Last minute gift guide for readers!
If you’re wondering what to get friends and family for Christmas—the answer is always books! Everyone needs more books in their life! As writers, we should read great books and also buy them for everyone we love. We should review them, recommend them, share them and celebrate them!
I’ve curated a list of a few books I’ve read and enjoyed this year (and liked enough to purchase them as gifts for other folks). I’ve also included some books I’ve written in years past but updated and re-released this year. And oh, yes, I’ve also got the goods on the book I wrote this year which is now available for pre-order!! (keep scrolling to learn more!)
For the nature nerd in your life, you’ll want to swoop down and snag What An Owl Knows. (Ha ha get it?). From Jennifer Ackerman, the author of The Genius of Birds, this book is incredibly compelling. If you’ve got someone on your list who is obsessed with owls (and aren’t we all, a bit?), or loves watching the nature channel, or is just fascinated by books that take a journalistic look at the world and the environment, this book is perfect. I was surprised how quickly I read through it and thoroughly enjoyed it! Includes beautiful photos.
Another book for nature lovers, especially those who love pretty pictures, is the book Grounded by Ruth Allen. The subtitle says it all: “How Connection with Nature can Improve our Mental and Physical Wellbeing.” That’ll preach. And it’s packed with stunning nature photography. But the book is more than just lovely to look at. It includes sections on topics like Presence, Connection, Solitude, Mystery. It invites us to practice mindfulness, movement and faith in the great outdoors.
Heaven and Earth Grocery Store
This was one of my favorite fiction reads of 2023. It’s a mystery of sorts, but more an exploration of human nature—how we mistreat one another, but also how we choose love and kindness even when it’s hard.
Set it a small town in Pennsylvania in the 1970s, the book sorts through the history of this town and the run-down Chicken Hill neighborhood where blacks and immigrant Jews lived and struggled. Beautifully written with an intriguing and original plot, this novel was named a notable book by the New York Times and a best book of the year by the Washington Post, the New Yorker and Time magazine.
My newest book is available for preorder! My co-author Michael Hingson and I are delighted to announce that you can now order our new book, which will release this summer. (So you can’t get it for Christmas but you can definitely preorder today.)
By Michael Hingson and Keri Wyatt Kent
Michael Hingson’s inspiring true story captivated the world when he and his guide dog Roselle escaped the Twin Towers together on 9/11, a story that became the New York Times bestselling book Thunder Dog. During decades of walking with guide dogs, he had learned a surprising truth that helped save his life that day: Being afraid can be a positive thing, one that prepares us to deal with any situation that befalls us.
That person on your list who’s always so busy, busy, busy? Who wants to slow down a bit but needs some help? They just need to breathe! And to read Breathe! This practical book invites readers to experiment with three practices: simplicity, slowing, and Sabbath. Full of stories of real families who have found a way to slow the pace of their lives, this book offers strategies for living your true priorities and finding time for what really matters.
Is someone on your list trying to discern God’s calling? Struggling to hear God and find their purpose. This updated version of Listen will guide you to listen to your life, to others, and to God through practices of silence, meditation on Scripture, and prayer. Examine such questions as what do I love? Where have I struggled? What is my deepest desire? All these can help us truly listen to God through our life circumstances.
99 Bible Words You Should Know
As writers we love books, but many of us also have a thing for words. Their history, their etymology, their shade of meaning. Have you ever heard teachers say, “In the original language, this word meant…” and wanted to know more? This book has just what you need to better understand and enjoy the Bible. 99 Bible Words You Should Know contains short entries, each exploring a New Testament Bible keyword, that you can read in less than five minutes. Use it as a reference tool, or read it devotionally, one word per day. Either way you’ll grow in understanding of God’s word, while experiencing God’s grace and love.
Note: I’m an amazon affiliate, so this post contains affiliate links, which allow me to earn a small commission if you buy the product using the link. Thanks for supporting my work in this way!
How about you? Any book recommendations?? Share them in the comments!
My dad is a nature nerd and would love either of the first two books you mentioned! Unfortunately, I already purchased his gift. My mother doesn’t read nearly as much as he does, but I think one of the other books would be right up her alley! I’m intrigued by several of the books on your list, and I plan to use my untouched Barnes and Noble gift card on them in January. (Sorry, Keri and Amazon…) I don’t normally buy books—that’s what libraries are for—but I’m willing to pay for them for other people’s enjoyment. Thanks for sharing!
Pam, I love it if people buy books anywhere for anyone! I am a big library person as well but some books are worth collecting. Maybe one of the books for your dad’s birthday or Father’s Day! Thanks for your comment!
Thanks for sharing .I’m willing to read a few books about nature. I’m so intrigued by how it brings rest to my soul! To be in it, despite what the season brings. Maybe it’s time to explore just why.