As you rush around in a caffeine-induced haze to cross off every name on your Christmas list, you will come across the few names that do not elicit immediate gift ideas. For those, I offer you a radical gift proposal ‹ one so original, so brilliant and so uncanny that I can guarantee that no one else will get that person the same thing: a book. I offer you a book for every person on your list.
Guardian
For the Intellectual:
“”The Da Vinci Code”” by Dan Brown
Follow Harvard professor of symbology Robert Langdon and French cryptologist Sophie Neveu as they race through Europe to uncover the trail of clues hidden in Leonardo Da Vinci’s art that lead to an explosive truth shrouded by a secret society that had at one time been headed by Da Vinci himself. Set off by the murder of a famed Louvre curator who was a member of the secret society, the story speeds through 105 intellectually loaded chapters. The mythology and historical background surrounding modern Catholic faith stimulate this controversial, yet increasingly popular, thriller.
For Your Mom:
“”Living History”” by Hillary Rodham Clinton
Authored by one of the strongest female political icons of this generation, this personal memoir documents the eight years of the Clinton administration, Hillary Clinton’s life as First Lady and her impact on domestic legislation. She sheds meticulously detailed light on issues that were a large part of the Clinton administration, including the Whitewater investigation, the Monica Lewinsky scandal and Bill Clinton’s impeachment. The story of Hillary Clinton coming of age in a generation of women who found more opportunities will resonate with the strong female icon in your life: your mom.
For the Girly Girl:
“”Shopaholic Ties the Knot”” by Sophie Kinsella
The third book in the Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella takes fashion-conscious, budget-unbalancing single girl Becky Bloomwood for a trip down the aisle. Her misadventures in retail and wedding plans lead to sticky situations. The unlikely Shopaholic heroine who always managed to find a way to weasel out of the toughest circumstances in the previous two books (“”Confessions of a Shopaholic”” and “”Shopaholic Takes Manhattan””) meets her ultimate predicament: accidentally planning two weddings on two continents on the same day. Hilarity and romance ensues alongside a bunch of shopping bags in hand in another volume to add to the romantic comedy genre.
For the Musician:
“”Journals”” by Kurt Cobain
Immerse yourself in the private journals of Kurt Cobain, the tragic, late lead singer of Nirvana. The book documents his thoughts on fame, the state of music, fans and people who influenced his life until his suicide in 1994. Don’t worry ‹ it’s light on the reading and heavy on the art. Actual pages from Cobain’s journals are reproduced in this cohesive volume, which include pages of handwritten lists, thoughts, desires, moods and declarations. There is no clear narrative leading the journal, only notes sewn together in the same manner as the notebooks were found. “”Journals”” is a work of art rather than a work of literature.
For the Culinary Impaired:
“”Jamie’s Kitchen”” by Jamie Oliver
Jamie Oliver, the endearing British chef from the Food Network, has produced his own cookbook. “”Jamie’s Kitchen: A Cooking Course for Everyone”” provides techniques for cooks of all levels. The cooking methods used throughout the book include cooking without heat, poaching, boiling, steaming, braising, roasting, grilling and baking. Oliver shares unique, delicious recipes using his “”Naked”” cooking approach. Recipes include citrus-seared tuna with crispy noodles, smoked haddock risotto and baked chocolate pudding. The cookbook also provides insight into becoming a smart grocery shopper and giving old recipes a new twist. It’s a good book to have around the kitchen for beginning chefs and mature chefs alike.
Now that you’ve had a glimpse into the best book for every kind of person, you can rest assured knowing that your list is complete. Start the literature revolution among your family and friends. If nothing else, these books will look impressive on their bookshelves and could provide entertainment should a New York-style blackout eliminate all other means of entertainment.
