book is on my Christmas list. Family and friends, please coordinate because I only need one copy. I love the Pioneer Woman’s Food Network show and blog. The recipes are tasty. The scenery is fantastic. Her photos are beautiful. I want her kids, her wardrobe, her Le Creuset collection, her husband and her dogs. Until those things present themselves, I’ll settle for her holiday menus.
Uncle Mugsy and the Terrible Twins of Christmas Words by Eric Metaxas and Illustrations by Tim Raglin
In addition to his brilliant books for adults, Metaxas has written over 30 books for children. This one is especially sweet for children to receive at Christmas. It’s about a bachelor bulldog whose curmudgeonly ways are in disarray when his niece and nephew visit at Christmas. You can purchase here: www.unclemugsy.com
Never Trust a Liberal Over 3-Especially a Republican by Ann Coulter
This is a great introduction to the wit and wisdom of Coulter. Perfect for friends or family who are just getting into politics and need a little push. If someone is already a Coulter fan, they may already have it. Never Trust a Liberal Over 3 is a compilation of some of Coulter’s best columns, along with some new commentary.
Life Inside the Bubble: Why a Top-Ranked Secret Service Agent Walked Away from It All by Dan Bongino
This book gives very interesting insight into the behind-the-scenes world of the White House. It’s like The Butler, but with cooler accessories and a worldview I like. I interviewed the author a few weeks ago and I’m so happy that the book is doing well.