- Jessica
Holiday Gift Guide: Favorite 2019 Reads (That Also Make Great Gifts)
Searching for the perfect book for a loved one in your life? Check out some of my favorite reads this year that would make excellent gifts for every kind of reader.
Most of these were new releases in 2019, but I couldn't help sneak in a few older books that I loved, too. I also linked my in-depth reviews for some of my favorite titles!
Holiday Gift Guide: Books for Every Reader
For all-around fiction lovers
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
A charming story about a bookish introvert who emerges from her shell to discover long-lost family...and potential love.
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
A hard-hitting novel about the rise and fall of one of the biggest rock bands in the late 70s. Don't be fooled: the band is fictional, but the documentary-style writing feels real.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
A family drama about motherhood, privilege, and the damage that long-held secrets can do when uncovered. (The TV show adaptation releases in 2020!)
For romance devotees
The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves
An uplifting, surprising second-chance romance with depth and substance.
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
A clever "enemies to lovers" romance set in Maui, making it the perfect beach read.
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
A steamy and heartwarming romance where a young woman enlists the help of a man to overcome her intimacy issues. Of course, her "strictly business" plan turns into something more.
For sci-fi and horror enthusiasts
Recursion by Blake Crouch
A mind-bending sci-thriller about how memory makes reality. You'll get lost in this one, and as soon as you finish it, you'll want to read it again.
The Warehouse by Rob Hart
A dystopian look at what life would be like if big companies (cough Amazon and Google cough cough) completely ran the world.
A collection of horror short stories with something for everyone: creature horror, dystopian wastelands, futuristic settings, and much more.
For historical fiction fans
Circe by Madeleine Miller
A captivating story about the powerful witch Circe and how she crosses paths with some of the most famous figures in Greek mythology.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
An emotional story of two sisters - one naive and pacifying, the other rebellious and impulsive - surviving World War II France.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
An unforgettable family drama set in the beautiful but unyielding environment of 1970s Alaska.
For thriller and suspense addicts
A powerful, unputdownable courtroom drama that investigates who is responsible for what seems like an accidental death of two people. It will keep you guessing until the very end.
The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
A domestic thriller about a jealous ex-wife, a beautiful younger woman, and the man they both love. Or so you think.
The Whisper Man by Alex North
A creepy thriller about a serial killer who called to his victims by whispering at their windows at night. Shudder.
For nonfiction buffs
An explosive investigation of the rise and collapse of multi-billion dollar biotech startup, Theranos.
Three Women by Lisa Taddeo
An addictive, immersive report of the sex lives of three real American women.
Dear America: Notes of An Undocumented Citizen by Jose Antonio Vargas
A deeply personal look at the exhausting, tense life of an undocumented Filipino living in America.
For young adult readers
Warcross by Marie Lu
A taut thriller with diverse characters about a teenage hacker/bounty hunter who works to uncover the motives behind the world's most popular VR game, Warcross.
Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi
A sweet romance about getting to know your crush, discovering each other's personalities, and falling in love...through texts.
An exploration of teen love amidst family duty, clashing cultures, racism, and identity.
You can also check out my Goodreads page for more reviews! Are any of these books on your bookish holiday wish list?