Excellent Authors and Good Reads for Under the Christmas Tree

In my last post I gave you a few pointers on how to best buy books, cds and dvds. Now here are a few authors and books that I highly recommend for the holidays.

Excellent Authors

Jennifer Weiner:
All of Weiner’s main characters are strong, witty, smart, and sometimes sarcastic females. The topics of her books range from babies to careers. Regardless of whether you’ve had a child, have a job, or are even a female, there are plenty of life observances I think that we can all relate too in her books, though I would classify this as primarily chick-lit.

Nicholas Sparks:
Sparks writes for the romantics in all of us. Two of his books, “The Notebook” and “A Walk to Remember” have become major motion pictures as well. I recommend those books that focus on younger characters, such as the two which have become movies. Also, if you’ve read and liked “The Notebook” then you must read his follow-up “The Wedding.”

Jodi Picoult:
I credit Picoult as being one of the smartest and most-investigative writers out there. Each of her books tackles a controversial subject from all sides and is sure to leave the reader thinking. My personal favorite is “My Sister’s Keeper,” which focuses on the topic of having a child in order to save another.

Tom Clancy:
I must admit that this is the one author who’s made it onto the list, which I’ve never actually read. However, my dad swears by his novels. They tend to be very masculine (i.e. gory, investigative, war-themed), but hard to put down from what I can tell. Not to mention, endless as he’s written so many.

Stephen King:
King’s books have become horror classics of our time. I’m not much for sci-fi or horror, but I must admit, even I’ve found a book here or there of his that has heartfelt elements I truly appreciate. For example, the movie “Stand By Me” was based on one of King’s novellas. He also wrote an excellent memoir “On Writing” which is explained very well by its title. As a writer I found it incredible inspiring, smart, honest, and helpful.

J.K. Rowling:
Who hasn’t heard of the fabulous J.K. Rowling by now? I think she’s done an absolutely fantastic job of bringing back a true love of reading and adventure to children. Even adults love reading her book (guilty as charged). I honestly can't wait to see what comes next. So, if you have someone in the family who just can’t be bothered to sit down and read unless forced by homework assignments and the threat of the TV being taken away … then this is definitely the author for them.


All Around Good Reads

The Secret History ~ By: Donna Tartt
The Time Traveler’s Wife ~ By: Audrey Niffenegger
Son of a Witch ~ By: Gregory Maguire
After the War~ By: Carol Matas
I Know This Much is True~ Wally Lamb
The Bell Jar ~ By: Sylvia Plath

I hope this list helps :). Definitely let me know if you have some recommendations of your own that you'd like for me to include, so that others may enjoy them as well!

Books, Cds, and DVDs Tips

Every Christmas my family can count on at least three new books, DVDs, and CDs finding their way into the house. I'd have to guess that we're not the only ones. In fact Goat, my boyfriend, let me in on his little secret of buying four different versions of one specific form of entertainment for each member of his family. Sounds easy, right? In other words, his sister gets Ratatouille, his brother gets Spider-Man 3, his mom gets License to Wed and his dad gets 300.

What gets tricky about giving movies, CDs and DVDs for the holidays is finding out whether they already own it and whether the movie is appropriate for it (Hint: Knocked Up--- not appropriate for Mom or Great Aunt Sue).

So here are some tips to help you on your way:

1. Do a little spy work ;) --- That's right, its time to get your hands dirty. Make your call to dad about Mom, Grandma about Grandpa, and even lil sis about lil bro. Find out whether your house already contains one copy of the book,cd, and dvd. Who wants to go through the post-Christmas sales rush to return a CD someone bought you as a gift?


2. Find out the rating--- In the case of movies and CDs, you're going to want to look up whether the movie is rated G, PG, PG-13, or R and up. Sure you don't mind if your little cousin sneaks a few peaks at something rated a little too high for younger eyes, but your aunt and uncle probably will. For CDs check if there's a parental advisory sticker stuck on that CD. Unless you're the parent, who wants the drama?


3. Take into consideration their tastes--- I know this one sounds really obvious, but I can personally say that I've been found guilty of selecting a movie, CD, or book that I too would enjoy. Now that's not to say, find something for them that you'll absolutely hate just so you're not tempted to also enjoy it... just be careful to make sure their tastes are taken into consideration as well as your own. I'm all about sharing Christmas gifts when applicable. A little borrowing is good for the soul :)


4. Get shopping--- Now here's the fun part! Go on-line and surf the web if you're not a fan of the holiday shopping crowds. Head to your favorite Borders, or local book store and grab a cup of coffee while you peruse the isles, picking up each book to examine the cover as you go (this is the type of shopping I enjoy the most) if you prefer to do the legwork yourself. Put your skills for observation to their test. What book, movie, or DVD was last mentioned by that special someone? Surprise them by proving you pay attention and get a little something special for yourself while you're at it.

So what DVDs, books, and music are on your Christmas List?