A book guide for all seasons

It's my first substack post!

We’ve probably talked about books before.

It’s my favorite thing to do! I decided to start this Substack to more easily share book recommendations, which I’ve been doing for a couple of years on Instagram. Every week or so, I’ll send out a curated list of recs on a certain topic, as well as updates on what I’m reading right now.

Since we’re in the thick of gifting season, this issue is all about books that make great gifts (whether you’re gifting a book for the holidays, birthdays, or - my favorite - sticking a book in the mail for someone you love). Gifting books can be a very personal thing - you want to pick something that will suit the person’s taste, and doesn’t feel like homework or an obligation.

Here are a few suggestions of books I’d give to ….

Long-distance girlfriends you miss gabbing with

Send them some snail mail to gab about.

Good Material: For when you want to overanalyze someone else’s life choices.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles: Hilarious, irreverent and touching all at once. Note: this book is purposely not part of the “moms” category below, otherwise you’ll have to awkwardly explain OnlyFans to your mom.

Wedding People: A question for the group chat - “do we love or hate everyone in this book?”

You’ll Grow Out Of It: Bring this on a friend trip! You’ll howl with laughter like I did. New moms might especially like the author’s second book, I’ll Show Myself Out.

People you don’t know very well

Safe bets for book exchanges, office Secret Santas, cousin-in-laws, etc.

Real Americans: Similar to “Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow,” it’s a book I’d recommend to all types of readers.

God of the Woods: This was one of the buzziest books of the year, and your gift recipient has probably seen it around. Now they’ll finally know what all the buzz is about!

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: One could argue that you shouldn’t give a book about therapy to someone you barely know, BUT this has so many heartwarming, funny, sad and real stories that could resonate with anyone. Think of it as a conversation starter for the next holiday.

The Cliffs: I love everything by J Courtney Sullivan, and so do the masses. This one combines historical fiction, a lovely New England backdrop and the story of a woman trying to dig herself out of the hole she’s made in her life.

Book lovers who always want to talk about what they’re reading

Certain types of books demand (and benefit from) discussion. After reading these, you’ll have big feelings, unanswered questions, and potential theories. Debrief with the bookish friends in your life!

Ordinary Human Failings: A family is pushed to the brink after the youngest member is accused of a crime. As the book unfolds, you learn the (often bleak) back stories of each family member and how they wound up in their current circumstances.

All The Little Bird Hearts: My view of this book totally flipped after I discussed it with a book club. One of the most interesting books I read all year.

Cleopatra and Frankenstein: One of my favorite books from last year. The characters are complex and their lives are dysfunctional but you really, really hope it’s all going to be okay for them. I desperately wanted to chat with people about this after I read it.

Foster: This is gorgeously written and will stick with you for a long time.

Moms, aunts and mother-in-laws

These books bridge generational gaps, and will spark interesting conversation with the women in your life.

Tell Me Everything: Elizabeth Strout is an American treasure. Though this is a continuation of the Olive Kitteridge books, you can read it without reading the ones that came before it.

Absolution: Two women befriend each other as wives of American intelligence officers stationed in Saigon during the Vietnam War. Decades later, one woman and the daughter of the other exchange letters to make sense of their experiences in Vietnam.

Sandwich: This book feels like a big hug, and I adore Catherine Newman’s writing (her other book, We All Want Impossible Things, is a hall of famer for me). It’s about a woman grappling with a new season of her life, as she ages and her children become adults.

Long Island: Watch Brooklyn first for a refresh, then read Long Island, which is the sequel. It’s a tender story, and I thought for a long time about what I would do in the main character’s position.

On my bookshelf right now

Just read: Ordinary Human Failings

Currently reading: The House in the Cerulean Sea

Up next: Be Ready When the Luck Happens

Ok that’s it for now! I’ll be back later in the month with my 2024 recap and favorite books of the year.

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