| FICTION |
| Recommended by Erin
The paperback edition of Backman’s latest is the perfect gift for someone craving a break from too many bleak reads. When a robber bursts in on an apartment open house and takes a group of strangers hostage, everyone learns that first appearances can be deceiving. No one is entirely who they appear to be, and all of them—bank robber included—crave rescue. This novel is surprising, and surprisingly delightful. |
| Recommended by RJ
Do you know someone who loved Red, White, and Royal Blue? Statistically, you probably do. Buy this for them next! |
| Recommended by Chelsea
Malibu Rising is an engrossing read about siblings, their bond and shared trauma, and the desire to escape it all. Reid masterfully alternates between previous decades and one day in 1983, and her attentiveness to detail and character instantly transports readers. |
| Recommended by Hannah
If you read one rom-com this year, make it this one – it’s an absolutely delightful read! Hazelwood charms with achingly relatable characters, hilarious fake-dating, and two rockstar main characters. It has just the right amount of heart, villain-comeuppance, and witty one liners to make this a perfect binge-worthy romance! |
| Recommended by Chelsea
This is the delightful first volume of a new series detailing how Queen Elizabeth II discreetly solves crimes while carrying out her duties as a reigning monarch. If you love royalty and Murder, She Wrote, don’t miss this! Jane Copland’s audio narration makes this a great listen to distract from the everyday. |
| Recommended by RJ
This insightful take on the Sleeping Beauty story packs a lot of character, humor, action, commentary, and multiversal shenanigans into a slim novella package. This is absolutely essential reading for anyone who loves fairytale retellings. |
| Recommended by Sissy
I love thrillers about books, and in the darkest days of 2020 I needed a few laughs alongside my murder. I had missed DS Harbinder Kaur and was so excited to see her in another novel. Fans of Anthony Horowitz will love this. |
| Recommended by RJ
It’s hard to list all the things that make this book funny, warm, and meaningful. It’s an opposites-attract romance about people who aren’t as opposite as they think, and it’s an absolute joy from cover to cover. |
| NONFICTION |
| Recommended by Ann
This book of lists lit up all the pleasure centers in my brain. Again and again it reminded me of the beauty and wonder of the world. Pick it up, flip to any page, read. You will be filled with joy. |
| Recommended by Ann
Where have I been? This little book that considers the small delights in any given day has been out two years. I read a little bit every night before falling asleep. Sweet dreams. |
| Recommended by Lindsay
Look, it’s a beautiful book of beautifully arranged flowers. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t benefit from a beautiful book of beautifully arranged flowers right now. |
| Recommended by Rae Ann
This reading guide is both a book journal and a recommended reading list. Perfect for a family activity! With book recs from indie booksellers all over the US (including me!). |
| Recommended by Chelsea
The authors state in the foreword that their goal is for readers to find 10 new authors to read; I found so many more. Perfect for readers on your gift list who have already read the big titles of the year. |
| Recommended by Lindsay
I’ve always loved David Hockney’s art, so I was delighted when this charming book of his work during the pandemic came out! In addition to all Hockney’s beautiful drawings of trees, flowers, and French vistas, there are also bonus pictures of Hockney and his cute dog. And you know we love an artist with a cute dog. |
| Recommended by Andy
Beautiful coffee table book featuring the greatest courses in America. |
| Recommended by Elyse
A perfect gift! Dorie’s recipes are so accessible. She makes us all look like experienced bakers. Plus, the book is just flat-out gorgeous!! |
| Recommended by Sissy
I do not write. I just read. I often forget that not every person is a reading-obsessed nerd. This book put into words what I’ve never been able to: Reading takes a mind to another place in both literal and figurative ways. I particularly loved the quotes from my favorite authors about how reading transformed their worlds. |
| Recommended by Patsy
This encyclopedic tome is perfect for italophiles, cooks, and travelers alike. It’s richly illustrated with magnificent drawings à la Cooks Illustrated as well as photos documenting step-by-step instructions of complicated dishes that will make even a beginning cook’s food taste professional. Packed with food history and maps of regional ingredients from artichokes to zuppa (soups) this book is pure delight! |
| Recommended by Sydney
Shopping for your culinarily-challenged loved one? This cookbook is ideal in that it focuses less on perfecting recipes, and more on teaching the actual principles of cooking in a comprehensible, digestible (pun-intended) manner. |
| Recommended by Sissy
Just hilarious. Anyone who loved Edward Gorey and reads tons of thrillers would love to get this as a holiday gift. |
Musing 