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12 Days of Bookish Gift Recommendations (Based on the Books I Read This Year)

12/16/2018

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        Happy holidays fellow readers! Since Christmas is quickly approaching, I thought it would be fun to create a gift list for all the bookish people in your life. This past year of reading for me has been a compilation of so many different types of books, so I feel I am able to find a story for your best friend AND that one aunt who you only see once a year (and aren’t sure of her name). I hope you enjoy and remember to spread holiday cheer to all of the people who matter most to you through a book.
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Contemporary:
The Way You Make Me Feel
by Maurene Goo

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​       I received this book in my Uppercase box this summer, and it ended up being one of my favorite books this year. It was a super cute rom-com type of story while staying original. Clara isn’t a typical main character for this type of story; she is a prankster and likes to make trouble. She also happened to make me laugh out loud on multiple occasions while reading this book. Overall, it was a nice change of pace in my contemporary reading, and it will be great for lovers of rom-coms.
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Book Depository
Amazon

Fantasy:
Three Dark Crowns
by Kendare Blake

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       I had this book sitting on my TBR for a while because I didn’t know if I would like such a dark fantasy book, but I’m glad I finally picked it up. The world in which this book takes place, along with the magic and characters, combined to create a beautiful story (Even though it is a little dark, I cannot lie. It’s dark in a good way.). It turns out each one of the princesses has a secret they have to keep about themselves as they try to fight for the title of queen. It’s a great book for any reader you know who likes to be transported to a whole different world when they read.
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Book Depository
Amazon

Urban Fantasy:
The Shadowhunter Chronicles
by Cassandra Clare

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       If you haven’t ever heard the terms “Shadowhunter” or “Cassandra Clare,” you must be living under a GINORMOUS rock, because it seems the YA community is always talking about these books (and for good reasons). This world is vast, and the magic and mythology within it are so detailed and realistic. To go along with it, all of the characters are unique and interesting in their own ways. Even though the many books might be daunting, it is worth the time to explore this world, by both you and your book friends!
Goodreads
Book Depository
Amazon

Science Fiction:
The Illuminae Files
by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

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​       This series has the most unique story format I’ve ever read, and it’s one of the best books out there because of it. These stories are set over 500 years into the future on a massive spacecraft as its society falls apart, and they are told using instant messages, drawings, computer code, and surveillance footage summaries. I also happen to love science fiction books set in space, so this book was a treat for me. The YA community has taken this book in with open arms, and your sci-fi buddy is sure to love it, too.
Goodreads
Book Depository
Amazon

Historical Fiction:
My Lady Jane
by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows

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       Now, I’m not much of a historical fiction person (at all, actually), but I am so glad I picked up this book. It is the Monty Python version of Lady Jane Grey and King Edward VI, and it is another book to make you and your friends laugh out loud. While this isn’t a typical historical fiction story, it does open itself up for every type of reader to enjoy, whether you know Lady Jane’s story or not. 
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Book Depository
Amazon

LGBTQ+ Rep:
Autoboyography
By Christina Lauren

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       If you loved Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, then you are sure to enjoy this book, too! Tanner’s story is heartfelt but filled with so many funny and cute moments. This is definitely the more realistic companion to Simon, but it still has those rom-com vibes. It also features a high school class where students are expected to draft a book in a semester, which is somewhat relatable to every reader. So, if you have a friend who watched Love, Simon without reading the book, this is the perfect gift for them.
Goodreads
Book Depository
Amazon

Anthology:
Because You Love to Hate Me: 13 Tales of Villainy
Edited by Amerie

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       I always forget how much I love short story collections until I read them. This book is excellent for a book blogger in your life because each of the stories was prompted for the authors by a BookTuber! It’s a great collaboration between authors and readers, and made for some unique tales. If you’re a sucker for a good villain, this is the book for you!
Goodreads
Book Depository
Amazon

Graphic Novel:
Wires and Nerve
by Marissa Meyer

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       If you haven’t read the Lunar Chronicles yet, you need to pick them up! They’re a sci-fi retelling of fairy tales that weave together into one of my favorite series of all time. This graphic novel follows a supporting character, Iko, from the series and is set after the end of Lunar Chronicles ending. Iko is hilarious throughout the main series and is even better in the graphic novel spinoff. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who has already read TLC, or wants motivation to start it!
Goodreads
Book Depository
Amazon

Poetry:
The Princess Saves Herself in This One
by Amanda Lovelace

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​       I just started to get into poetry this year, and I am so glad I did. This book really resonated with me after dealing with some tough situations at the beginning of the year, and it struck me with its power and simplicity. The poems in this collection talk about strong women, reading, and finding your way through love and loss. I felt like I could connect with this book in a way I hadn’t been able to with any other book before, so I think it is a perfect gift for young women in your life.
Goodreads
Book Depository
Amazon

Middle-Grade:
Holes
by Louis Sachar

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​       My mom is a lover of middle-grade books, so when she recommended this book to me, I knew I had to read it. I didn’t have much background information going into this book, so I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into, but I enjoyed it from the very first page. The plot took quite a few turns I wasn’t expecting, which kept me interested throughout the whole story. The characters were funny and had a lot of depth for this type of book. I believe sharing a love for reading is vital for young people, and this book is sure to get them hooked!
Goodreads
Book Depository
Amazon

​Adult Fiction:
Leaving Time
by Jodi Picoult

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       Another recommendation from my mom, this book was AMAZING. I don’t usually read adult fiction, but this book felt like it could be a YA book since the daughter is a teenager. It’s one where all you need to know is that it’s about a mother, daughter, medium, former detective, and elephants. Lots of elephants. This book is perfect for all of those adults who say they “don’t really read,” and avid readers alike. Prepare to be blown away.
Goodreads
Book Depository
Amazon

Nonfiction:
Yes Please
by Amy Poehler

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       Amy Poehler is one of my favorite comedians, so I knew I had to pick this book up. I just recently listened to the audiobook version and was laughing out loud throughout the book. Amy has a way of telling stories that are incredibly funny that are also relatable in our everyday lives. She is very down to earth and keeps it real in everything she talks about. I just love hearing successful people tell the story of how they got there. If you have anyone in your life who likes Amy Poehler but hasn’t picked up her book (especially the audiobook), this is a great gift!
Goodreads
Book Depository
Amazon

       Those are all the recommendations I have this time around. Thank you all for supporting my blog this year, and have a great holiday season!

Merry Reading,
Ashton
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Let’s Discuss!
What books are you gifting this year?
What books are on your Wish List?

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