Wrap Up a Good Read This Christmas
With the holidays fast approaching like a runaway train, you’re probably all aflutter — excited about what you might possibly get (irrespective of your naughtiness over the past year) — and anxious about what you could possibly give on your humble salary, maxed-out credit card, and beleaguered bank account that is more over-drawn than a van Gogh painting.
Which is where I swoop in, like some sort of Superhero. Like some sort of (oxymoron alert) affordable personal-shopper. With a suggestion not only on what you could give — books, obviously! But, more specifically, what books?
And why, you may wonder, is it so obvious that you should give books? Well, for starters, books are more personal than a coffeeshop gift card; healthier than a sampling from your local liquor emporium; more compelling than household cleaning products (although everyone does love to be gifted a new toilet bowl brush); and more affordable than a Porche. Further, according to author Garrison Keillor, “A book is a gift you can open again and again…” And, according to author Neil Gaiman, “Books make great gifts because they have whole worlds inside…” Oh, and according to author Andy Juniper (no relation), “Every time you buy a book a writer gets a royalty.”
So, what books to give?
Well, if you really, truly respect and love the person you’re buying for, I’d suggest Angels in the Architecture by Andy Juniper (no relation). It is, according to people with impeccable taste, “A classic novel by a Canadian genius.” A quick browse of Amazon.ca – specifically the review section – will tell you everything you need to know about this quirky gem. Selecting one review totally at random: “This is the third novel the author has written and it is probably in the top three best books he has ever written…” That high praise from a reader who goes by the moniker ‘M. Juniper’ (no relation to me or my wife, Maureen).
Buy Angels in the Architecture today!
In need of a second book to go along with Angels? You’re in luck. Following are books I have perused over the past twelve months. Books that tickled my fancy and fed my soul…
Lily King, Heart the Lover
King is one of my favorite writers. Six novels to her name and not a bad apple in the bunch. Heart is so well-conceived/executed. King grabs you on the first page, lets you go on the last, and leaves you – as she always leaves you -- wanting more.
David Szalay, Flesh
Wow. Just wow! 2025 Booker Prize Winner. Accessible Art.
Meg Mason, Sorrow and Bliss
An easy-to-read, big-hearted book. At once harrowing… and hilarious.
Valerie Perrin, Forgotten on Sunday
Critics of Perrin say her writing is overwrought and rambling. Forgotten may not be literature, but it’s a wonderful read reminiscent of other great storytellers (who may or may not have been producing so-called literature).
Beth Raymer, Fireworks Every Night
A young woman has a choice. She can save herself or save her family. An excellent story.
Paul Murray, The Bee Sting
A dysfunctional family (understatement), a superb story (understatement). It’s a long read, but reading through this epic is never a chore.
Other recommendations: Claudia Dey, Daughter. Ruth Reichl, The Paris Novel. And anything at all by Abraham Verghese.
In conclusion, for the holidays – for the love of literature… and royalties -- buy books. Buy ‘em in bulk. For family, friends, and strangers on the street.
Happy Holidays!
