Best Books This Holiday Season

Dec. 24, 2007 — -- Oftentimes a book can make a perfect holiday gift. But with so many titles available annually, it can be difficult to narrow down the best and most interesting read. "Good Morning America's" financial contributor Mellody Hobson gives you her picks for some of the best reads this year. From classics to newer fare, Hobson guides you through why these books make the perfect read.

Max Dupree was the visionary CEO of Herman Miller, one of the largest office furniture manufacturers in the world. I say that and you say to me, "That does not sound interesting."

But this is a phenomenal book about timeless values. What he talks about is how Herman Miller became a really great company by emphasizing strong character, conviction and high ethics. It's a book about respect and how to treat people.

For example, when he talks about diversity, he talks about how you can use differences to strengthen a company and give people in the organization a voice, which ultimately makes the company better. So this is a great book.

There's humor in the book, but the thing about this book is it talks about social epidemics. This book is actually terrific perhaps for a teen, believe it or not. It will help them understand why they want the things that they want.

I am fascinated by Warren Buffett. I read anything he writes, anything that's written about him. And this is by his best friend who's worked alongside him as his sidekick, for 46 years.

It's like a catalog of their lives. It's a coffee table book, and it has pictures. It has quotes. He has great stories to tell.

If I had to characterize this book, it's a book about smart decisions. And that could make it a great book for perhaps a grandparent, a parent, an aunt or uncle.

Everyone on Wall Street is reading "The Black Swan" right now. So I have caveat here. This is for the hardcore thinker in your family. This is for the know-it-all in the family. This book is about probability.