Make a Holiday Gift List of Books

The Rolling Stones famously sing, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” But here at your local independent bookstore, we politely disagree! When it comes to holiday gift giving, you can — and should — get what you want. And we’re here to help.

No matter who or what you’re buying for, we know there’s a book for that. And we can help you get what you need!

For the Cook

Cookbooks are always popular gifts, and we’ve got several homegrown chefs whose books are definitely gift worthy.

I recently made my first pilgrimage to Kalaya in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philly, and I can’t say enough about the food. Chef/owner Nok Suntaranon grew up helping her mother in their kitchen in southern Thailand, and she learned her lessons well. Now, she’s sharing her knowledge with all of us in her new cookbook, “Kalaya’s Southern Thai Kitchen” with Natalie Jesionka. This is authentic Thai cooking — but with instructions that are easy to follow and beginner-friendly tips and suggested recipe pairings — all aimed at home cooks, so they can bring a part of Thailand into their kitchens. I’m definitely getting and giving this one!

Know someone who goes wild for Middle Eastern cuisine? Give them “Zahav Home: Cooking for Friends & Family.” Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook invite readers to cook the way these chefs do at home, offering 125 new recipes for simple achievable meals. Epicurious called this book a gem, saying “any student of Middle Eastern food would be wise to add it to their bookshelf.”

For the vegetarians among us, there’s “The Vedge Bar Book.” It’s a must-have for holiday hosts, cocktail connoisseurs and plant-based foodies. The team at Philly-favorite Vedge restaurant has been elevating vegetable cooking — and drinking — for well over a decade. And everything you need for memorable cocktails is in this book, with recipes for 75 innovative plant-based drinks and snacks. It also includes a guide to essential tools and ingredients, plus tips for mastering key techniques and garnishing like a pro. Cheers!

For the Fiction or Sports Fan

Of course there’s also plenty of great fiction to choose from this holiday season. First up, the long-awaited return of Haruki Murakami. His new novel, “The City and Its Uncertain Walls,” is at once a love story, a quest, an ode to books and to the libraries that house them, and a parable for our uncertain times. Kirkus Reviews gave this book a definite thumbs up, calling it “astonishing, puzzling and hallucinatory as only Murakami can be, and one of his most satisfying tales.”

Need something for a spy thriller enthusiast? Then “The Collaborators” by Michael Idov is a great choice. My boss, Cathy Fiebach, is a big fan. Here’s her review: “A page-turning contemporary Russian spy thriller. I handed it to my husband to read the moment I finished. Avi Falk is a disenchanted CIA agent who’s just trying to save at least one of the collaborators he’s turned in the war of disinformation between the U.S. and Soviet Union. When that fails, he goes rogue to discover a web where the bad guys are not that clear cut and morality is only the choice of each individual.” I think she liked it.

It wouldn’t be the holidays without a Christmas tale, and my colleague Vaughn Lachenauer recommends “Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret” by Benjamin Stevenson. Vaughn said, “Ernest Cunningham is back, and so are the murders he finds himself around too frequently. This festive mystery might be shorter than the first two, but it’s no less fun. Perfect if you’re looking for a little blood with your Christmas cheer.”

We all know someone who bleeds green, right? They’ll appreciate “The Franchise: A Curated History of the Eagles” by Zach Berman. Fans will enjoy this engaging collection of essays that go beyond the tired narratives and uncovers lesser-known moments, decisions and people who formed the team’s identity and history.

For the Little Readers

And let’s not forget the kiddos! We know Santa makes everyone’s dreams come true every Christmas, but it turns out even Santa can use a little help getting into the holiday spirit. In “Santa’s First Christmas” by Mac Barnett and Sydney Smith, Santa’s elves do their best to make sure he enjoys the same cheer he gives to others. The School Library Journal gave this a starred review, calling it “a feel-good holiday story that will warm hearts for Christmases to come.”

What youngster doesn’t like Bluey? Why not gift them a sticker book based on the Disney+ series featuring Bluey, Bingo and all their friends and family? Check out “Where’s Bluey? At Christmas: A Search-and-Find Book.” Young readers will enjoy searching for their favorite characters in an activity book filled with lots of fun and surprises.

Then there’s “A City Full of Santas” by Joanna Ho. It’s a fun and festive holiday story about a little girl’s enthusiastic hunt for the real Santa in a bustling city. When her mom takes her on a tour of the city, she sees Santa everywhere! But will she be able to find the true Santa before Christmas?

There are plenty more ideas where these came from. Stop by your local, independent bookstore and let us help you run your list!

Shelley Laurence is a bookseller at Main Point Books, an independent bookstore with a handpicked selection for every member of the family. Check out their events, book groups and children’s activities at MainPointBooks.com or on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Order online for delivery or pickup. 484-580-6978; 116 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne.