Best books to gift: a present for every character in your life
Think a book is a dull gift? You just haven't found the right title yet. Here are this year's most giftable tomes, and the people who'll really appreciate them
For the person who'd rather be watching Netflix
The Patrick Melrose Novels by Edward St Aubyn
Benedict Cumberbatch sizzled on Sky Atlantic as the titular character in Patrick Melrose earlier this year. The success of the TV show has encouraged viewers to turn to the books it’s based on for more insight into the dark but dazzling world of Edward St Aubyn. The set of five books makes an excellent gift; you can rest assured that anyone who starts the series will finish it.
For fans of… The Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante, the podcast Slow Burn
For the uncle who’s always cracking jokes
Calypso by David Sedaris
A collection of semi-autobiographical, absolutely hysterical stories, Calypso is the latest offering from the comedian and author David Sedaris. Like an old comic of an uncle at a Christmas party who has one too many drinks, the book’s tone is at times eye-wateringly funny, at times more sombre. Sedaris is particularly excellent on family life, which makes Calypso—with its simple, striking cover—a good gift for a relative.
For fans of… Consider the Lobster by David Foster Wallace, and Mock the Week.
For the outdoorsy one
Thinking on my Feet by Kate Humble
From the former Countryfile presenter comes this ode to the simplest of pleasures: walking. Set in and around her home in rural Wales, Humble’s story is written in her recognisable, enthusiastic voice. Stepping into her prose is delightful escapism for anyone who likes a good bucolic ramble.
For fans of... H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald, and Robert Macfarlane's books.
For the insta addict
She Must Be Mad by Charly Cox
The most successful poetry debut of 2018, She Must Be Mad is the product of a 23-year-old influencer. Charly Cox writes candidly about her struggles with bipolar disorder and her self-esteem. While these themes might not seem particularly festive, these accessible vignettes are ultimately uplifting.
For fans of… Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton, and Rupi Kaur.
For the strongest, most independent lady you know
Their Eyes Were
Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston
Virago Press was set up in the ‘70s to redress the balance in the publishing industry, which enormously favoured male authors. This year, to celebrate 40 years of Virago Modern Classics, the publishing house has released thirteen beautifully redesigned editions of old favourites. Any of these paperbacks would be a gorgeous gift, but Their Eyes Were Watching God is perhaps the most moving. It tells the story of a woman who has three relationships that most of us can recognise, before coming to the understanding that she is, herself, whole.
For fans of… The Magic Toyshop by Angela Carter, and Maya Angelou.
For the science boff
The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli
An elegant new hardback from ‘the new Stephen Hawking’, The Order of Time makes a wonderful gift for anyone who enjoys thinking about the finer points of space and time. The book doesn’t necessarily give its reader any answers, but it’s fascinating the follow Rovelli’s chain of thought.
For fans of… A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking, and Interstellar.
For the adventurer
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
To mark the book’s 30th birthday, Harpers has released a special anniversary edition of this modern classic. So even if they already love the book, this gift would make their day. The Alchemist tells the tale of Spanish shepherd determined to find the great pyramids of Egypt. The story quite literally perpetuates the doctrine your most adventurous friend lives by: follow your dreams.
For fans of… Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Marquez, and Life of Pi by Yann Martel.
For the amateur chef
How to Eat a Peach by Diana Henry
Structured around menus, rather than individual dishes, this cookbook takes its readers on an adventure both around the world and into Henry’s past. Her writing is incredibly vivid: her anecdotes invite you to sit down at the table with her and taste the flavours she describes.
For fans of… Slow by Gizzi Erskine, and Heartburn by Nora Ephron.
For your mum – or dad
Becoming by Michelle Obama
The world and her husband are talking about this memoir at the moment, which sold over a million copies in its first week. It lives up the hype: the former first lady’s autobiography is compelling in its honesty, regularly humorous and often wise. This hardback will be sitting under Christmas trees up and down the country.
For fans of… Educated by Tara Westover, and In Extremis by Lindsey Hilsum.
For the musician
How to be Invisible by Kate Bush
Kate Bush herself has selected and arranged over 200 pages' worth of her lyrics for How to be Invisible. A lovely, cloth-bound edition of the collection will be released by Faber on 6th December – the first time Bush's lyrics have ever been published. Fans of her music will be delighted by the book, which would make a good present for any musical individual.
For fans of... The Flame by Leonard Cohen, and Joni Mitchell.