The Best Books to Give This Holiday

Find out which books arer the best gifts this holiday season.

ByABC News via logo
December 21, 2008, 3:45 PM

De. 22, 2008 — -- If you're still searching for the perfect holiday gifts with only a few days left before Christmas, a book may be the way to go.

They are a great last-minute gift because they never feel last-minute, said Parade magazine editor in chief Janice Kaplan.

Parade magazine has complied some of the best reads this year. Check out the list below to find out more about the biggest trends in reading this holiday season.

The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society

"The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society" may sound like a cookbook, but it's a novel written in the form of letters, between an American journalist and the residents of a bookclub on the British isle of Guernsey. The book, which has received a lot of attention, is set during World War II, when the island is occupied by Nazis.

There's a great back story to this book. One of the authors, Mary Ann Shaffer, was a librarian who worked with books her whole life. She made a trip to Guernsey in 1976 and always wanted to write a book about it. She enlisted the help of her niece, and together they wrote the novel. Shaffer died last year, but not before she realized her dream of publishing a book. It's already been optioned for the movies.

This is a great book for someone who loves to read novels with a historical backdrop, or someone who has a dream and may need a little inspiration to get them started.

Knit 2
"Knit 2" follows "the Friday Night Knitting Club," the story of a group of women in a knitting club that form tight-knit makeshift family. The first book ended with a surprise. The sequel is the next chapter in the lives of these well-loved characters.

It's a great gift for a dear friend or family member who loves a book filled with warmth, giving and caring.

The Widows Of Eastwick
If you have people on your list who love the classics, there's a new Stephen King book out, and John Updike follows up "The Witches Of Eastwick" with "The Widows Of Eastwick."

These are always a safe choice because everybody loves them and there's such a variety out there you can definitely find one perfect for anyone on your list. David Baldacci has written 18 books -- all of which have been international best sellers. His new book, "Divine Justice," is already on the best-seller list. Baldacci's books are page-turners. If you give it to someone Christmas morning, you won't see them for the rest of the day.

A Private Patient
Another prolific best-selling author is the beloved P.D. James. She's our generation's Agatha Christie, except her mysteries transcend the genre, tackling real issues. This book, "A Private Patien,t" tackles aging and education in the midst of a terrific puzzle. It's the perfect book for an anglophile, someone who loves a good read and says "you're really smart" too.

The Paris Enigma
And our editors loved this book by Pablo De Santis." He's a new name for the discriminating reader on your list. "The Paris Enigma" was named the best Latin American novel.

The book takes place in the 19th century and features an elite group of investigators called "the 12 detectives." It's a made-up group but it's written with such detail that you would swear that they are real. One of the detectives is killed at the 1889 World's Fair, and the others have to find the killer.

Outliers

"Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell is the book everyone is already talking about. It's a great book -- a huge bestseller about success. Gladwell looks at what makes people successful and comes up with some very surprising answers.

For example, he says that if you're a professional hockey player, you were probably born in January and he really makes a good case. You'll agree with him and disagree with him, but he'll get you thinking. Like his other books, "The Tipping Point" and "Blink," "Outliers" will be the topic of conversation at dinners and parties.

It's perfect for the person who loves ideas and for anyone who wants to have great conversations.

Mona Lisa in Camelot

This next book is for the art lover on your list, and anyone who lived through the era of Camelot or looks back on that time fondly. The book is called "Mona Lisa in Camelot" by Margaret Leslie Davis, and it's a very sweet book about the exhibition of that famous painting in Washington in the 1960s."Panic" is one of the biggest stories of the year: the economy. Bestselling author Michael Lewis has edited a collection of articles by big names in the financial world from The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg and people on the financial frontlines.

These are stores about the crazy times we're in now, and that we've been through in the past the bubbles and bursts of all kinds. I actually felt comforted by this book because the bottom line is that we've always managed to get through the tough times.

This is great for anyone who wants to understand what's going on in the market. It's very readable.

In Spite of Myself: A Memoir

Celebrity memoirs are big this year and here's a really fun one by actor Christopher Plummer -- who played Captain Von Trapp in "The Sound of Music" and was even in a Star Trek movie. It's called "In Spite Of Myself" and it's a dishy read that's really well-written. He met everyone in Hollywood and has stories to tell about all of them. And a man who cried himself to sleep the night his dog died .

John Lennon
The eagerly awaited "John Lennon" by Philip Norman is a safe bet for any music fan or child of the 1960s. The writer had great access to family and friends. He did the first interview with Sean Lennon about his father. The book is a bit controversial because it depicts Lennon warts and all. It also gets into how he really felt about Paul McCartney and who he thought was the better songwriter. It really has people talking.

Obamamania
For the current events and politics nut on your list, there are countless books about Barack Obama, including his two wonderful books, "Dreams From My Father" and "The Audacity of Hope." In addition, you'll find biographies, books about his politics, amazing picture books and, of course, humor, like "Barack Obama is your new bicycle," a spoof that lists the little-known and completely made-up accomplishments of the man the book calls "America's Sweetheart." It's very silly, but fun.