There's Still Time to Give the Gift of Reading

Only 11 more days until Christmas. Where has the year gone? If you're still looking for great gifts to put under the tree, here is my list of recommended titles for 2009. This is based upon the 118 books I've reviewed so far this year, though many more books and authors were featured at The Book Connection.

Christian and Inspirational

* How Can I Run a Tight Ship When I'm Surrounded by Loose Cannons by Kathi Macias

* Finding Faith in A Skeptical World by Chet Galaska

* Life is Tough: I Doubt I'll Make it Out Alive by Stacy Gooch Anderson

* Mothers of the Bible Speak to Mothers Today by Kathi Macias

* Is Your Ghost Holy? by Shay Bills

* My Son, John by Kathi Macias (fiction)


Contemporary Fiction

* Saffron Dreams by Shalia Abdullah

* One Holy Night by J.M. Hochstetler

* Rain Dance by Joy DeKok


Historical Fiction

* Faith and Honor by Robin Maderich

* The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner

* A Precious Jewel by Mary Balogh

* Wind of the Spirit: The American Patriot Series, Book 3 by J.M. Hochstetler


Memoir

* My Father, My Don by Tony Napoli

* Hearts of Courage by John Tippets


Mystery/Crime Fiction

* No Sancutuary by F.M. Meredith

* Dispel the Mist by Marilyn Meredith


Suspense

* The Dead Guy by Doug Hewitt

* On the Grind by Stephen J. Cannell

* Agent in Old Lace by Tristi Pinkston

* Beyond the Code of Conduct by K.M. Daughters

* Killer Career by Morgan Mandel

* Meggie's Remains by Joanne Sundell


Others

* The 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live by Robert Tuchman

* Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Moms by Jane Doiron

Most of these books can be purchased at Amazon.com.

I will be posting a separate list for children's, middle grade, tween/teen fiction and YA at The Children's and Teens' Book Connection today or tomorrow.

Gift Giving for Writers Made Easy

I recevied this note from Kristen O'Connell at the Penguin Group the other day:

Dear friends,

To mark the start of the holiday season, we asked some of our Penguin Group authors to tell us which books they are giving, and which books they'd most like to receive this year. Our inboxes were immediately flooded with emails about books they can't wait to share with their loved ones—books for all ages, new and old, from publishers large and small.

Elizabeth Gilbert, Khaled Hosseini, Geraldine Brooks, Nick Hornby, Jan Karon, Michael Pollan, Stuart Woods, Mike Lupica, Jan Brett, W.E.B. Griffin, Nathaniel Philbrick and many other New York Times bestselling, award-winning writers shared their suggestions (and wish lists) with us, and we wanted to share their contributions with you. The resulting messages, heartwarming, humorous and generous of spirit are posted on the Penguin website for your enjoyment.

And don’t miss our holiday gift guide! From classics to cookbooks, finding the perfect Penguin will be the easiest shopping experience you'll have this season.

Kristen O'Connell
Director of Online Marketing
Penguin Group (USA)
Kristen.O'connell(at)us.penguingroup.com
us.penguingroup.com

Holiday Features at Bookreporter.com

Visit Bookreporter.com for gift ideas, book reviews, a list of new releases, and chances to win free books! See below for just some of the great things going on at Bookreporter.com.

Bookreporter.com's Books as the Perfect Gifts Countdown

There's one gift that's perfect for everyone on your holiday list --- a book! Yes, everyone has people who are readers on their lists, which makes shopping for them easy. But beyond these kindred spirits, there's a book that can match just about any recipient's interests, even if reading is not their true passion. That is why Bookreporter.com is sharing 45 reasons why a book makes a perfect gift, counting down until Christmas Day, December 25th. Check out the countdown and see why we think this is the gift you want to give --- and, oh yes, receive!

The Countdown can be read at: http://www.bookreporter.com/features/holiday_countdown/index.asp

The feature is also running on ReadingGroupGuides.com, FaithfulReader.com, Teenreads.com and Kidsreads.com.

Bookreporter.com's Holiday Basket of Cheer Contest

Bookreporter.com's popular annual contest spotlights a different title or collection of titles every week from November 7th to December 12th. Readers can enter to win a basket that includes two copies of the book (one to keep and one to give), wrapping paper and a bow, and holiday-themed items such as Ghirardelli hot chocolate mix, gourmet vanilla marshmallows, Chewy Peps candy, an Illuminations cinnamon spice-scented candle, and more.

The Holiday Basket of Cheer feature can be found at: http://www.bookreporter.com/features/holiday_basket_2008/index.asp

* Launching November 21st: Bookreporter.com's Authors on the Holidays

More than 25 authors share their favorite memories of giving or receiving a book at the holidays, including Mary Higgins Clark, Carol Higgins Clark, Kristin Hannah, Garth Stein, M.J. Rose, Adriana Trigiani, Mary Kay Andrews, and more.

* Launching November 14th: Bookreporter.com's What to Give/What to Get Guide

Gift giving is made easy with “reader perfect” suggestions in categories like Eat, Drink & Be Merry (cookbooks and culinary tales), Faces & Places (history, biography and memoir), and Healthy, Wealthy & Wise (advice and how-to).