Reading: Holiday Gift Guide 2024: Best Books For The TBR List

Every December 24 the people of Iceland observe a tradition of gift-giving called Jólabókaflóð, or the Yule book flood. They enjoy unwrapping their book gifts with a cozy cup of hot chocolate. One Icelandic proverb says, “It’s better to be without shoes than be without a book.” I love this custom because giving books is truly heartwarming for both the giver and the recipient. This year’s holiday gift guide of the best books for the TBR list has an option for everyone on your list. Even better, your friends and family shouldn’t already own the book because each suggestion is recently published. Get something for yourself, too. And add a hot chocolate. 

Intermezzo ($29, by Sally Rooney)

For the “childless cat lady” in your life: Sally Rooney’s new book tells the story of two brothers mourning their father. With themes of grief, family, and love, this is the fourth book by the popular young Irish writer. All the cool childless cat ladies (including my daughter!) are reading this one. Chances are your friend has read Rooney’s other books.  (I loved them all!) I too can’t wait to read this novel. (Hint! Hint!) Pair it with: This adorable pink cat lady slipper tree ornament — the perfect complement.

The Grey Wolf ($30, by Louise Penny)

For the amateur detective in your life: This latest mystery by Louise Penny is her 19th featuring Chief Inspector Gamache. This novel takes us back to Three Pines where a sequence of strange events led to a murder and a terrible realization by Gamache and his team. The series is addictive, but this one can stand alone. Pair it with: A fun inspirational pen set, like this one (with phrases like Today is the Day, Now or Never). Time to jot down notes and solve this mystery. (Psst: This company has dozens of pen set options so you’ll easily find something just perfect.)

The Message ($30, by Ta-Nehisi Coates)

For the writer who needs to be inspired: Three connected essays by the renowned Ta-Nehisi Coates explore power dynamics and systemic racism in Dakar, South Carolina, and Palestine. Coates confronts hard realities while inspiring the reader to challenge conventional truths. This book is already a bestseller and we can see why. Pair it with: This candle, which can help bring myth and imagination into reality. There’s a reason Cambridge Dictionary lists Manifest as Word of the Year for 2024, and we’re here for it.

Funny Story ($29, by Emily Henry)

For the hopeless romantic: Emily Henry’s latest tells the story of a young woman trying to recover from a broken engagement. A new resident in her ex’s beautiful town of Waning Bay, Michigan, Daphne works as a children’s librarian. She knows no one except her ex’s new girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend, who is now her roommate. Sound complicated? It gets more so. This novel will make you cry, laugh, and cheer with joy! Pair it with: A fun party game to see how well you really know your roommate, best friend, cousin…

Colored Television ($29, by Danzy Senna)

For the friend who loves a smart page-turner: This book takes a brilliant look at love, ambition, and reinvention in La La Land. Jane is a struggling novelist with two young children and a husband. When she is not able to sell her novel, Jane tries to become a TV writer. The book explores race and gender with cunning satire. Pair it with: A special Chanel nail polish…a little glam that every powerful working woman deserves.

Bel Canto Annotated Edition ($40, by Ann Patchett)

For the self-proclaimed literary nerd: The newly annotated edition of Ann Patchett’s most popular book is sure to please the literati and more. First published in 2001, Bel Canto has been called Patchett’s most beloved novel. On an evening where people are relishing the operatic voice of a beloved soprano, a turn of dramatic events changes everything. A terrorist situation in a South American country turns into a moment of great beauty. In this new edition, Patchett gives commentary on the original version as a mature writer looks at her earlier work. As a literary nerd myself, I can’t wait to delve into this. Pair it with: Some noise-cancelling headphones. We are fans of these by OneOdio.

Ottolenghi Comfort ($38, by Yotam Ottolenghi with Helen Goh)

For the elegant gourmand (+ weeknight chef in your life): Ottolenghi Comfort is the newest cookbook from everyone’s favorite, Yotam Ottolenghi — an Israeli-born British chef and public figure. With more than 100 recipes in this edition, he creates dishes that are both heartwarming and tasty. Try comfort foods like Cheesy Bread Soup with Savoy Cabbage & Cavolo Nero, for starters. My mouth is already watering. Pair it with: A bottle of sake for the ultimate gourmet gift.

Somewhere Beyond the Sea ($29, by TJ Klune)

For the friend who just needs to escape reality (cough, cough): This new TJ Klune book takes us back to Marsyas Island, the cozy fantasy universe we didn’t know we were missing. Arthur Parnassus is headmaster of a strange orphanage on a faraway island and his main goal is protecting these special children. If your escape-seeking friend or relative hasn’t read the first book, The House in the Cerulean Sea, pick up a copy of that one too. Pair it with: The cutest little handheld on-the-go printer for all your adventures.

Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir ($34, by Ina Garten)

For the one obsessed with celebrity: The Barefoot Contessa’s memoir is simply delicious. Ina Garten gives an entertaining and honest account of her life from childhood to her rise to fame as a television personality and cookbook author. We learn about her difficult childhood, her romance with sweet Jeffrey, her business philosophy, and the lessons she has learned along the way. And as a bonus, Garten even shares a few recipes. Pair it with: A set of exquisite bath oils for a little (but much needed!) self-care.

A Quiet Company of Dangerous Men: The Forgotten British Special Operations Soldiers of World War II ($32, by Shannon Monaghan)

For the history buff in your family: This person would love this hardcover. Britain’s SOE was one of the earliest and most exciting units formed at the start of World War II. This extensively researched book follows four SOE officers who stood strong against totalitarianism. A true story that has never been told, this is just the book for the armchair historian. Pair it with: A personalized whiskey barrel, which feels just right for a long night, reading by the roaring fire.

Dolly Parton All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track
($60, by Simon Benoit and Damien Somville and Lalie Walker)

For the pop culture addict: Out just this fall, the lovely hardcover book spans Dolly’s 60-year career chronologically with more than 400 photographs. Superfans and music journalists, the authors share the story behind each song and album. At 608 pages long, this book has it all. Pair it with: A bluetooth turntable for the ultimate gift to that music lover on your list.

Find more great gifts for the holidays here.