Gift ideas for the readers in your life (2023)
Books can make fantastic gifts for friends and family of all ages. But with what feels like endless options on the bookstore shelves and new books released on a daily basis, how does one even begin to choose? Shawnigan Lake School’s librarian, Rayna Hyde-Lay, shares a few helpful ideas below.
It is always a good time to find a great book, curl up and begin a day wandering within the pages. However, the gift giving season tends to be a time when we try to find something for those around us to enjoy as much as we have. This – and I speak from experience – can be a challenge. I adored Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr, but even through the digital space I can hear groans of disagreement. So who would I purchase this lovely book for, and hope that they enjoy it as much as I did? To help you, I have come up with a short list of book ideas you may consider as you try to find the perfect book for loved ones and give them a day of rest and relaxation.
For the teen in your life I have to recommend the following three authors of mystery fiction. This genre is rarely on the shelf here in the Jim and Kathryn Shaw Library – that is a good sign!
For the teen in your life I have to recommend the following three authors of mystery fiction. This genre is rarely on the shelf here in the Jim and Kathryn Shaw Library – that is a good sign!
- One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus
- A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series by Holly Jackson
- The Inheritance Games series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (a new novel has just been released!)
You may want to check they haven’t read these already.
In the adult non-fiction category – or for those readers who enjoy escaping and learning – I recommend Fire Weather: The Making of a Beast by John Vaillant. He is a favourite narrative non-fiction author of mine, so I unabashedly recommend his books The Golden Spruce and The Tiger as well!
In the adult non-fiction category – or for those readers who enjoy escaping and learning – I recommend Fire Weather: The Making of a Beast by John Vaillant. He is a favourite narrative non-fiction author of mine, so I unabashedly recommend his books The Golden Spruce and The Tiger as well!
Shopping for someone who enjoys a break and just wants a good page-turner? There are so many choices, but these are not too taxing, and perhaps just what the mind needs to recharge on a snowy, rainy, or quiet winter’s day:
- The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth
- The Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman (a new novel has just been released!)
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
And finally, if you are brave and think they might enjoy a graphic novel, there are so many great options for all age groups. This format is quickly growing in popularity and has evolved over the last few years to include such gems as Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton, which won the “Canada Reads” competition on CBC last winter!
If you are looking for more ideas, be sure to follow Shawnigan’s library Instagram @librarySLS where we offer ongoing book ideas, including our 6 Books of Winter Break – Books worth your time!
Rayna Hyde-Lay is Shawnigan’s librarian and loves all things libraryland! She still believes in 398.2 and enjoys working with students as research support, great read locator, advisor, and teacher. Most recently she has expanded her skills and is working with Shawnigan’s Grade 8 program as the School embarks on this brave new phase.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
