Following my husband’s family tradition, ours celebrates the 12 Days of Christmas by opening one present on Christmas day and each day after until the stack is empty. This reduces the wild Christmas Day unwrapping that can feel gluttonous.
This year, I’ve arranged the presents by category, similar to Leila Lawler’s recommendations in her very good (and very present-worthy) Summa Domestica trilogy. Lawler suggests simple themes for each of the 12 days, such as “ice skating,” “holiday lights,” and such, to make them festive. (Listen to my Federalist podcast with Lawler here.)
This year I’m also theming each day of gifts, and one of the days is — of course — books. It’s basically an excuse to give my kids books I’ve been buying all year long as they crop up, including secondhand. As a books family, we also love to give books to others, and several folks on my list will be getting some of the selections below. (So, Dad, no printing this article for Mom until after Christmas!)
At this point in life, I have a lot of writer friends, and some of those friends write very good books. These five have come out this year and are a perfect fit for just about any person on your list. As a books person, I couldn’t resist adding a few extras, too. If you order now, you should get any of these just in time for Christmas.
Cedric, the Rescue Dog (Ages 10-Adult)
This novella dramatizes the true story of a British coastal rescue dog, Cedric, one of the famous dog heroes of history. The New Foundland rescued 23 people amid treacherous storms, becoming a Victorian legend.
The author is an American painter who has spent his life painting America and teaching 60,000 children art. One of those children was me. Barry Stebbing was the first person to very strongly encourage me to write, which set off the chain of events resulting in me becoming a professional writer and editor.
He is a profound artist, so this book also contains skillful artwork and illustrations, something I always treasure in books. So many children’s books have terrible art, which seems yet another unfairness to inflict on the young.
I recommend Cedric for ages 10 and up, if the 10-year-old is a good reader and likes animals. My 8-year-old will certainly try it, but he’ll need to reread it later in life. For less practiced readers, I’d say 12 and up. The product page contains a sample chapter.
At only $20, this book is a good gift for anyone who loves animals, historical novels based on true stories, or both.
The Saints of Whistle Grove (High School-Adult)
If you have never read Katie Schuermann before, now is your time. She’s an American author who can make you want to dance with one page and sob at the next. Because of that power, The Saints of Whistle Grove, her just-released novel, is intense.
Whistle Grove depicts the birth and death of a small American farming community, through the life of its tiny church. Amplifying the intensity of Schuermann’s ability to paint full scenes with few words, this novel interlaces its chapters in time. Each new, relatively short chapter jumps you forward or backward several decades in the same place.
As a busy mother who gets leisure reading mostly while brushing my teeth, I found the chapter brevity helpful both because it fits my available time and helps me digest the breath-catching topics Katie can fit into so few pages. Because the book grasps the biggest beads on time’s string, each chapter thrusts you into a scene of young love, miscarriage, deaths, plagues, immigration, poverty, racial hatred, and religious bigotry. Several times I’ve had to put the book down to prevent bursting into tears.
Katie can also make you laugh out loud and cry tears of joy. Anyone who has ever lived in a small town, farm, or intimately in the life of a church or school will, as they say, “feel seen” by her work. Those who want to live inside quintessentially American surroundings for a while will also enjoy this read.
There’s nothing in Whistle Grove a child couldn’t read, and the language is not rnrn
Engaging Fiction for Serious Readers
While some books may be too complex or heavy for younger readers, The Saints of Whistle Grove offers a captivating and thought-provoking experience. With characters facing apostasy, polio, and tragic loss, this book delves into the depths of the human condition. It’s a must-read for those who appreciate fiction that challenges and inspires.
Author Schuermann chose the excellent boutique Kloria Press for this release, ensuring not only a compelling story but also stunning cover and interior artwork. At just $15, it’s an affordable gift option for multiple people on your Christmas list. And while you’re browsing their site, don’t forget to check out their beautifully illustrated Christmas picture books for children.
Simplified Organization: Learn to Love What Must Be Done (Adult Women)
What sets Simplified Organization apart from other life organization books? Its focus on ordering our interior life. Mystie Winckler’s work has always stood out to me because she not only teaches busy women how to “get it all done,” but she also addresses the crucial aspect of our attitudes and hearts. This book offers practical guidance for organizing our lives while emphasizing the root cause of our home’s disorder.
Whether it’s your mother, aunt, sister, wife, or grown daughter, Simplified Organization makes an excellent Christmas present for any woman in your life. At $16, you can easily buy it for all of them and even pair it with a gift membership to Convivial Circle, Winckler’s online mentoring and instruction portal.
And for more gift options, consider the latest book in Theology of Home series, Arranging the Seasons. It’s a beautifully arranged magazine-style read that explores the seasons and the church year. You can also get all four books in the series as a bundle.
War on the American Republic (Adult)
If you’re searching for a gift for a man who loves ancient Rome and political philosophy, Hillsdale Professor Kevin Slack’s War on the American Republic is an excellent choice. This book provides readers with the intellectual grounding to reassess what needs to be conserved in Americanism. Slack expresses faith in the next generation, believing that they have a deep awareness of the cultural challenges we face and the potential to initiate a renaissance.
You can find War on the American Republic on Amazon or at Hillsdale’s online bookstore for $35.
Artist Biographies or Lion in the Box (Ages 6-Adult)
If you’re looking for quality children’s literature, Purple House Press is a must-follow. They specialize in bringing back out-of-print classics, and their beautifully illustrated artists’ biographies are a true gem. The complete set is available for $108, or you can purchase each book individually for $18.
Another newly released book from Purple House Press is Lion in the Box, a delightful read for all ages.
Lion in the Box: A Captivating Christmas Read-Aloud for the Whole Family
Discover the enchanting world of Lion in the Box, by Marguerite de Angeli, a talented children’s author you absolutely cannot miss. Immerse yourself in this heartwarming tale of a destitute family who unite to support one another during the Christmas season.
Prepare to be captivated by this beautifully written novella, perfect for reading aloud to your loved ones. And the best part? You can get your hands on this literary gem for just $12!
What are the key challenges and threats facing the American Republic as analyzed in “War on the American Republic” by Richard Stroup?
N today’s divisive political climate, it can be challenging to find objective and well-researched books that analyze the state of the American Republic. However, ”War on the American Republic” by Richard Stroup is a book that provides a balanced and comprehensive examination of the challenges and threats facing our democracy.
Stroup, a renowned political scientist and author, delves deep into the current political landscape, addressing issues such as populism, polarization, and the erosion of democratic norms. He offers a nuanced analysis of the forces at play that are undermining our democratic institutions and processes.
What sets this book apart is its commitment to rigorous scholarship and its avoidance of partisan bias. Stroup presents a wide range of perspectives and evidence, allowing readers to come to their own conclusions. He skillfully navigates complex topics, making them accessible to readers of all backgrounds.
As an avid reader of political books, I appreciate the depth of research that went into “War on the American Republic.” Stroup draws on a wide range of sources, including academic studies, historical analysis, and interviews with scholars and experts. This multi-faceted approach adds credibility to his arguments and ensures that readers are presented with a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand.
While this book is targeted towards adults, I believe it is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the current state of American democracy. It provides valuable insights for concerned citizens, policymakers, and political enthusiasts alike. Stroup’s analysis is both thought-provoking and timely, urging us to reflect on the fragility of our democratic institutions and the steps we can take to safeguard them.
I highly recommend “War on the American Republic” as a gift for anyone interested in political science, American politics, or the future of democracy. Priced at $25, it is a thoughtful and meaningful present that will provide hours of engrossing reading and stimulate important conversations.
In conclusion, this article has highlighted four thought-provoking books that make excellent Christmas gifts across a range of interests and age groups. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous true story, a captivating novel, practical organizing advice, or a deep analysis of American democracy, these books offer compelling narratives and insights that are sure to captivate and enrich their recipients.
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