During the holiday season, we’re all searching for gifts that feel personal and sincere. A book is an intimate and meaningful gift for those closest to you, a thoughtful way to connect with someone you hope to grow closer to, and a perfect choice for everyone in between.
Gifting a book that someone can’t stop talking about is unforgettable. Their excitement, along with the endless conversations that follow, is what makes it so special. There is something uniquely heartwarming about seeing someone dive into a story you chose just for them.
A parent: “The Pearl” by John Steinbeck
Let’s be honest, parents don’t have much time. That is why John Steinbeck’s novella provides the perfect structure for any parent to enjoy. In just about 100 pages, Steinbeck details the rise and fall of a Mexican diver named Kino upon discovering a magical pearl. While he wants to leverage his discovery to improve the life of his family and sick child, what unfolds is a story about human greed, violence and despair. This book is entertainment without sacrificing brevity, and I am sure Steinbeck will take your parents from the December frost to the sandy beaches of Baja California.
A music-obsessed friend: “Liberation Through Hearing” by Richard Russell
An autobiography by XL Recordings co-founder and CEO, “Liberation Through Hearing” is a story that will suck you in out of pure fascination for its writer. This book is as much about the birth of regional music scenes, such as the rise of rave in the United Kingdom and hip-hop in New York City, as it is about the universal struggles that come with facing the future for the first time. For any of your friends who are planning to take over the music industry, give them this book first. At the very least, they will find a bunch of songs that flew under the radar of top charts for their next playlist.
A sibling who dislikes reading: “Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly” by Anthony Bourdain
Truly a masterpiece of nonfiction, Anthony Bourdain’s dedication to recounting even the most absurd moments in his professional restaurant life makes his readers reimagine every dining experience they have ever had. In his tell-all, the iconic host of the food series “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” walks us through the notoriously cutthroat New York City restaurant industry during the ‘80s and ‘90s. Bourdain seasons his novel with personal memories, making it the perfect gift for a sibling who never reaches for traditional literature. His reflections resonate with an unflinching honesty that animates the memoir with authenticity. Also, the book is forgiving of lapses of time, thanks to its journalistic chapter sequencing, so even if the book remains in a state of dormancy between chapters, your reader will never be lost.
A coach or mentor: “The Sea Wolf” by Jack London
Getting lost at sea is never ideal, but for literary critic Humphrey van Weyden, it becomes his personal purgatory. Jack London’s novel tracks survival in its most palpable state through the arduous tales of Captain Wolf Larsen and his ship, the Ghost. Unveiling one of the richest character studies, Captain Wolf Larsen is undoubtedly an evil man whose cruelty is complex. At any moment, he could pull the most diabolical move on van Weyden, and it would not come as a shock. This adversarial interplay between shipwreck and captain defines the narrative structure, but London’s literary poise keeps his audience enthralled. This book is perfect for older readers who love the classics, and I know many coaches would appreciate it as well for its powerful depiction of the protagonist’s developing grit and overcoming fear.
An artist: “I Paint What I Want to See” by Philip Guston
It is always refreshing to hear an artist discuss their process, and who better than the notable 20th-century Canadian-American artist, Philip Guston. A reflective series of essays and interviews, “I Paint What I Want to See” explores the creative process of making art. Guston’s philosophical approach to abstraction meditates on the rituals and moments of clarity that shape his work. Shifting between casual conversations and thought-provoking musings, the book’s structure keeps the pages turning while giving its readers plenty to linger on. For the deep thinker and artist in your life, this book provides a compact entry point to Guston’s body of work and illuminates the broader question of what it means to create.
Contact Leila Tarighi at [email protected].