An Only Somewhat Self-Serving Guide to Buying Christmas Presents This Year

Don’t know what presents to get your family and friends for Christmas?

I highly recommend books, whether of the print or electronic variety. Why, you ask?

The real question is why not!?! Books are awesome!!!!!

That is to say that good books are awesome. Bad books bring dissatisfaction and sometimes downright hatred, which, of course, you don’t want to be spreading.

So here’s a genre-specific guide on how to spread good will to your loved ones this season… and avoid making them despise their Christmas presents (and possibly you):

1.      Fantasy – Do they love dungeons and dragons and magical lands? I’d recommend Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files except that they probably already have those, so try these…

a.       Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire

b.      Carpe Demon by Julie Kenner

c.       Not So Human by Jeannette DiLouie (Toldja it was a somewhat self-serving list.)

2.      Suspense – Are they into thrillers filled with murder, mayhem and maybe a few shootouts?

a.       Once a Spy by Keith Thomson

b.      Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

c.       The Politician’s Pawn by Jeannette DiLouie (Hey, I never claimed to be entirely altruistic.)

3.      Historical Fiction – Can they not get enough fact with their fiction? Since they probably already know about the amazing Philippa Gregory, check these out instead…

a.       Daughters of Rome by Kate Quinn

b.      The Tsarina’s Daughter by Carolly Erickson

c.       Maiden America­ by Jeannette DiLouie (Best book ever! Not that I’m biased.)

4.      Christian Fiction – Do they enjoy good tidings of great joy?

a.       The Adulteress by Jeannette DiLouie (Sorry to say, but I’ve got nothing else. I’m so consistently unimpressed with the genre that I don’t really read it anymore. That’s not to say that there aren’t good ones out there; I just haven’t found them in a while.)

5.      Chick-Lit – Are they hopeless romantics? Then they will not want to put these down! (Warning 1: There is some 18+ content in these.)(Warning 2: Make sure to also gift some fabulous snacks if you wrap up Choice C. Your loved one will get the munchies.)(Warning 3: Disclaimer, I'm very happy to say that I know Choice C's author.)

a.       The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig

b.      Sex, Murder and a Double Latte by Julie Kenner

c.   Waiting for Paint to Dry by  Lia Mack