It’s the season of gift giving again! I believe that books are some of the best gifts you can ever give. The sweater my mom gave me when I was twelve? Long gone. The books she bought me? Still on my shelf.
These books have been favorites in our house this year, and we think they might make the perfect gift for someone you know. (Here’s the link to my 2013 list, all of which are still great options for this year too!)
Another great gift option: buy a membership to Audible for a few months for your book lover!
For Kids:
When kids enter elementary school, it’s a great time to gift them with their first full Bible. We picked out a pink one for Little Miss a couple years ago, and a blue one for T-Rex last year. This Bible features full color inserts with explanations of passages,
Dare U 2 Open This Book and Just Sayin’ by Carol McAdams Moore are new devotionals designed for 8-12 year olds. My kids LOVE these books, and they are not your average devotionals. Each of the 90 devotionals includes activities- drawing, writing a poem, cutting, gluing – these devos engage kids’ creativity with practical applications and explanations of the verses. Kids won’t want to do just one at a time! What a fantastic way to encourage kids to engage with the Bible in a relevant and creative way.
For Moms:
Moms. They do it all. Sometimes well, sometimes not, and sometimes with feelings of guilt of all they don’t do. I have a story featured in this book titled, “Why I’ll Never Be Volunteer of the Month.” Moms share their hilarious missteps and heartwarming stories. I have a couple other writer friends with stories in this one too. It’s a great read, and any mom would appreciate the encouragement offered within its pages.
Sullivan writes with warmth and humor. She shares how she and her husband recognized how self-absorbed they had become and how God prompted them to change. This book isn’t about guilt or shame, but encourages us all to take small steps to find ways to serve our communities that fit the unique wiring of each family member. Each chapter includes dinner table conversations, and the appendix includes a note from her husband to dads, and a note from one of her daughters to parents. Practical, encouraging, and inspiring.
For Fiction Lovers:
Take a journey to the Andersonville prison in the South during the Civil War. Get to know the unlikely friendship between a Yankee and a Confederate soldier. Groot’s writing is superb, and you will get lost in the story.
The third installment in the Heroines Behind the Lines series does not disappoint. Follow the young heroine’s journey into the South as her secret past and connections to the North slowly unfold. If you haven’t read Wedded to War (Heroines Behind the Lines)
Set in a small town in Michigan, Finkbeiner’s sophomore novel shares the story of a family who’ve cared for their entire community in their darkest hours. What happens when this family faces crisis of their own and desperately needs the support of their community? Will their faith sustain them? Beautifully written, and deeply moving, this story will have a lasting impact on you.
“In Depression-era Mississippi, Millie Reynolds longs to escape the madness that marks her world. With an abusive father and a “nothing mama,” she struggles to find a place where she really belongs.” This New York Times bestseller, and Cantrell’s debut novel, is a captivating and powerful coming-of-age story. Heart-wrenching, yet uplifting, you’ll find yourself rooting for Millie to overcome, find faith, and choose a new life. When Mountains Move continues Mille’s story into young adulthood and a cross-country move with her new husband. I can’t say too much more, because it would give it away! Both are can’t-put-down reads!
For Your Friends:
Shameless plug! 🙂 Yes, this is the book I wrote! Encourage your friends, and let them know how much they mean to you. Gather a group and go through this book together. Dig into how you can serve each other and deepen your friendships. Discover the heart of hospitality (it might not be what you think!), learn what forgiveness is and isn’t, discover the power of unity, and more! It’s time for a coffee break!
For Creatives, Leaders, and Business people:
Catmull is one of the founders of Pixar, and this is one of the most fascinating books I’ve ever read. Not only does he share insider stories of Pixar’s movies and how the stories were shaped, but his leadership and management principles were inspiring. The whole story is just intriguing. My favorite line was when he said every Pixar movie starts out as an “ugly baby.”
Sales isn’t just for “sales people” any more. Everyone sells something, and Pink reminds us that it’s a natural human trait we all carry. As a writer, I found his sections on handling rejection and making pitches to be helpful and encouraging.
This is a fun and quirky book filled with insight on the creative process and how to handle both the external and internal critic. Gungor shares some memorable stories from his years traveling with his band, and it’s a fun, wild ride.
For Spiritual Growth:
We don’t often talk about our souls. What is our soul even? Ortberg unpacks what our soul is, why it’s so important, and how you can care for your soul. This is an important topic, and a book that I will be referring back to often.
“Why is it so hard to find the contented, satisfied life? What deep hungers drive our purchasing habits, accumulation, and consumer lifestyle?” Satisfied will take you on a journey, not just into your heart, but into your closets, your basement, and places you’ve tried to ignore. You’ll come out the other side feeling free.
Not technically a book, this DVD driven Bible study will be certain to fire up your faith for 2015. Buy a few participant guides and start the new year going through this inspiring study with a group of friends.
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I luuuuuve lists, and it sure is fun to be included on lists. Thanks so much, Amelia. Can’t wait to peek at some of these.