Trust me, he wanted a book not that sweater.
Have you left Christmas shopping until December? Have you just realised that stores are now zoos full of rabid animals? Never fear, I can and will help you… well, not so much me as books. Books can and will solve your problems. So here are my Christmas recommendations for those of you without the time to think.
Where Do You Hide Two Elephants? by Emily Rodda. Ridiculously cute picture book.
The Red Wind by Isobelle Carmody. For the lover of fantasy. Added bonus, yes it is a series. We fantasy geeks love a good series.
Impossible Quest Series by Kate Forsyth. The first two books are already out. Get into them before they blow out Harry Potter style. Fantastic kids series.
The Protected by Claire Zorn. Incredibly moving YA novel about grief, resilience… I actually have to stop writing about this novel now because I’m tearing up just thinking about it. It’s powerful stuff. I’ll leave it at that.
The Fictional Woman by Tara Moss. Non Fiction exploration of stereotypes and beliefs thrust upon women/Tara Moss. That description does not do it justice at all. Captivating read. Just go out and get it for any and all women you know.
Under Siege by Belinda Neil. A memoir about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It rings true for a lot of mental illnesses though, such as depression and anxiety, not only PTSD, so is highly accessible.
Holiday in Cambodia by Laura Jean McKay. For you travel bug friend. Get Destination Cambodia by Walter Mason as a companion piece. Your friend will love you forever. I’m trying not to literally laugh out loud remembering the “dangerously jolly” scene in Destination Cambodia.
The Black Dress by Pamela Freeman. Get it for the woman who wants to read about strong women and also anyone with an interest in religious history. A truly excellent read about Mary MacKillop.
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent. Yes, you can believe the hype. Buy it for yourself for Christmas.
The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. For your historical fiction loving friends who enjoy some romance.
The Nightingale by Fiona McIntosh. Another beautiful romantic historical fiction novel.
Fishing for Tigers by Emily Maguire. For the Literary snob who secretly likes it a bit sexy. In other words, exceptionally well written but they get down to business.
Avoiding Mr Right by Anita Heiss. For the woman who likes the idea of chick lit but needs something with a bit more depth.
Sea Hearts by Margo Lanagan. Styled as young adult but so brilliant. Honestly, it’s for any adult, young or old, human or seal. A beautiful take on the Selkie myth.
Blood and Circuses by Kerry Greenwood. Love a light murder mystery and the cover is very cool. Seriously, I know you can’t judge a book by its cover but… well… we do.
Animal People by Charlotte Wood. Slightly traumatising but oh so good. For your friend who likes a bit of real life grit.
Okay Christmas peoples, go forth and part with your cash. Probably online, so you can avoid the people. Mwah.
Write or Wrong 
I like this story “Under Siege”, I recommend all of you to read it, this is an eye openers for people with anxiety or depression.
Under Siege is fantastic.
Thanks for the creative suggestions! I love finding the right book for the right person.
How’d you go?
Thanks for some great suggestions.
What would you suggest for a 14yo boy who is a prolific reader, sports mad has read most of the popular series Rick O’Riordan books, reads fantasy, sport, fiction, non fiction you name it. I am out of ideas apart from moving him onto older books like Matthew Reilly but I don’t want him to grow up too soon if that makes sense. My husband is also a prolific reader and has no issues with our son reading Tom Clancy, Matthew Reilly – while I have read most Tom Clancy I worry that it is just too old for him. I thought Bryce Courtney but again I think that potentially the storylines are just a little bit old and therefore slow and potentially boring for a 14yo who loves reading and I don’t want him to loose that passion. It is just such a tough in between age for reading and boys. (For my girls when they get to that age it will be easier Judy Blume, Sweet Dreams Romance novels lol)
Thanks
Cathy xoxo
Hi. Has he read “The Ranger’s Apprentice” series. It’s addictive. If not get him some of those, if he already has read a heap get him onto Garth Nix’s work. Nobody is ever disappointed with Garth. This years list is up now https://riedstrap.wordpress.com/2015/12/10/brace-yourself-book-recommendations-are-coming/