Ursina's Shelf - Gift Guide 2020
Issue 11
Hello Readers, the holidays this year may look a bit different with restricted travel and smaller gatherings. Yet this may also present some opportunities, from long phone calls to long walks, from discovering new traditions to discovering a new book. Now more so than ever is a great time to gift the magic of a story that transports us to a faraway time and place. So today I’d like to share my favorite books that I have received or given as a gift.
Gift Guide 2020`
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (2016)
Description: This is an inspiring story bringing to light the injustices and harrowing experiences of growing up during Apartheid in South Africa as a mixed race child, a status that was officially a crime at the time. Trevor Noah recounts various episodes of his childhood with vivid detail and humor throughout.
My Take: This book made me laugh and cry, and at the same time inspired me. I also learned a lot about Apartheid that you don’t find in most history books.
For Whom: Anyone who likes to laugh and doesn’t shy away from a tough topic. No need to be a Trevor Noah fan or even know who he is. We gifted this to family and friends a few years back.
Bonus tip: Trevor’s dad is Swiss, so hey we are practically related!
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (2018)
Description: This is the story of the Marsh Girl, an orphan growing up on her own near a quiet fishing village where she is raised and taught about life by the wildlife surrounding her. While she has little contact with the villagers, she also craves friendship and love. All this comes to a head, when she becomes implicated in a local murder.
My Take: This book has a main character that you will root for, an intriguing plot, and captivating descriptions of nature. All the ingredients to keep you on the couch for a cozy reading session.
For Whom: Any casual or avid reader. Barbara Kingsolver fans in particular will delight in this book. Thank you to Alex for gifting it to me last Christmas.
Bonus Fact: While this is Delia Owen’s first work of fiction, her writing is already well-known for her best-selling books about her time as a wildlife researcher in Africa.
The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi (2020)
Description: This is the story of Lakshmi, a hard-working Henna artist catering to the needs of Jaipur’s elite in the 1950s. She has worked hard to put her past behind her, but that very past catches up with her when her estranged husband shows up with Lakshmi’s unknown younger sister.
My Take: This book is historical fiction at its best: flawed but loveable characters who transport us to a different time and place. We are exposed to the beauty, colors, and smells of Jaipur, as well as the intrigue and sly dealings of its rich and famous. I could not put it down.
For Whom: Any traveler, reader of historical fiction, or anyone looking to take a break from 2020. Extra points if the gift recipients is interested in medicinal herbs and their healing powers. Thank you to Aishwarya for this perfect birthday present.
Bonus Fact: Alka Joshi was inspired by her own mother and a trip she took to India with her, which launched the 10 years she researched and wrote this book.
For more historical fiction inspiration, see Issue #5.
God’s Love We Deliver Cookbook
Description: This cookbook compiles recipes by well-known supporters of the storied New York non-profit God’s Love We Deliver. GLWD prepares and delivers nutritious meals for people too sick to cook for themselves. It was started in the 80s during the AIDS crisis and today serves 10,000 meals each weekday to New Yorkers suffering from both hunger and illness, including cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other diseases. All proceeds from the book go to God’s Love We Deliver.
My Take: This book embodies the spirit that food not only nourishes the body. You will find recipes from Mario Batali, Jennifer Hudson, and Meryl Streep and classic and new dishes from a tomato stew to Za’tar flatbreads, from date night spaghetti to chocolate chip cookies.
For Whom: Any cook of any level. Here’s the link to buy it.
Bonus Fact: I will be running the virtual Race to Deliver to benefit God’s Love We Deliver this weekend. All donations are welcome here. Thank you to Ray, Douglas, and Michaella Kurdziel who introduced me to GLWD and the many fun (early) Friday mornings volunteering together in the kitchen.
Cookbooks make great presents, here some more ideas.
The Dogist Puppies by Elias Weiss Friedman (2017)
Description: This small format coffee table book is a collection of photos of puppies from the renowned instagrammer @thedogist , who photographs dogs and pups throughout New York City.
My Take: I frequently flip through this book, especially in moments of stress. I am particularly fond of Elias’ ability to capture the dogs while they are staring directly at the camera lens.
For Whom: Anyone who loves dogs. So anyone. Thank you to Bryan and Julie for gifting this book to us on your visit to Switzerland; I am so excited that you will welcome Golden Retriever puppy Tofu into your family this very weekend – all the best to the little one!
Bonus Fact: There is an adorable series of pictures in the book of Small Münsterländers, the smaller cousin of the German Pointer dogs I grew up with. And they are absolutely adorable!
Last Christmas I gave you my heart we gifted Hans Rosling’s Factfulness which I discussed in my very first issue.
Buy Local
Many of us likely read the historic New York bookstore The Strand’s plea for support during this time. If you plan on gifting books, consider buying local and thus supporting independent businesses in your community.
Two helpful resources for American-based readers include this Indie Bookstore Finder and this Online Shop where you can support your local bookstore.
Currently reading: The Vanishing Half by Britt Bennett.
Thanks a lot for reading. Let me know what books are on your list for the holidays and as always share your feedback with me at ursinab@gmail.com. And to all my American friends, Happy Thanksgiving!