Ever since I was little, the mystery of a wrapped book under the tree was exciting and full of possibility. Who knew what adventures lay in its pages? I can still recall the magical feeling of certain books I read in elementary school--the pale light and clear waters near the end of the world in C.S. Lewis’ The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, opens a new window and the wonder of Leslie’s and Jessie’s imaginary kingdom in Bridge to Terabithia, opens a new window. I was not only enchanted, but also emotionally affected. Charlotte’s Web, opens a new window was the first book, that I can recall, to make me ugly cry. The aforementioned Bridge to Terabithia wasn’t far behind. The wonder of unwrapping a new book has never left me, and there’s something special about being gifted a book. Here are some suggestions to give the readers in your life:
Swift River, opens a new window by Essie Chambers
Sixteen-year-old Diamond Newberry grapples with her biracial identity in a small, decaying New England town. Haunted by her Black father's mysterious disappearance seven years ago, Diamond longs for a future beyond the secrets that define Swift River. The only person of color in town and struggling with her weight, Diamond feels isolated. Her white mother seeks closure by declaring her father legally dead, but a letter from a relative reignites Diamond's curiosity about her heritage. Shifting between 1915, 1980, and 1987, Chambers’ debut is a moving coming-of-age story, ideal for fans of literary fiction.
The Serviceberry, opens a new window by Robin Wall Kimmerer
For the lover of nature writing and thought-provoking concepts. Kimmerer, Indigenous scientist and author of the award-winning Braiding Sweetgrass, opens a new window, presents an immersive essay compilation centered on the serviceberry, drawing from Indigenous wisdom. There are lessons to learn from the serviceberry, which thrives by distributing its wealth of lush berries to its surrounding environment. This gift economy is in stark contrast to our own, which centers on hoarding resources and a scarcity mindset. Kimmerer elegantly describes how the serviceberry can show us that wealth can derive from relationship-building, mutualism, and appreciation. This calls to mind a movement I recently learned of called “time banking,” in which people trade their skills for “credits” that can be redeemed to use the talents of others, with all skills being of equal value.
The Full Moon Coffee Shop, opens a new window by Mai Mochizuki
A feel-good fantasy inspired by the Japanese myth in which cats return favors to those who treat them well. If you’re kind to the right cat, you might end up in the Full Moon Coffee Shop, which has no fixed location or hours, but appears at random to those who need it most. Run by cats, of course, the coffee shop provides its guests with refreshments while its feline owners consult their stars and offer advice. And, on this particular evening, the shop appeared to four particular people, all of whom are a little lost and in need of a little cat magic.
The Guncle Abroad, opens a new window by Steven Rowley
Five years after the events of The Guncle, opens a new window, Patrick O’Hara is living in New York, enjoying a revived acting career, though he has recently broken up with Emory and is facing down fifty. Maisie and Grant, his niece and nephew, are back with their father, Greg, in Connecticut. When Greg announces he’s getting remarried in Italy, the kids are less than happy, and Patrick feels compelled to step in. And, once the crew arrives in Italy, he finds himself managing the drama of various family members while also helping the kids to adjust. Chaos ensues, culminating in a ruinous rehearsal dinner. Somehow, Patrick has to save the day, all while teaching his niece and nephew all about love while saving his own love life. Poignant, funny, and perfect for anyone facing big life changes.
Oscar Wars, opens a new window by Michael Schulman
Schulman’s dishy, well-researched history of the Academy Awards will appeal to cinephiles and those interested in the backstory behind Hollywood. Since its beginnings in 1929, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and its Oscar ceremonies have been fraught with controversy, from labor disputes to award rivalries and the slighting of authors of color. Readers will especially enjoy the gossipy bits, and trivia buffs will be prepared to win at their Oscar watch parties with fun facts. Did you know the shark in Jaws, opens a new window was fondly dubbed “Bruce?”
The Backyard Bird Chronicles, opens a new window by Amy Tan
Tan, best known for The Joy Luck Club, opens a new window, presents her reflections on the natural world through daily entries, thought-provoking questions, and original sketches. Overwhelmed by the country’s divisiveness and spread of hatred and misinformation, Tan turned toward nature for solace. Watching the birds at her feeders encouraged Tan to pause and reflect, engaging with nature in a meaningful way that enabled her to process the world around her. Pair The Backyard Bird Chronicles with Kimmerer’s The Serviceberry for the perfect nature lover’s gift.
Visit librarypoint.org/holiday, opens a new window for more reading suggestions and to learn about holiday celebrations for all ages happening at Central Rappahannock Regional Library this month.
Tracy McPeck is the Director of Adult Services at Central Rappahannock Regional Library. This column first appeared in the Free Lance-Star newspaper.
