Books bring joy. Books bring solace. Books take us to new locations and introduce us to new friends. Being a bookseller at Rediscovered Books crowns us with the privilege of opening magical gateways introducing you to new places and people. We’re armchair travel agents and hosts to new worlds found between the covers of your “next best read.” In short, we love books. We love talking about books. Nothing brings us more joy than sharing our new bookish finds with readers. We’ve chosen some of our newest favorites to share this holiday season. Gift them to yourself. Or gift them to someone else (but read them first, that’s what we do).
Fiction Holiday Recommendations
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr (local author)
Books can span space and time connecting strangers sharing the same journey in vastly different ways. Pulitzer Prize winning author Anthony Doerr spins a story that transports the reader and transcends the boundaries of the page leaving the reader entranced and enthralled page after page, chapter after chapter. From the heyday of Constantinople into the future, Cloud Cuckoo Land’s characters journey in search of direction and meaning. For the book lovers, story lovers, and librarians of your life, this book is the perfect gift.
Love and Fury: A Novel by Mary Wollstonecraft by Samantha Silva (local author)
Bringing history to life as we experience the fictionalized version of the last days of pioneering 18th century feminist, Mary Wollenstonecraft after the birth of her daughter Mary Shelly, (author of Frankenstein). The story bridges the brief 38 days when both mother and daughter share a heartbreaking and life changing connection. Beautifully written and heart rending.
Non-Fiction Holiday Recommendations
Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer’s Guide (Atlas Obscura) by Cecily Wong, Dylan Thuras, Atlas Obscura
For the foodies and adventurers in your life, this book is the perfect gift. Just as odd and quirky as the Atlas Obscura books, with a delicious (and off the beaten path) twist. Travel the world with a culinary host and experience it in a way that puts traditional travel to shame. Great commentary and wonderful pictures. It is fun, it is a great conversation piece, and you will wallow in it again and again, always finding something new and intriguing.
The Stahl House: Case Study House #22: The Making of a Modernist Icon by Bruce Stahl, Shari Gronwald Stahl, and Kim Cross (local author)
To quote legendary Stahl House photographer Julius Shulman, “What good is a dream house if you haven’t got a dream?” The Stahl House is more than a book about a building, more than a book about a famous and unique architectural icon--it is a loving memoir of a house and of the building of a cherished family home. Full of wonderful color photos, including a number of family reminiscences, and other interesting tidbits about the house’s journey from obscurity to stardom and the love that took it there.
Children’s Holiday Recommendations
Change Sings by Amanda Gorman, Illustrated by Loren Long
The poetry of Amanda Gorman wowed us all at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration and Change Sings brings Gorman’s amazing words and vision to children. As a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey, they learn that they have the power to make change big and small in the world around them. Beautifully illustrated, colorful, and inspirational, Gorman’s lyrical words empower us all to be better friends, neighbors, and community members.
Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DeCamillo, Illustrated by Sophie Blackall
Two-time Newberry Medalist Kate DiCamillo and two-time Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall have created a beautiful book and enchanting story about love, found family, and the power of words. Set in the Middle Ages, Beatryce Prophecy unwinds around foundling Beatryce who knows nothing more than her own name and the beings who help her find her path--a demon goat, a wild-eyed monk, a brave boy, and a laughing hermit. Delightful and enchanting for readers of all ages.
