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Bookclubs' Guide to the Best Books to Gift in 2024

Updated: Nov 23, 2024

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Author

Zoe Epstein

As the holiday season approaches, we're busy checking off our lists for all the loved ones in our lives.  At Bookclubs, we believe there's no better gift than a book!  Books expand your mind, taking you to new places, and teach you new things.  They provide countless hours of entertainment, and they're one of the few things you can never have too many of.  Plus, they're remarkably easy to wrap! 

So this Christmas (or Hannukah, or Kwanzaa), support your local bookstore and make a book lover happy.  Our 2024 book gift guide features something special for every reader – from page-turning thrillers to swoon-worthy holiday romances.  Let's explore our carefully selected recommendations that will make your holiday shopping easier and delight the readers in your life...

Most Discussion Worthy Books to Gift

Riding Like The Wind
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Riding Like the Wind: The Life of Sanora Babb by Iris Jamahl Dunkle

"This absorbing biography, written with both affection and admiration, shows Sanora Babb as one of the most indefatigable characters in American literary history."—The New Republic

Riding Like the Wind resurrects the silenced voice of Sanora Babb, peerless author of mid-century American literature. Award-winning biographer Iris Dunkle tells the story of one of our most profound writers, whose silenced voice deprived the literary world of an author intimately connected to the true experiences of Dust Bowl migrants.

Buy Now - Riding Like the Wind
 

The Lost Bookshop

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

In The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods, a mysterious, disappearing bookshop on a quiet Dublin street transforms the lives of three ordinary people—Opaline, Martha, and Henry. Each has lived in the background of their own story until the bookshop’s secrets draw them into a world of enchantment. As they unlock the mysteries hidden on its shelves, they realize their own lives are just as remarkable as the ones in their favorite books. Blending magic, mystery, and a deep love for storytelling, The Lost Bookshop is perfect for fans of The Echo of Old Books and The Lost Apothecary.

Buy Now - The Lost Bookshop
 

James

James by Percival Everett

James by Percival Everett is a bold and imaginative reworking of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, told from the perspective of the enslaved Jim. When Jim learns he’s about to be sold, he escapes to Jackson Island, where his journey intertwines with Huck’s as they travel down the Mississippi River. This gripping narrative reexamines classic American literature, highlighting Jim’s intelligence, courage, and humanity in ways Mark Twain’s original story didn’t fully explore. With Everett’s signature humor and incisive critique of American history, James is a powerful, thought-provoking retelling that’s set to become a contemporary classic.

Buy Now - James
 

The Women

The Women by Kristin Hannah

From the acclaimed author of The Nightingale and The Four Winds comes a powerful novel about women in wartime. In 1965, nursing student Frances "Frankie" McGrath makes a life-changing decision when she joins the Army Nurse Corps during the Vietnam War. Sheltered by her conservative upbringing, Frankie faces the brutal realities of war, building deep bonds with her fellow nurses and soldiers. Returning home, she encounters a divided America, grappling with the indifference and hostility faced by Vietnam veterans, especially women. This gripping story pays tribute to the courage and sacrifices of the often-overlooked women who served.

Buy Now - The Women

 


Best Holiday Romances to Gift

One Big Happy Family
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One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery

Susan Mallery, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Boardwalk Bookshop, returns with the joyful and utterly irresistible story of a mother who couldn't love her kids more but hopes that, just this once, they please don't come home for Christmas. 

Julie Parker's kids are her greatest gift. Still, she's not exactly heartbroken when they ask to skip a big Christmas. Her son, Nick, is taking a belated honeymoon with his bride, Blair, while her daughter, Dana, will purge every reminder of the guy who dumped her. Again. Julie feels practically giddy for one-on-one holiday time with Heath, the (much) younger man she's secretly dating.

But her plans go from cozy to chaotic when Nick and Dana plead for Christmas at the family cabin in memory of their late father, Julie's ex. She can't refuse, even though she dreads their reactions to her new man when they realize she's been hiding him for months.

As the guest list grows in surprising ways, from Blair's estranged mom to Heath's precocious children, Julie's secret is one of many to be unwrapped. Over this delightfully complicated and very funny Christmas, she'll discover that more really is merrier, and that a big, happy family can become bigger and happier, if they let go of old hurts and open their hearts to love.

Buy Now - One Big Happy Family


The Holiday Cottage
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The Holiday Cottage by Sarah Morgan

From the bestselling author of The Book Club Hotel, Sarah Morgan returns with a heartfelt story of friendship, finding yourself, and the surprising ties that bring us together. 

To the outside world, Imogen is a marketing dynamo. Her colleagues don't know that while her high-achieving professional image is real, the happy childhood stories she spins are as fake as her pretend enthusiasm for Christmas. Working 24/7 has always been her solution to surviving the festive season--until burnout leads to a catastrophic blunder.

Suddenly, Imogen is handed a holiday gift she definitely doesn't want: enforced time off work to recuperate. Then an invitation arrives from her favorite client, Dorothy, to stay at her guest cottage in the Cotswolds. From the thatched roof to the cozy open fireplace, Holly Cottage is a picture-perfect haven... Can it provide the fresh start Imogen so desperately needs?

For Dorothy, helping Imogen offers a longed-for chance to make reparations for her own past. But as her daughter Sara keeps reminding her, it brings risks, too. Yet Dorothy knows that only a leap of courage will allow her family to grow and heal. And perhaps this Christmas, with Dorothy's help, the new life that Imogen is slowly piecing together could be better than anything either of them could imagine...

Buy Now - The Holiday Cottage


Love in Winter Wonderland
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Love in Winterwonderland by Abiola Bello

In this heartwarming holiday YA rom-com set in a Black-owned bookstore in London, popular guy Trey and artsy Ariel put aside their differences to help save their beloved local bookshop, Wonderland, before it’s scheduled to close for good on Christmas Eve. Charming, joyful, and romantic, this read is the gift that keeps on giving, no matter the season.

Buy Now - Love In Winter Wonderland


How My Neighbor Stole Christmas

How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn

In Meghan Quinn's holiday romance, How My Neighbor Stole Christmas, the festive town of Kringletown is in full holiday swing—except for Cole Black, the town's resident grump. Cole's plans to avoid Christmas are upended when his cheerful nemesis, Storee Taylor, moves in next door to care for her Aunt Cindy. Determined to win the town's Christmas Kringle contest in Cindy’s honor, Storee sparks a rivalry with Cole, who decides to enter the competition just to beat her. Pretending to be festive, Cole fakes a budding romance with Storee, only for their pretend relationship to become surprisingly real. As the competition intensifies, so do their feelings, leading to unexpected twists that threaten to change everything. This enemies-to-lovers rom-com is full of holiday cheer, humor, and heart.

Buy Now - How My Neighbor Stole Christmas


Best YA Books to Gift

Children of Anguish and Anarchy
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Children of Anguish and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi

Featuring gorgeous designed edges, dazzling metallic foil designs on the jacket and case, and an exclusive endpaper map that reveals new unexplored territories, Tomi Adeyemi's #1 New York Times-bestselling Legacy of Orïsha series comes to an earth-shaking conclusion.

Buy Now - Children of Anguish and Anarchy
 

Where the Library Hides

Where the Library Hides by Isabel Ibañez

Where the Library Hides by Isabel Ibañez concludes the story that began in What the River Knows. Set in the lush and magical landscape of Egypt, the novel follows Inez Olivera as she grapples with her parents’ mysterious deaths. Her search for answers has led her through betrayal, heartbreak, and encounters with dangerous ancient magic. When her uncle, Tío Ricardo, makes her inheritance conditional, Inez faces a difficult choice: marry Whitford Hayes, a former British soldier and her former rival. Whit's secret motives in Egypt complicate matters, and Inez must decide if she can trust the one person who might shatter her plans. This historical fantasy is filled with adventure, romance, and unexpected alliances.

Buy Now - Where the Library Hides
 

Nothing Like in the Movies

Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter

Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter is the highly anticipated sequel to Better Than the Movies. After a brief, perfect romance, Wes and Liz’s relationship was abruptly shattered just as they were about to start their freshman year at UCLA. Months later, they find themselves in college together, and Wes is determined to win back the strong-willed girl-next-door he lost. Armed with grand, rom-com-worthy gestures tailored to Liz’s favorite movie moments, Wes embarks on a mission to rekindle their love. However, Liz is resistant, and a new male friend complicates Wes’s plans. As his romantic schemes fall flat, Wes faces the painful reality that their love story might truly be over.

Buy Now - Nothing Like the Movies
 

If He Had Been With Me

If He Had Been with Me (Collector's Edition) by Laura Nowlin

If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin is a bestselling YA romance that has captivated over a million readers. This collector’s edition, featuring special details like printed edges and a ribbon bookmark, adds to the charm of this emotionally charged story. The novel follows Autumn and Finn, once inseparable friends who have drifted apart over the years. Autumn has moved on with her boyfriend Jamie, while Finn has become the popular boy everyone admires. Yet, every encounter between them stirs up old feelings and regret, leaving Autumn wondering what might have been. As summer approaches, life-altering events force Autumn to face the reality of their fractured connection and what it could have meant for their future. Perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover and Jenny Han, this novel is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and missed chances.

Buy Now - If He Had Been With Me
 

 

Best Mysteries and Thrillers to Gift

Blood Like Mine
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Blood Like Mine by Stuart Neville

Rebecca Carter and her daughter, Moonflower, are on the run across the highways of the American Southwest, desperately hoping to outrun the cost of a gruesome secret they share. Meanwhile, FBI Agent Marc Donner is chasing down the most vicious serial murderer he's ever seen. In this deadly chase, nobody is safe and nothing is certain—not even the line between predator and prey.

Buy Now - Blood Like Mine
 

The God of the Woods

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore is a gripping mystery set in 1975, when thirteen-year-old Barbara Van Laar disappears from a remote summer camp in the Adirondacks. Her vanishing mirrors a tragedy from the past—her older brother vanished fourteen years earlier, never to be found. As a search for Barbara ensues, the novel delves into the secrets of the powerful Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in their shadow. Moore weaves a rich narrative full of suspense, complex characters, and family dynamics, blending elements of a thrilling mystery with a poignant exploration of class, loyalty, and loss. Reminiscent of The Secret History, this immersive, atmospheric novel is perfect for readers who enjoy family sagas and psychological thrillers. The intricate storytelling and unexpected twists make it a captivating read from start to finish.

Buy Now - God of the Woods
 

All the Colors of the Dark

All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker is a mesmerizing thriller that blends suspense, crime, and an epic love story. Set in 1975 in the small town of Monta Clare, Missouri, the novel follows the mysterious disappearance of a young girl and the unlikely hero, Patch, who saves her, setting off a chain of heartbreaking events. As Patch navigates love, loss, and secrets, the story becomes a powerful exploration of obsession and devotion. Described as "literary fiction that works as a crime thriller" by The Boston Globe and "mesmerizing and intoxicating" by Patricia Cornwell, Whitaker’s novel grips readers with its intricate plot and deeply affecting characters. People calls it "a haunting story of America," while Kirkus Reviews hails it as "a richly layered tale of love, loss, and hope." With its cinematic quality and emotional depth, All the Colors of the Dark is a must-read that will stay with you long after the last page.

Buy Now - Riding Like the Wind
 

The Mistletoe Mystery

The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose

In The Mistletoe Mystery, the heartwarming holiday novella from Nita Prose, Molly Gray, the endearing maid from The Maid and The Mystery Guest, faces a personal holiday mystery at the Regency Grand Hotel. With her beloved boyfriend, Juan Manuel, eager to make this the best Christmas yet, Molly is drawn into a Secret Santa gift exchange that raises unsettling questions about the people she trusts. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she wonders if she's once again misjudged someone. A celebration of love and holiday magic, The Mistletoe Mystery highlights the true spirit of the season. Critics are praising it as "delightful" (People) and "heartwarming" (The Guardian). Molly's unique perspective and emotional depth shine through in this festive tale, reminding readers that love is the greatest mystery of all. A perfect read for fans of The Maid and those seeking a cozy, charming holiday story.

Buy Now - Mistletoe Mystery
 

 

Best Nonfiction Books to Gift

What in the World?!

What in the World?!: A Southern Woman's Guide to Laughing at Life's Unexpected Curveballs and Beautiful Blessings by Leanne Morgan

The New York Times bestseller! Beloved comedy sensation Leanne Morgan packs a hilarious punch with real talk about what it’s like to be a woman today—from rebelling against the latest diet trends to dealing with perimenopausal mean girls and attending rock concerts in middle age. “This is the inspirational story that we all need,” says Reese Witherspoon. “No one makes me laugh harder than Leanne Morgan!"

Buy Now - What in the World?!
 

The Serviceberry

The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer

In The Serviceberry, Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass, offers a powerful reflection on the ethic of reciprocity found in nature. She explores how the serviceberry tree’s act of sharing its abundance with the natural world embodies principles of interconnectedness, gratitude, and mutual flourishing. Drawing from Indigenous wisdom, Kimmerer calls for a shift from scarcity-driven economies to systems based on generosity and community. With her signature lyrical prose, she invites readers to reconsider how we value relationships—both with the land and each other. This meditation on the natural world offers a hopeful vision for creating a more sustainable and just future.

Buy Now - The Serviceberry
 

Nexus

Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI by Yuval Noah Harari

In Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI, Yuval Noah Harari examines how the flow of information has shaped history, from early tools to the rise of artificial intelligence. He explores the manipulation of truth, the myths we live by, and the relationship between information and power. Addressing issues like misinformation and AI, Harari urges readers to rethink the role of information in shaping our past, present, and future. A thought-provoking exploration of technology, society, and the forces that have shaped—and will continue to shape—our world.

Buy Now - Nexus
 

The Message

The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates

In The Message, Ta-Nehisi Coates explores the power of storytelling through three powerful essays. He begins with a journey to Africa, blending the modern city of Dakar with his mythic vision of a kingdom. In South Carolina, Coates reflects on the banning of his own book, delving into America’s reckoning with its racist history. Finally, he travels to Palestine, examining the clash between nationalist narratives and the realities of life on the ground. Coates challenges readers to untangle the destructive myths that shape our world and embrace difficult truths for a more just future.

Buy Now - The Message
 

What books are you gifting this holiday season? Share your ideas in the comments below!

These book selections are a combination of titles chosen by the Bookclubs editorial staff, and the titles recommended by our publishing sponsors. If you buy books through links on this page, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.


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