Ursina's Shelf - Gift Guide 2022
Issue 55
Dear readers,
It’s that time of year to start listening to Holiday music, deck the halls with decorations, and prepare your gift (or wish) list. Here a few inspirations for bookish gifts—and for more ideas see my Gift Guide 2020.
Gift ideas
Dishoom: The First Ever Cookbook From The Much-loved Indian Restaurant by Shamil Thakrar, Kavi Thakrar, and Naved Nasir (2019)
Description: Delicious recipes from the chefs of the eponymous London restaurants, a personal favorite, are interspersed with a tour through Mumbai from breakfast to drinks with magnificent photos. I was thrilled to receive this as a gift, a cookbook and coffee table book in one, from Dominic. (Buy here).
For whom: The cook who is not afraid to expand their spice rack and enjoys the stories of food just as much as the food itself.
For more cookbook ideas, see issue Time To Get Cookin’!
Long Bright River by Liz Moore (2020) (previously featured in issue 52)
Description: In this story, a young cop discovers the first victim in a series of killings of sex workers in a Philadelphia neighborhood marred by the opioid crisis. Even more suspenseful than the murders is the cop’s search for her missing sister. The chapters jump back and forth between the present and the sisters’ childhood. (Buy here)
For whom: Mystery lovers who care equally about the suspense and character development. Thank you to Vera for this gift.
For more mystery ideas, see issues Mystery Edition, Seeking A Thrill(er), and Mystery Repeating.
The Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead (2021)
Description: The fictional story of a young pilot Marian Graves and the actress who plays her a century later. The book traverses Montana, Alaska, London, and more, and a reader can’t help but fall in love with the heroine, who is breaking barriers, hearths, and aviation records. (buy here)
For whom: Independent women (and men) who love adventure and historical fiction.
For more historical fiction, see issue Historical Fiction.
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff (1970) (previously featured in issue 50)
Description: New York-based author Hanff starts a decade-long correspondence with a London bookseller, located at 84 Charing Cross Road. Her witty exchanges with the main buyer evolve into a generous friendship. In the book’s second half, she recounts her first visit to London years later and all the new and old friends and discoveries she makes. (buy here).
For whom: a good friend who loves books and bookstores. I bought this on a wonderful walk in London with Hannah.
For more feel good reads, see issue Feel Good Reads.
Libro.fm audiobook gift bundle
Description: Gift a bundle of 2 or more audiobooks, while supporting independent bookstores, such as Book Club Bar in New York (previously featured in issue 43). Bundles start at $30. See here.
For whom: Audiobook lovers, who would rather support a local store than an international retail giant.
For audiobook recommendations, see Listen Up! And Audio Books.
Currently reading: my friend McKenna Sweazey’s How to Win Friends and Manage Remotely (buy here).
I hope you are all off to a great Holiday season. Have a lovely weekend!