If you are looking for ideas to give to a reader on your gift list, here are my favorite books of the year. I’ve read around ninety books as I write this (it might not get to 100 by the end of the year, but it will be close). So the pool of choices is fairly broad, though of course there are thousands (millions?) unread. Still, I like these and think you might too.
So here goes, my favorites of the year:
The grand prize winner, my absolute favorite book of the year, is A Pilgrimage to Eternity by Timothy Egan. It’s the author’s story of walking from Canterbury to Rome (the Via Francigena). On this pilgrimage he wrestles with a complicated relationship with the Catholic Church after the passing of his mother. He meets some amazing people, experiences several humorous episodes, gleans interesting historical insights, and ultimately a finds a deeper sense of what he does (and does not) believe. The author deals with tough issues with authenticity, vulnerability, and humility. In other words, he has a true pilgrimage. I love books on faith, adventure, history, and contemporary events – this book has all that and more. Of all the books I read this year, the one author I would most enjoy having a conversation with is Timothy Egan.
Looking for a good murder mystery book? Check out The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. I’ve loved murder mystery books since I read an Agatha Christie book in high school, and this is the best of the genre I’ve read in years. The author created brilliant characters that defy stereotypes but are basically, in their own way, completely normal people. It has a few moments of humor, a few more of suspense, and enough plot twists to keep you wondering what will happen in the next chapter. Just a damn fun book.
Is there a foodie on your shopping list? You might consider Taste by Stanley Tucci. The author recounts his life through the foods and recipes he adores. He reads the audiobook which is the way to go on this one because all of his personality comes through. I love food, especially Italian food, but I’m not a cook … and yet even I enjoyed this book.
If you are shopping for someone who loves sports, check out The Bona Fide Legend of Cool Papa Bell by Lonnie Wheeler. An amazing baseball player, Cool Papa Bell is a mysterious legend for most for us. He played in the Negro Leagues so records of his exploits were not always kept. But the author digs deep and “Cool Papa” comes to life as story after story is told of his amazing talent. Baseball fans will love this book.
Want something for a history buff? The Bomber Mafia by Malcolm Gladwell delves into the World War II debate about precision bombing vs carpet bombing. The tragedy of this topic is viewed through the lens of military training, political expediency, and the competing values of ending the war quickly or minimizing bloodshed. It sounds like a military book, but it is actually asking deeper questions about values and purpose. Gladwell, in typical fashion for his books, has his own perspective but gives a balanced account along the way so the reader can decide.
If you are looking for a devotional book, I have two for you. The first is A Book of Uncommon Prayer by Brian Doyle. Imagine praying for the idiot driver you encounter, or for the incredibleness of decent shoes, or the little brown birds in the bushes? The author writes prayers for the everyday things we experience, and it is incredibly fresh, engaging, and lovely.
A second great devotional book is The Presidents Devotional by Joshua DuBois. Each day the author wrote a short devotional for the President, and this book brings them all together into a daily reader. It is remarkable. Let me say that again – it is remarkable. I don’t care about your opinion on Obama – this book is remarkable. Buy it.
Okay, rapid fire suggestions here:
The Upswing – excellent study on how American culture has changed in the last 50+ years. This book will really make you think.
Breaking Bread With the Dead – don’t be fooled by the title, this is a great book. I wish I’d written it.
Think Again – arguably the best book about how we make decisions I’ve read. Or at least I think it is. Let me ponder that. Yes, it is.
Olive, Mabel & Me – remember the British sports announcer that did a play by play of his two dogs eating dinner and the video went viral? He wrote a book. It’s fun.