'Tis the damn season
The only 2023 gift guide you'll actually want to use
I’m not quite sure how we’re back here already, but somehow we are: the most wonderful time of the year. The season of spending (or giving, if you’re so inclined to take that perspective). The holidays.
Buying gifts for friends and family can be a pain in the ass for some people, like my sister. Or, if you’re more like me, it can be a fun time to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. So whether you identify with the Grinch or with the villagers of Whoville, I’ve got your back. Here’s everything I’ve read, loved, and highly recommend for at least one special person in your life.
For the person who hates buying presents for other people: Such Sharp Teeth, Murder Your Employer, The Blackhouse
what to drink: Old Fashioned
For the person who won’t shut up about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce: The Playlist, The Unsinkable Greta James, I’ll Stop The World
what to drink: Hazy Lavender Sour
For the globe trotter who expects to come home from every trip with Covid: The Hundred Loves of Juliet, Patricia Wants to Cuddle, Romantic Comedy
what to drink: Penicillin
For the person whose 2024 is already busy: audiobooks! The Woman in Me, Friends, Lovers, & The Big Terrible Thing, Pageboy, Spare
what to drink: Espresso Martini
For the Type-A personality in your life: The Writing Retreat, The Golden Spoon, Icebreaker
what to drink: Gin & Tonic
For the armchair detective: I Have Some Questions for You, The Running Grave, Scorched Grace, Hidden Pictures
what to drink: Death in the Afternoon
For the cold weather hater: The Block Party, Happy Place, Goddess, A Promise of Fire
what to drink: Hot Toddy
For the person who likes animals more than people: Horse, Community Board, The Beast & The Bookseller
what to drink: Mint Julep
For the person who loves to learn: True Biz, Ink Blood Sister Scribe, The Cartographers
what to drink: Teacher’s Pet
For the person who still waits up for Santa Clause: Wreck The Halls, Lovelight Farms, A Holly Jolly Ever After
what to drink: Mistletoe Kiss
For the person who wishes their life were a Nancy Meyers movie: Secretly Yours, A Not So Meet Cute, Someone Else’s Shoes
what to drink: La Crema Pinot Noir
As a friendly reminder: don’t forget to subscribe, share, and shop local (all of the titles here are linked to Bookshop.org, which helps to support independent bookstores across the country). To find a brick-and-mortar store near you, IndieBound.org has a very helpful bookstore finder tool, or you can support some of the places I like to shop by popping in or checking out their websites. Main Point Books in Wayne, Pa, is a favorite, as is Phoenix Books in Vermont, and my old stomping grounds in La Jolla, Ca, Warwicks, is also a great option.
Wishing you lots of delicious libations and happy reading,
Sam