Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
I tend to distance myself as much as possible from the “Hallmark” holidays, mostly because of the junky plastic toys that come with it and MORE candy. Not that I am against candy, but we already fight the sugar everyday, who needs more??? Looking back at how Valentine’s Day started is another matter entirely. This year I am doing something different. Books are one of my love languages. I thought it might be helpful compile a few book flights for the various age ranges. I highly recommend giving your family and friends gifts that will last a lifetime. Include a short inscription inside the book cover or a heartfelt note inside on why you thought they would love this book. Love wins every time.
For the men in your life who like reading:
Action/Political Thrillers: The Terminal List by Jack Carr; I can attest to watching my husband reading the whole series through...twice. This was definitely was a page turner.
Adventure/Comedy: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson; if he has already read this, you cannot go wrong with any book by Bill Bryson. They are mostly travel-related and hilarious.
Fiction: Deacon King Kong by James McBridge
For the Family Man: Hero by Meg Meeker
For the women in your life who like reading:
Romantic Fiction: 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand. Tune into Episode 1 to hear more about this title. Another great option, A Little Love Story by Roland Merullo.
Mystery: Still Life by Louise Penny (Inspector Gamache series); cozy mystery, loveable characters that you will fall in love with. It is the gift that keeps on giving with 18 books in the series.
Historical Fiction: Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. The first book that opened my eyes to the world of historical fiction. Tune into Episode 10 tomorrow hear more.
Picture books for younger children:
I Love You Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt; a favorite around our house.
Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli; because we all need each other.
Saint Valentine by Robert Sabuda; story behind the tradition of Valentine’s day.
Books for your older kids (7 and up):
The Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn and Hal Iggulden or The Daring Book for Girls by Andrea J Buchanan and Miriam Peskawitz; these books have so many activities in them, it has kept my son enterained and busy for hours!
The Trumpet of the Swan by E. B. White; my kids’ favorite read aloud from last year.
The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
Chapter Books for teens:
Eragon by Christopher Paolini. Tune into Episode 4 to hear more on this book.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
A Long Way to Chicago by Richard Peck
Accessories for Book Lovers:
Ember Coffee Mug: This is the Ferrari of coffee mugs, but it is worth every penny. I have had a hot cup of coffee every single morning, no matter how many times I have lost it or got pulled away by my kids. IYKYK.
Reading Light: a great light to not keep my husband up at night while reading.
Between the Lines book journal by Well Read Mom.
