Podcast Summary: What Should I Read Next? – Ep 454: Holiday Gift Recommendations from Our Team

Release Date: November 12, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 454 of What Should I Read Next?, host Anne Bogel continues the podcast's long-standing tradition by focusing on holiday gift recommendations for readers. Drawing from listener submissions and her dedicated team’s expertise, Anne provides a curated list of book suggestions and literary-themed gifts tailored to various recipients. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to find the perfect reading-related gift for loved ones.

Gift Recommendations for Children

Anne opens the episode by addressing the common challenge parents face when selecting books for their young readers.

1. Carrie’s 5-Year-Old Daughter

Carrie seeks short chapter books suitable for her daughter, who enjoys Mercy Watson, the Oz books, Greek mythology, unicorns, and mermaids.

Recommendations:

• Rainbow Magic Series by Daisy Meadows
  “These follow different types of fairies in each book, perfect for short chapter reading.”
  [06:50]

• Unicorn Academy by Julie Sykes
  “Each book features a different unicorn, sparking imagination and love for magical creatures.”
  [06:50]

• Goddess Girl Series by Suzanne Williams
  “Although the illustrations aren’t the best, the well-crafted Greek myths are highly engaging for young readers.”
  [06:50]

2. Carrie’s 8-Year-Old Son

An enthusiastic reader who loves Dave Pilkey, Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales, Secret Coders, and Wayside School.

Recommendations:

• Secret Series by Pseudonymous Bosch
  “These books are right up his alley with their humorous and adventurous tone.”
  [08:16]

• Carl Hiaasen’s Kids Chapter Books
  “Books like Hoot Flush and Wrecked blend humor with quirky narratives that appeal to his taste.”
  [08:16]

3. Liz’s 11-Year-Old Son

He enjoyed the Terrible Two series, Avengers Assemble, New Kid, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and now seeks more advanced reads.

Recommendations:

• Lemon Cello Library Series by Chris Gravenstein
  “These books are a fun mix between Willy Wonka and Night at the Museum, perfect for his adventurous spirit.”
  [09:23]

• Tristan Strong: Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Ambrose
  “Part of the Rick Riordan Presents, this trilogy draws from West African mythology, offering a fresh twist on fantasy.”
  [09:23]

4. Liz’s 8-Year-Old Reader

A voracious reader who enjoys Erie Elementary, Last Kids on Earth, and Wings of Fire graphic novels but finds Magic Treehouse too simplistic.

Recommendations:

• Sherlock Society by James Ponty
  “A new mystery and adventure series that mirrors the fun of Wings of Fire graphic novels.”
  [10:57]

• Cucumber Quest Series by GGDG
  “These graphic novels, originating as a webtoon, are both engaging and vibrant.”
  [10:57]

Gift Recommendations for Adults: Sons, Husbands, Boyfriends, and Dads

1. Marianne’s Son

An Air Force member deployed to the Middle East who loves military history and fantasy, with favorites like All Quiet on the Western Front and Game of Thrones.

Recommendations:

• Babel by R.F. Kuang
  “A fantastic fantasy novel set in a version of our world, dealing with themes of colonialism and power.”
  [17:07]

• Winter: The World War II Odyssey of the 10th Mountain, America's Elite Alpine Warriors by Maurice Isserman
  “An engrossing read that delves into the heroic feats of elite military units.”
  [17:07]

2. Beth’s Avid Reader Dad

Loves adventure novels from authors like Clive Cussler, Tom Clancy, and Lee Child, and seeks fresh additions to his collection.

Recommendations:

• Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick
  “A true-life survival thriller that echoes the intensity of Moby Dick.”
  [18:10]

• Slow Horses Series by Mick Herron
  “A British spy series that offers a quieter, more intricate narrative compared to conventional action-packed novels.”
  [18:42]

3. Julia’s Husband

A professor of music history and a violinist seeking books to enjoy reading aloud together, favoring mysteries and art-related topics.

Recommendations:

• I Heard There Was a Secret Chord by Daniel Levitin
  “Explores the healing power of music with elements of a detective story and scientific insights.”
  [24:12]

• Gabrielle Alon Series by Daniel Silva
  “Combines fine arts with espionage, perfect for someone with a background in music history.”
  [24:12]

4. Angela’s Husband

Seeks a new author with a substantial backlist, enjoying both fiction and nonfiction from authors like Richard Powers and Jeff Tweedy.

Recommendations:

• High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
  “A quintessential read for music and pop culture enthusiasts with a relatable narrative.”
  [28:43]

• Books by Rob Sheffield
  “Authorial works on music history, including an upcoming book on Taylor Swift.”
  [29:24]

5. Emily’s Husband, Mike

A fan of Brandon Sanderson, Wheel of Time, and Red Shirts by John Scalzi, unafraid of lengthy reads.

Recommendations:

• Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
  “A richly built fantasy world with intricate plotlines and diverse characters.”
  [30:24]

• Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb
  “An underappreciated fantasy series renowned for its deep world-building and character development.”
  [30:24]

• Wayfarers Series by Becky Chambers
  “A science fiction series that offers extensive world-building and engaging narratives.”
  [30:24]

6. Beth’s Husband

An enthusiastic nonfiction reader focused on history and politics, currently immersed in topics like the Lewis and Clark expedition and polar exploration.

Recommendations:

• The Tree Collectors by Amy Stewart
  “A beautifully written exploration of various tree species that intertwines nature and history.”
  [34:42]

• Deep Dive in the Kingdom of Ice by Hampton Sides
  “A gripping account of polar exploration that combines adventure with historical context.”
  [34:42]

Gift Recommendations for Female Friends and Family Members

1. Jen’s 38-Year-Old Daughter

An avid reader who loves fantasy and romance, recently enjoying Long Live Evil, When the Moon Hatched, and A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Recommendations:

• Bride by Julie Garwood
  “A historical romance that transports readers to another world, much like Outlander.”
  [41:26]

• Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maher
  “A historical fantasy romance with a grumpy sunshine dynamic and a delightful sense of humor.”
  [42:06]

• Lost Queen Series by Signe Pike
  “An Arthurian retelling that offers rich fantasy elements and compelling narratives.”
  [42:26]

2. Anne’s 18-Year-Old Daughter

Graduated from trade school and now working as a plumber’s apprentice, seeking an engaging financial guide.

Recommendations:

• I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
  “A straightforward and easy-to-understand financial guide perfect for young adults starting their financial journey.”
  [43:42]

• We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers
  “Combines smart financial advice with a snarky tone, making it relatable and engaging for young readers.”
  [43:42]

3. Marsha’s Former Student

Beginner PhD student inundated with books and research, seeking non-book gift ideas.

Recommendations:

• Literary-Themed Gifts:
  “Consider items like reading journals, cozy blankets, mugs, or personalized bookends to enhance her reading experience without adding to her book collection.”
  [45:31]

• Snacks and Comfort Items:
  “Boxes of gourmet snacks or cozy apparel can provide comfort during long study sessions.”
  [45:31]

4. Linda’s Sister Pam

A newly enthusiastic reader in her 50s who gravitates towards romance novels like Things You Save in a Fire and Nora Goes Off Script.

Recommendations:

• Slow Dance by Curtis Sittenfeld
  “A love story spanning two time periods, perfect for fans of romantic narratives with depth.”
  [46:22]

• Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory
  “A delightful holiday romance featuring charming characters and engaging settings.”
  [46:22]

• When in Rome by Sarah Adams
  “A snug, Arthurian-inspired romance that offers a cozy escape into a fictional small town.”
  [46:22]

5. Katrina’s 91-Year-Old Grandma

A dedicated reader of Nora Roberts seeking new authors with a similar comforting style.

Recommendations:

• Rosamund Pilcher
  “Offers heartfelt storytelling and richly developed characters akin to Nora Roberts.”
  [46:22]

• Kate Morton
  “Provides intricate plots and historical depth, ideal for those who enjoy immersive narratives.”
  [46:22]

• Amelia Hart’s Wayward Series
  “Engaging stories that blend romance with emotional depth, perfect for loyal romance readers.”
  [46:22]

6. Michelle’s At-Work Book Club

A diverse group ranging from mid-20s to mid-40s, each member with varying reading preferences including crime, fantasy, and nonfiction.

Recommendations:

• Reading Journals
  “A versatile gift that allows each member to track their reading and share insights, fostering continued book discussions.”
  [50:17]

• The Reading Life by Anne Bogel
  “A thoughtfully curated selection of books that cater to different tastes within the group.”
  [50:17]

Conclusion

Anne Bogel wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude to listeners for their trust in the podcast’s recommendations. She encourages feedback on how the suggested books and gifts were received, emphasizing the podcast's commitment to helping each listener find their next great read or perfect literary gift. Anne also reminds listeners to subscribe, follow on social media, and join the newsletter for ongoing updates and recommendations.

“Happy reading everyone,” Anne concludes, echoing the sentiment of the beloved reading community.

Notable Quotes:

• “Secret Coders and Wayside School. Wow, that book list takes me back to when my own son was that age.” – Anne Bogel [08:16]
• “If you hit subscribe and actually download those episodes when they come out, it helps us so very much as podcasters.” – Anne Bogel [Concluding Remarks]

Key Takeaways:

• The episode provides tailored book recommendations across various age groups and interests, ensuring there’s something for every type of reader.
• Non-book gifts are also highlighted, offering alternatives for those who wish to give something beyond traditional reading materials.
• The importance of community and shared reading experiences is emphasized, fostering connections among listeners through book discussions and shared love for literature.

For a comprehensive list of the books discussed, listeners are encouraged to visit whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com and explore the show notes.