Top Ten Tuesday: ten books I love to give as gifts

It’s a freebie this week over at Top Ten Tuesday, a meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. Since we’re coming up on fast on the holiday season (especially for those of us who ship internationally), I thought I’d do a top ten list of the books I love to give as gifts. Obviously I love giving books as gifts anyway, and shopping for a new title for a friend’s birthday or holiday is always exciting, since everyone has different tastes and delving into different genres in search of something they haven’t read yet is like a treasure hunt. But there are several books that are my kind of “catch-all” gift titles—the books I tend to give over and over, as soon as I find out a friend hasn’t read them. They’re the books that I just love and want all my friends to read too.

The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern: This has to be one of the most magical books I’ve ever read.

Night Film, by Marisha Pessl: If you love horror movies or film in general, then you need to check this one out.

The Passage, by Justin Cronin: The writing can be a little difficult to get around at first, but if you can deal with that, the story is pretty epic.

Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon: People seem to either love or hate this series, but I adored it up until book eight, which was pretty draggy. Still, I’m hoping the next volume will be better. It’s the perfect blend of history, action, romance, and of course, time travel!

A Game of Thrones, by George R.R. Martin: This is a pretty heavy series to get into, on multiple levels—the writing style, the length of the books, and occasionally the subject matter—and then, of course, there’s the wee little matter of George dragging his heels on finishing the books. But! It’s still one of the best fantasy series I’ve ever read.

In a Sunburned Country, by Bill Bryson: All of Bryson’s books are awesome, but this is just an especial favorite.

Any Miss Marple mystery from Agatha Christie: Because they’re amazing, obvs.

Station Eleven, by Emily St. John Mandel: Beautiful writing and a haunting story.

Vegan With a Vengeance, by Isa Chandra Moskowtiz: Yummy and easy recipes.

Delirium, by Lauren Oliver: After The Hunger Games, this is probably my fave dystopian YA trilogy.

17 Comments

Abi Pearson

September 15, 2015 at 8:06 am Reply

The Night Circus would make for an awesome gift. I can’t believe it’s already time to be thinking about Christmas gifts! This year has flown by.

writergirlm

September 15, 2015 at 3:27 pm Reply

It’s kind of sad, isn’t it?! But last year I let it catch me unawares and spent too long in lines at the post office, so I figure I’d better think ahead this year. :)
- Abi Pearson
  
  September 16, 2015 at 9:57 am Reply
  
  Good idea. :)
  - writergirlm
    
    September 17, 2015 at 9:02 pm Reply
    
    :)

Ely @ Tea & Titles

September 15, 2015 at 9:56 am Reply

Oh god, I haven’t even thought about Christmas gifts yet. I’m living abroad until after Christmas too so I have to send everything internationally. Despite the fact your list just caused a little breakdown (I kid), I have to agree that books are really the best present.

My list

writergirlm

September 15, 2015 at 3:28 pm Reply

I love using Book Depository when possible to send books internationally, thanks to the free shipping…it just takes a little time! So I figure I’d better start shopping early. :)

mary

September 15, 2015 at 12:53 pm Reply

Thank you for all the good books you share!!

writergirlm

September 15, 2015 at 3:26 pm Reply

You’re welcome, I’m glad you enjoy them :)

Carrie S.

September 15, 2015 at 5:13 pm Reply

oh what a great topic idea!! The Night Circus is on my TBR list & my birthday’s coming up … feel free to practice your gift-giving skills on me lol :) My TTT