Books are my go-to gift. Most of the adults in my life have enough “stuff.” They don’t need another scarf or candle or necktie. But, if they are anything like me, they always need something new to read. Here are some books I’ve given as gifts to people I love.
You’re Not You by Michelle Wildgen. My mom is an occupational therapist and has worked for the last 30+ years with people with disabilities. I thought she would enjoy this beautiful book by Madison author Michelle Wildgen, and I was right. The novel follows the story of a drifting college girl whose life changes when she is hired to be a caregiver for a woman with MS. It sounds like a downer, but Wildgen has a sharp wit and manages to bring humor even to dire situations. And the book has been made into a movie that is coming out later this year starring Hilary Swank!
The Swan Gondola by Timothy Schaffert. I gave this novel to my father-in-law, a history nut, because it is set during the 1898 Omaha World’s Fair. There are ventriloquists, burlesque dancers, and tightrope walkers. What’s not to love?
Operating Instructions by Anne Lamott. This is my go-to baby shower gift. In her funny, beautiful prose, Lamott tells the story of her son’s birth and first year, peppered by a motley cast of characters that make up her son’s untraditional family circle. Easy to pick up and put down, it’s the perfect pace for sleep-deprived new parents.
Love these suggestions! I was not familiar with the first two books… but they look wonderful.
I love giving books as gifts, too. Question for you: I’m interested in You’re Not You because my mother-in-law has MS. Do you think it’d be a good read for her?
I think she would enjoy it, but of course you can never be sure!
I totally agree. Books are so much more than just another boring gift! They provide hours of enjoyment. All of these suggestions sound so great!
Wonderful suggestions. The first two books interest me. I often give books as gifts. Great questions yesterday to ask first before recommending books. I discover new authors through gifts. Someone gave me Maisie Dobbs for my birthday and I loved the series from the start.
I recommend books that I love. I find myself reading these books again.
I give books as gifts too. Also, this gives me the perfect excuse to buy books 😉
All new parents must read “Operating Instructions”. It saved me with my first. I still love her phrase “brain waste.”