Sunday, December 7, 2008

A Gift That Will Keep on Giving -- Books

Can you believe we are only 2 weeks, give or take, from which ever seasonal holiday we celebrate? Be it Yule, Chanukah, Kwanza, Christmas or other celebration, it's just a couple of weeks away. This year for many of us, finding the right gift and not breaking our personal bank is perhaps more difficult than ever before. A book may just be one of the best choices.

A print book is something that will last for years -- Gina has her father's complete collection of world's greatest literature (through the early 1900's) . The collection dates from 1920 and for 90 year old books, most of them are in pretty good shape. There are a number that have been read over and over again by family and herself, but they have withstood time pretty well. A print book, one that you can write a special dedication in, is a gift the recipient can treasure for years to come.

Ebooks are outstanding for our mobile society. On the go, an ereader, Palm, iPOD, Kindle or whatever you use guarantees reading material right at hand where ever you are. Many manufacturers are having sales this year of various readers, several publishers and authors are running contests to win a free one. They are a gift that will last a long long time. Ebooks are easy to store--your computer, memory stick, reader, disc--and can be enjoyed over and over again. A number of publishers are having deep discount sales this season with as much as 30-50% off ebooks. Most have gift certificates so your recipient can choose his or her own.

Books are a gift that can give for year after year. They may be the answer to at least a part of your holiday shopping dilemna.

From the entire staff at Love Romances and More Reviews -- Happy Holidays.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

My all time favourite gift is a GC for amazon.de!!! Yum!! My wish list there is very long.

Valerie
valb0302@yahoo.com

Lil said...

The wonderful thing about books is that there does seem to be something for everyone. In this season where the hassles of a crowded mall don't appeal, one good bookstore can certainly be the answer. Even better is a click of the mouse for an online purchase. Gift certificates are great when one runs into that difficult to shop for person that everyone has at least one of on their list.

Champagne Book Group said...

I'm big on reading, not just because I'm a publisher, but because I don't think people do enough of it anymore. Nowadays there are video games, tv programs, movies on dvd, computers to browse and chat on. But not a lot of reading. The best I've seen is the short IM messages that murder the English language! GACK!

This year I've made a point to give a book to each person on my Christmas list, whether a printed book, or a GC for an ebook (depending on the person). You might call it a one-woman crusade to get people's minds working again, and off the stuff that puts them in a brain-dead stupor!

Ellen
PS-Yeah I know, not everything puts people into a stupor, but you know what I mean.

Love Romances and More Reviews said...

Avon Books Presents:
THE HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING CHALLENGE:
Perfect $15 & Under “Novel Gifts” For Every Family Member!



It’s your family’s biggest Christmas gathering, EVER. It seems like everyone wants to come to YOUR house for the holidays, and you have to wonder…what can I get all these people?



So, being your family’s smartest (and most frugal) shopper, you institute a gift-giving challenge. Every family member is assigned a “Secret Santa” selection in advance…and can only spend $15 or under on a gift! You raise the stakes even higher: what better gift than a book? It’s the perfect recession-proof present: carefully selected with each family member in mind, it’s a gift that can be returned to, again and again, for the 12 days of Christmas, the 8 nights of Hanukkah, and for years to come.



Now that you’ve slapped down the gift gauntlet, let the Avon Books team of experts help you and your family make the perfect selections. (They’ll be calling you Rudolf, the Read-Nosed Reindear for years to come!)



Avon’s $15 and Under Book Selections for Everyone on Your List:



For Mom:

Show your mother how much your family’s holiday traditions (and your mom) mean to you. In The Christmas Pearl by Dorothea Benton Frank, all moms are appreciated for every thing they do to make Christmas magical. And she’ll absolutely love that this book is the best mini vacation to Charleston available (and at the right price). And this year, it's also available in the Luxe edition – easier on her eyes!

eCarrie Feron, Vice President/Editorial Director



For Dad:

I would have to say that my top pick for a holiday gift for any dad is a James Rollins novel. I’ve read all his books, but for smart gift-giving, I am partial to the most recent paperbacks: Map Of Bones, Black Order and The Judas Strain. Rollins weaves historical plots with speculative science, religion, and heartstopping adventure that always has disastrous global implications if the good guys, members of Sigma Force – an elite team of former military operatives with scientific specialties – don’t prevail. Luckily, they always do, but not necessarily in a neat and tidy way. Your dad will love James Rollins. Happy Holidays!

eLyssa Keusch, Executive Editor



For that College-Aged Sister:

This Year's Model by Carol Alt is perfect for the woman who loves shows like America's Next Top Model (and who doesn't?). Alt's debut novel has all the insider dish anyone could want, along with a great heart and characters you just want to know more about--good thing there's a sequel!

eEsi Sogah, Assistant Editor



For your Sister’s Girlfriend/Roommate:

You’re not sure if this sweet young co-ed is your sister’s new best friend, or something more – and they aren’t telling. But she fits right into your family, so you want to make sure to select a book she’ll love. Looking over your all-time favorites, you run out and buy her a copy of Elegance by Kathleen Tessaro, a chic work of fiction that embraces love in all its elegant forms.

ePam Jaffee, Publicity Director



For a Teenage Brother:

Guys will love Dark Rain by Tony Richards: it’s got magic, mystery and mayhem, with a cool noir feel. If he prefers Stars Wars and BSG, give him The New Space Opera by Gardner Dozois—explosions and smart adventure galore!

eDiana Gill, Executive Editor



For Grandpa:

Get a great mystery like Lawrence Block's Hit Parade from your favorite grandfather. Don't forget it's also available from HarperLuxe in larger print!

eTessa Woodward, Assistant Editor



For Grandma:

With Violets by Elizabeth Robard is the perfect holiday gift for Grandma--a beautifully written novel about the often over-looked impressionist artist, Berthe Morisot, and her complicated relationship with Edouard Manet, in which Berthe breaks free from quiet, traditional expectations to create her own story. –

eEmily Krump, Assistant Editor



For your favorite Aunt:

If you really cherish your aunt, give her a book like The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen by Syrie James: romance and history, beautifully blended and perfect for anyone who wants facts with their fiction.

eLucia Macro, Vice President/Executive Editor



For that wacky Uncle:

Try Not Quite What I Was Planning by Larry Smith and Rachel Fershleiser for any lovable uncle with a soft heart and an affinity for laughter. Made up of bite-sized memoirs (six-word long gems to be exact), it's the perfect gift for a man on the go who can appreciate thoughtful (or just plain hilarious) insights. Authors and comedians like Stephen Colbert and Jonathan Lethem contribute.

eAmanda Bergeron, Assistant Editor




For the twin Nieces:

The tween in your life can’t get enough of the paranormal? Try Melissa Marr’s Wicked Lovely. This elegant fantasy of pretty Aislinn being courted by two young men – one pierced and tattooed, the other the King of Faery – is perfect for any girl’s reading pleasure.

eErika Tsang, Executive Editor



These twins couldn’t be any more different: for the other one, who can’t stop talking about the intrigue and fashions on Gossip Girl, she’ll be sure to like The Luxe by Anna Godbersen, the first in a series about the lives of young, 19th-century Manhattan socialites—way before texting was invented!

eWendy Lee, Assistant Editor




For a middle-school Nephew:

The pocket edition of The Pocket Dangerous Book for Boys: Things to Do by Conn Iggulden is the perfect gift for a young nephew—I gave one to my own nephew and he still talks about how he made a slingshot with a bottle cap…
eMay Chen, Editor




For your Godmother:

Appropriately titled The Godmother, this wonderful novel by Carrie Adams will appeal to every woman who has ever been the best friend, sister, and confidant to her circle of family and friends. It’s perfect for the superwoman who has it all and deserves the ultimate luxury of a book you just can’t put down.

eLiate Stehlik, Senior Vice President and Avon Publisher



For your Mother-in-Law:

A Seduction at Christmas by Cathy Maxwell is the perfect present for any mother-in-law this season. Bringing her a little romance and fun during the stressful holidays plus getting her a gift she'll actually ENJOY will definitely win you those much needed extra points!

eKristina Jutzi, Online Marketing Manager



For your Father-in-Law:

The perfect gift for any father-in-law would be The Archangel Project by C.S. Graham – this edge-of-your-seat-thriller asks "Is the government hiding something from us!" Who doesn't love conspiracy theories!

eAdrienne DiPietro, Vice President/Marketing Director



For a Sister-in-Law:

Gilding Lily by Tatiana Boncompagni is a book that any woman can relate to. Hilarious yet touching at the same time, this book provides a glimpse into New York's social elite and how a down-to-earth woman must try to find her place in this glittering, diamond-sharp world.

eMegan Traynor, Marketing Assistant


For a Brother-in-Law:
Keep your brother-in-law busy at the holiday parties this season with The Bartender’s Bible. With over 1,000 exciting drink recipes – both with and without alcohol – he can mix fun drinks and spread joy to the whole family!
eKristine Macrides, Associate Director/Marketing


For your Best Friend:
The Safety of Secrets by DeLaunĂ© Michel begins with the phrase, “Now we're just alike." This gorgeously written novel is a testament to the lasting power of friendship…and an evocative exploration of the bonds forged in childhood and challenged decades later. This is a book the two of you will be discussing for years to come!
eWendy Ho, Assistant Publicist



And, last but not least… The perfect book for your Boyfriend/Husband:

An amazing gift for the man in your life is his very own Dictionary Of Love. It's a romantic way to show him how you feel, and a creative approach to spice things up. There are four pages dedicated to "Kinds of Kisses"! Keep in on the nightstand and open up to any page together. This book is bound to spark some conversation--if nothing else....

eChristine Maddalena, Publicist






For more great budget-conscious gift-giving ideas,

visit www.avonbooks.com for a wide array of paperback selections!




Posted by LR&M on behalf of Avon Books