So you got a gift certificate to the bookstore last Christmas, and you didn’t use it. That’s OK, just send it to me, care of ... Never mind. How about looking for any of these great books instead?
Fiction
Do you envy the lifestyles of the rich and famous? Then read “The Ex-Mrs. Hedgefund” by Jill Kargman. When Holly Talbott finds out that her husband’s business trips are more than just business, she suddenly becomes a divorcee — a rich one, at that. This is one of those “guilty pleasure” books: fun to read and a great escape.
Looking for something a little different — and deeper? Try “Carpentaria” by Alexis Wright. This book, written by an Australian Aboriginal writer, includes mysticism, myth and magic for an engrossing story.
If short stories are more to your liking, look for “Button Button: Uncanny Stories” by Richard Matheson. One of the stories in this book is due to become a movie soon, and the rest…? They should be. This is a creepy book. You’ve been warned.
When two brothers take different paths, it leads to heartbreak in “Where the Line Bleeds” by Jesmyn Ward. This novel, set in Mississippi is the story of twin boys, one who finds a job and the other, who can’t seem to find the right path. It’s one of those novels you cherish, and will be perfect for that vacation you’re taking this summer.
So “You Are So Undead to Me” by Stacey Jay is a young adult novel? So what? It’s still tons of fun for big girls, too. This book is filled with zombies, dead people and a 15-year-old who’s a Zombie Settler. Sounds fun? Read it, pass it along to your teen, discuss.
How about a staycation with a vacation theme? Then pick up “Trinidad Noir” by various authors. These mystery stories are set down near the equator, in a place where intrigue is as hot as the thermometer. When you’re done, look for a few of the other Noir books in this same series. They’re like literary peanuts: you can’t stop reading them.
Nonfiction
Think of the Wild West, and horses come to mind, right? Then look for “Mustang” by Deanne Stillman. This book is an overview of the wild horse in history, pop culture and industry. I love the pictures in here, and I think horse lovers will, too.
Beware before you start this book if you’ve got a loved one at war. “Wounded Warriors” by Mike Sager will bring you to tears. This beautiful book is filled with stories of heroes come home, and it will touch even the hardest of hearts. Also look for “War Is …,” edited by Marc Aronson and Patty Campbell. This is a book of stories from soldiers, survivors and family members, and is meant for teens, but is perfect for any adult, too.
I love a good mystery. I love a true mystery even more. And I love “A Question of Murder” by Cyril H. Wecht and Dawna Kaufmann. Wecht is one of America’s most famous forensic pathologists, and in this book, he looks at several famous cases and tries to solve them. This is a great book if you love true crime, whodunits, or if you just love a fascinating story.
Here’s a great trivia-type book for the person who needs to know everything: “Genius and Heroin” by Michael Largo. This cool book is all about creative genius and angst, artists, poets and thinkers, bad (and deadly) habits and obsession. For trivia buffs and anyone who loves a bit of scandal, it’s delicious fun.
If you think a book that makes you think is what you want, try “The Jewish Body” by Melvin Konner. This fascinating biology-history book is steeped in information, tradition, science, religion and — beware — some photos that might upset weak-stomached readers. Also try “Stuck” by Anneli Rufus, a thoughtful book on getting out of your rut and moving forward in your life and in work.
Feeling blue about going green? You don’t have to give up your cosmetics! Just read “The Green Beauty Guide” by Julie Gabriel and give up harmful chemicals. This book gives you tons of ideas and resources for looking great in an earth-friendly way. Bonus: some recipes so you can make your own beautifying products.
Love isn’t just for the young, you know. If you’re of A Certain Age, you’ll love reading “September Songs” by Maggie Scarf. Whether you’re celebrating your 50th anniversary or your fifth date, this book is filled with “good news” about marriage and relationships in middle age and beyond. Perfect for anybody over 50, this book might also be of interest to 30-somethings looking ahead. Also look for “Welcome to the Departure Lounge” by Meg Federico. This is a funny, touching book about parenting your parents.
But what if you’re not in a relationship? Then look for “Choosing Me Before We” by Christine Arylo. This book is empowering for any woman, and will help her learn to take care of herself, get to know herself and learn that she’s pretty darn awesome. Obviously, it’s perfect for any woman of any age.
If you can’t get enough of history, your bookshelf isn’t complete without a copy of “History’s Greatest Lies” by William Weir. Everything you think you know about Jesse James, Paul Revere and others might not be as true as your teachers taught you. Look for it — no lie. Also, for a different look at a historic event, read “The Lyncher in Me” by Warren Read. When Read found a photo of his grandfather, who was attending a lynching in Minnesota decades ago, it changed his life. Caution: this book may be controversial and is definitely unsettling.
True crime fanatics will definitely want to read “Maggots in my Sweet Potatoes” by Susan Madden Lankford. This amazing book is filled with stories of “women doing time” and the people who put them behind bars. It’s huge, and it’s going to give you a huge lump in your throat.
If you’re in the mood for a good memoir, grab “Wife in the North” by Judith O’Reilly. This city-girl (London, England) meets-the-country (Alaska, USA) is charming, funny, and easy to enjoy. Also try “The Alaska Bush Pilot Chronicles” by Mort D. Mason. Same setting, different memoir.
If spring and summer have turned your thoughts to ones of love, take a look at “Boy Meets Girl” by Rachel Safier. It’s filled with true-life love stories from 40 couples and several generations. This book will speak to the romantic in everybody. If you’re re-entering the dating scene after a few years (decades), try “Getting Naked Again” by Judity Sills, PhD. Sorry, 20-somethings. This is a book for Mom. Really.
There are a zillion books on the market about what to expect when you’re pregnant. But what about after the baby’s born? In “The Second Nine Months” by Vicki Glembocki, you’ll laugh, you’ll sympathize … and, if you’re a mom, you’ll realize you’re definitely not alone.
Business
Think there’s a reason they call it “work”? Think again, and get “Enjoy!” by Gini Graham Scott, PhD. This book offers 101 little, easy ways to make work less work-like. Read it, leave it on your desk, try some of the ideas, and pass it around to your co-workers.
No matter how hard you’ve tried, you can’t seem to give up chewing your nails/smoking/eating sweets. In the new book “Habit: The 95% of Behavior Marketers Ignore” by Neale Martin, you’ll read about good habits and how you can take advantage of them in your business. This is a fascinating book, and one will be a good habit to read.
Ready to start or boost your small business? Then read “Battling Big Box” by Henry Dubroff & Susan J. Marks. Go against the big boys of retail by learning how to maintain your brand, empower your employees, and — the hard part — knowing when to throw in the towel.
Take the word “men” out of businessmen, and you’ll have “The Mocha Manual to Turning Your Passion into Profit” by Kimberly Seals-Allers. This book, specifically for women starting a business, will help you start from the bare-bones bottom to turn your hobby into a full-fledged income generator.
So much has been written about being “green,” but can you do it at work? Read “Saving the World at Work” by Tim Sanders and find out how. Learn how to make a difference while you make a profit in a few thoughtful steps with a book that might also make a great company-wide project.
That piece of paper was here a minute ago. It was right next to a calendar from 1995. Got a messy desk? Then look for “One Year to an Organized Work Life” by Regina Leeds. This week-by-week, step-by-step guide can clean up your office and your life, and it will help lower your stress level, too. Also look for “Throw Out Fifty Things” by Gail Blanke. This book is for business and for home, and for less clutter.
And speaking of stress level, grab “Less: Accomplishing More by Doing Less.” This book will help you get to the bottom of what’s important, thus helping you to be more productive and have more free time. And, you gotta love the name of the author of this book: Marc Lesser.
Pets
Dog lovers know how special their pets are, right? So read about more special dogs in “Angel Dogs with a Mission” by Allen & Linda Anderson. Read about heroic pups, including service dogs, rescue dogs, and canines who find cancer. This is a great book for any pet lover, particularly Dog Moms or Dads.
And speaking of Pet Parents, if you’re one, you’ll love “Saved: Rescued Animals and the Lives They Transform” by Karin Winegar, photographs by Judy Olausen. This gorgeous, heartfelt book is filled with stories from people who saved animals, and vice versa. I loved it, and anyone who’s rescued a dog, cat, horse, rabbit or other critter will, too.
Okay, so it’s not exactly a pet book, but it is: “The Daily Coyote” by Shreve Stockton. Hating Big City Life, Stockton moved to a 12x12 log cabin in Wyoming. When she was presented with an orphaned baby coyote, she threw caution (and her cat’s feelings) to the wind and raised the pup. Animal lovers will adore this book, but be careful you don’t pass it on to your favorite rancher.
Sports
Heard enough about spoiled athletes? Then pick up “Away from the Ball” by Alan Ross. This cool book is filled with stories of goodness: generous athletes, guys who value accountability, and athletes who help people who aren’t as fortunate as they are. This is a wonderfully uplifting book, perfect for anybody, sports nut or not. Along the same lines, look for “Time-Out: Sports Stories as a Game Plan For Spiritual Success” by Dov Moshe Lipman. Using sport stories as inspiration, this is a great book for an athlete who struggles with spiritual direction.
Sports are for women, too! If you agree, you’ll love “Gameface” by Erica Boeke and Chris De Benedetti. Part trivia book, part guide book, women who love the game will love learning how to get into a NASCAR pit, who played who in the movies, how to make your tailgate party a hit and more. Yes, this is a book for women, but open-minded men might like it, too.
African-American Authors
Has Hip Hop changed your life — for better or worse? For more than a generation, it’s become a musical way to examine and discuss race, but it’s not without its controversy. Learn more by reading “The Hip Hop Wars” by Tricia Rose. Looking fairly at both sides, this book invites plenty of discussion, so read it and be prepared…
If you’re looking for something very uplifting, check out “A Freed Woman’s Dance” by Doris Cope. This memoir is about Cope’s childhood of abuse and betrayal, and her ultimate triumph over the hurt in her life. This book may be a challenge to find, but it’s definitely worth it.
And if you need some history, look for “Fighting Slavery in Chicago” by Tom Campbell. Filled with short, quick-to-read sections and lots of pictures, this book gives you an overview of slavery and its opposition in the 19th century. It might not be a laying-in-the-hammock sort of book, but you’ll be glad to have it on your bookshelf.
Children's Books
In this economy, who doesn’t dream of riches? In “How to Get Rich in the California Gold Rush” by Todd Olson (illustrations by Scott Allred), your child can learn what it was like to pan for gold 160 years ago. Great for kids 7-and-up, this might also be of interest to adults who love history.
When you’re a kid, making friends is easy. In “Minnow and Rose: An Oregon Trail Story” by Judy Young (illustrated by Bill Farnsworth), two young girls from different cultures find that they’re not so different after all. This is a cute book, probably more for girls than for boys, and probably for ages 8-to-12.
What does a guy have to do to get some attention around here? In “Nobody Here But Me” by Judith Viorst (pictures by Christine Davenier), a young boy feels as if his entire family is ignoring him. Kids (ages 3 to 8) who grump about being left out are going to like this book, and Moms will love it because it’s so darn cute.
Budding royal watchers will love to read “The Raucous Royals” by Carlyn Beccia. This hilarious book is all about Kings and Queens of yore, and it includes quizzes, trivia and real history. I wouldn’t hesitate to hand it to a 10-year-old who’s fascinated by royalty or English history, and any like-minded kid up to age 13 will enjoy it.
So there you are. Several dozen ways to use up that gift certificate that’s been floating around in your wallet or desk drawer. And if you still can’t figure out what you want when you get to the bookstore, be sure to ask the bookseller there. That’s what they get paid the Big Bucks for.
Happy Reading!
Look for the reviewed books at a bookstore or a library near you. You may also find the book at online book retailers.
The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 years old and never goes anywhere without a book. She lives in Wisconsin with three dogs and 10,000 books.
