Books always make great presents. Here are some of my favorite picks for gifting purposes:
The Mists of Avalon, by Marion Zimmer Bradley: I’ve read it perhaps five times, starting in tenth grade, and it’s one of the most extraordinary books I’ve ever encountered.
Much to Your Chagrin, by Suzanne Guillette: Read my review here.
Cleaving, by Julie Powell: Read my review here.
D’Aulaire’s Book of Greek Myths: I don’t care how old you are…this one is a classic, and everyone must own it.
The World According to Garp, by John Irving: Hands-down, my favorite book in the entire world. Kendrick is reading it right now.
Prisoner of Time, by Caroline Cooney: Because fourteen-year-old me is on the cover wearing a ratty hairpiece, and for absolutely no other reason.
Stephen King’s On Writing: For the scribe in your family.
Anything at all by Anthony Bourdain or Ruth Reichl.