Book Girls Don’t Cry is a feature where we will discuss/vent/advise on a bookish topic. This feature is hosted by myself along with these pretty ladies:
Books Are For Giving! (And reading – duh!)
Are you ever stumped as to what to give a certain person for Christmas? This week on Book Girls Don’t Cry we’re making a list of the books that we think would be prefect to give to basically everyone and anyone! Now I’m going to assume that the obvious ones were already read by all (Hunger Games, Harry Potter, etc) so for sake of originality I won’t put em in this list. If someone hasn’t read these yet – Shame on them!!
- Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally: This is one of those books that I think so many would like. I laughed so hard at some parts, I felt happy throughout it all, and even though I’m not a sports person at all Miranda has this magic wand for making you love it in her books. It’s one of those feel-good stories we all need now and again 🙂
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson: I Loved this series! It’s incredibly character oriented and so well written. I really want everyone I know to get to know Lisbeth Salander in all her kick-ass glory!
- Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen: One of my all time favorites and the kind of book where even if you don’t think you’ll like it because of the genre – historical – (like I did), or think books about the circus would not be interesting to you (again, like I did), it will prove many wrong! It’s so amazing that I would urge everyone to give it a try!
- This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers: Even though this has zombies, it’s essentially a contemporary novel with very dark, grim tones and a lot to offer. With the mix of genres, though, it would also appeal to a lot of readers – plus it’s Courtney Summers, who can’t love her? 😉
- Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock: This is more than just another werewolf book! Since Twilight, followed by the thousand Were books, everyone’s a bit tired of the genre, but this is the one I would recommend to those who I know are sifting through the endless paranormal releases to look for something that stands out.
- Angelfall by Susan Ee: I hate this genre, yet I loved this book hardcore. This is exactly why I would give it to anyone. Whether you love or hate angel books – do NOT miss out on this one! Trust me!
- Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers: I read this one recently and with so much bullying going around – online and offline – I think this book needs to be read by all. It’s a harsh read but also an important one! (Also, I should have just said “any Summers book” >.<)
- The Host by Stephenie Meyer: This one kinda falls in the “obvious ones” I mentioned at the start but whatevs. I would give this book to anyone, but it would come with 2 warnings: 1) Give it 100 pages to get settled in and 2) you might not like it (seems to be a hit or miss, eh?), but if you do you will love it! Definitely worth giving it a try. Oh and also – don’t watch the movie first (who does that?)!!
What are some books you wouldn’t hesitate to give to anyone on your list?
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XOXO, Book Girl
XOXO, Book Girl
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Canadian blogger, wife, mother, coffee lover, and sarcastic at heart! She has had a love for all things bookish since before Amazon and eReaders existed *le gasp*. You can also find her organizing tours and other fun things at Xpresso Book Tours.
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Jeann @ Happy Indulgence
Wow, I really need to read a Courtney Summers book, looks like you highly recommend them! Angelfall was definitely mind blowing. I wouldn’t hesitate to give anyone Daughter of Smoke & Bone, WOOL and FEED.
Mel@thedailyprophecy
I really wish I could give books to other people, because I know just some perfect titles for them, but it would be a waste of money.. They truly aren’t interested in reading them, because they don’t want to find the time for it 🙁
Maya @ The Book Nook
I love giving people books for Christmas – and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo as I really want to read it!
Jenea @ Books Live Forever
My son has asked for the Hunger Games Trilogy for Christmas. How awesome it that? I can’t get that boy to read at all, but he’ll read the series, so Win!. My daughter is on a Goosebumps kick right now. So I guess I will finding them for her. Loved The Host, I would definitely give that one. I think that the Rook and Ronin series is one that I will be giving to my sister-in-law and maybe in my mother-in-law. 🙂
Jesse @ Pretty in Fiction
Haha! I like JUST told someone the same exact thing about The Host! And you’re right. There doesn’t
seem to be much gray area with it. People either LOVE it or hate it.
Some Girls Are = necessary gift. That book tears me to pieces, but it’s so good in a horrible sort of way. And This Is Not A Test is one of very few books I often have the urge to reread. I’ve tried to get a few friends to read it, but for some reason “contemporary zombie apocalypse novel” doesn’t catch their attention the way it obviously should.
Eileen @ Singing and Reading in the Rain
I have This is Not a Test and I really want to read it because I’ve heard that all of Courtney Summers’ books are absolutely amazing and genius. I totally agree with Hemlock and Catching Jordan, too. Miranda Kenneally is just so good and making you love her characters and at the same time incorporating the perfect amount of humor into them 🙂
Kristin@Blood,Sweat and Books
I think Grave Mercy by Robin LaFever’s is a really giftable book plus it’s just awesome. Also, let’s see… oo.. Feed by Mira Grant, Uglies Series by Scott Westerfield, The Maze Runner books, The Walking Dead Compendiums. I tend to like gifting series rather than just the first book if you can tell, lol.
Ashley @The Quiet Concert
I have to read almost all of those books! I do love Angefall though, I thought it was fantastic. My favorite gift giving is to surprise some friends who have Kindles and send them the deal of the day on AMazon when I know they will love the book! Even if they don’t like it, the price was not too expensive!
I just had someone ask me for a funny book and I am currently struggling a bit on picking one out for her as a gift.
Mary @ BookSwarm
I’ve already got a couple of books for people — I got a The Oatmeal and a Hyperbole and a Half books for my brother and a cookbook for my mom. Now, something for Dad…
Books make the BEST presents!
Kelsey
I actually bought my fiance’s side of the family books! Sarah Dessen and Stephanie Perkins were two authors I got books for them from, love them both.
Courtney Summers would be another good one, especially since she’s Canadian! Good choices 🙂
Candace
I love picking out the perfect book for each person. I have gotten many a person hooked just by giving the ‘right’ book to them. But sometimes it’s hard. I loved The Host and gifted it a lot one year and some loved it and some didnt.
Nereyda @Mostly YA Book Obsessed
Sadly, everyone I know (in real life) doesn’t read because they ‘don’t have time.’ Lame! My niece likes to read so I always try to encourage that by passing on books to her. She’s 12 though so I have to be careful what kind of YA I give her.
I loved Catching Jordan, This is not a test and Hemlock!
kimbacaffeinate
Great picks, I adored some of these. I love giving books as gifts and work really hard to pick books I know the person would enjoy. Thanks for sharing these 🙂
Aneeqah @ My Not So Real Life
Some awesome books on this list! I seem to be in the minority about This Is Not a Test- I just flat out did NOT like that one, so I probably wouldn’t be giving it to anybody. =P I’ve heard so much about Water for Elephants but haven’t read that one yet, so I may have to ask my parents for that one! I’m planning to read Angelfall sometime soon, as my sister is a huge fan is totally appalled that I haven’t read it yet. 😉 I’ve been meaning to read Some Girls Are as well, since I wanted to give Courtney Summers another try after This is Not a Test did not go very well for me.
Lovely list, Giselle! <3 I'm going to have to give some of these out to my bookish friends. =)
Pili
Hmmm, recently I keep on pushing the bf to read both The Raven Boys and The Dream Thieves! The writing is fantastic and the story is brilliant!!
I’d also recommend AngelFall and World After and Thrones of Glass & Crown of Midnight!
Juhina
I was actually gifted the hunger games trilogy by a friend for my birthday last week.. I don’t own the full books (my sister does but i want my own!) so yea, HG definitely, though like you said.. that’s an obvious choice. and YEAY for including Hemlock.. I would DEFINITELY recommend that and buy that to everyone.. as for The Host.. that warning should be put at the front page of the book.. i also always give any friend i let borrow The Host that warning
awesome list!
– Juhina @ Maji Bookshelf
Molli
I totally agree with the ones of these I’ve read (Hemlock, TINAT, Catching Jordan.) There’s something in them for EVERYONE. Great subject and choices, Giselle!
Michelle
Great list!!! I totally agree with The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. I gave the whole series to my aunt one year because it really is something that anyone can read. I also really really LOVE Courtney Summers and wish more than anything I could get All the Rage for Christmas!! Oh well maybe next year! I’m glad you featured her books, more people need to know about them 🙂
Bethzaida (bookittyblog)
YES to The Host and Angelfall! Such amazing books. So true about The Host. I think I kept going because I thought that because Stephenie Meyer wrote it I had to read it and I don’t regret it! I read it twice and I fell in love with it all over again. And Angelfall, gosh, this books left me breathless. I’ve been wanting to read Catching Jordan for the longest time! I think I’ll read it one Christmas vacation! Great post Giselle!
alisa selene
I keep hearing angellfall is amazing need to check it out!
Charlotte
I’ve been eyeing Courtney’s works ever since I read a glowing review for her Cracked Up To Be. I am not big on contemporaries but I guess that Courtney’s books will greatly appeal to me just like Katie McGarry’s.
Angelfall, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Host are still on my TBR list. I am planning to read Angelfall soon because I can’t stand all this gushing. I am desperate to know what this hype is all about. 😀 As for the Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, I kept on delaying it because I’ve watched the films and it’s quite disturbing. I’m sure that the book will be much more. And re: The Host, I am quite apprehensive because it’s written by S. Meyer. I don’t want a Twilight retelling. Maybe I am just being so judgmental. :\
Giselle
The Host is nothing at all like Twilight! Like, apples and oranges!! You have to read it! Also Dragon Tattoo does have its disturbing moments but nothing worse that was in the movie. It’s very VERY character oriented with such a compelling heroine. One of my fav series of all time!
Sydney
Water for Elephants was such a great book. It’s one of my favorites and I really want to read it again. As far as book gifts come, I don’t know many readers. There’s only one person I know who has asked me to buy her books for Christmas, and we’re basically exchanging book-y gifts. I’m buying her her favorite book in a special edition, because she doesn’t have it. I love the books you recommended for giving, though! Especially Angelfall. Oh, how I need that one.
Krazzyme
I love the HOST but I’d give that same warning to people as well. It’s sad that that’s the only book I’ve read in this list . I own more though . I’m so behind on my TBR
Wendy Darling
Hm, by “I hate this genre” for Angelfall, you speaking of post-apocalyptic books? I would assume so since I know you enjoy horror! I’ve given Angelfall to quite a few people, that’s always a good one for someone who’s more adventurous. I’ve also given TELL THE WOLVES I’M HOME to several people, and they’ve all loved it so far.
Giselle
No I love PA books – I meant angel books. This is only one of 2 I’ve ever liked. 🙂 I’ll have to check out TELL THE WOLVES I’M HOME I don’t recall hearing that title before! Thanks!
Wendy Darling
Oh yeah, angel books are hard. There are only a handful of books I like in that genre as well.
Savannah
Angefall, love that series! I do get tried of angel books but that one is AMAZING!
fishgirl182
I still need to read Catching Jordan and that whole series. I have only heard really good things about it. And The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo has been on my TBR pile for SO long. Maybe next year is the year.
I love giving Cinder, Firelight by Kristen Callihan, and probably anything Richelle Mead.
Cora @ This Northern Reader
A lot of the presents I’m giving this year are books 🙂 And even an audio-book for my book-a-phobic other half.
Amy @ Book Loving Mom
Great post babe!! I am setting mine up now. I like this topic. I totally agree with you on The Host. I actually still haven’t even seen the movie yet. I read the book right when it came out though. I have Angelfall and the sequel and still haven’t read those yet either. Man, I totally fail. Lol!!!
Micheline @ Lunar Rainbows Reviews
Yeaahh I completely agree with you on Water for Elephants and The Host!! I’ve owned a copy of Angelfall for years now so I definitely need to get on that one 😀 Wonderful picks ^^ Hemlock and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo are on the tbr shelf as well!