Just in Time: 6 Books for the Bookworm in Your Life

I am a book nerd by nature, and by trade. I am, however, a bit of a book snob. After hours reading and studying classics, its unfortunately hard to impress me anymore. So, this list is comprised of books that I have read or am trying to get my greedy, Smaug-y hands on, and have been dragged with the criticism arrows and death traps of my mind so you don't have to give a gift that turns into a DIY decorating project, but rather something they cherish and return to (hopefully). These are in no particular order.

1. The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty

I bought this book on a whim a few days before I deployed. I actually finished reading it a day before I even got on the plane. The story starts in the early 1920s where conservative, Kansas mother of two Cora chaperones a yet to be famous Louise Brooks to New York City for ballet. Cora, however, has her own motives to be there, and the two clash in a summer that changes them both.
The story is beautiful and well laid out, and Cora is such a wonderful character to follow. This book is like a little surprise in itself, like a petite little gift for yourself you slowly unwrap, each layer of it revealing a new surprise.


2. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

I know this book became a "major motion picture" but I refused to go see it because, well, I haven't liked a movie book since the Pride and Prejudice with Kierra Knightly. So I won't touch the movie subject, but I will say one reason the book holds its own against from even Hollywood. This story has incredible voice. The narration of this story, that is a dark story of a girl during Nazi Germany hiding a Jew, is dreamy and lyrical, like looking at a painting. It also has wonderful characterization and is easy to follow despite the leap frogging in time it occasionally does. Trust me, its good.


3. The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters

Sarah Waters is a good author, having read her The Night Watch, and I'll admit I haven't read this one yet but it seems like a good one. She is bit of a dragging writer for me, but my cup of tea is lyrical, poetic lines that say volumes in a little space and some people like the length. I have heard mix reviews about this post WWII mystery about class and gender issues, but it seems poignant to me. Its made it to the list of 100 Best Sellers of 2014, and its probably there for a reason. Although, the mystery genre is a tough market, I still think this is at least worth a try. This is why I love libraries. 


4. A Girl if a Half Formed Thing by Eimear McBride

I  have heard so many things about this little debut gem from the Irish writer Eimear McBride. Sweeping up awards left and right, this book is more for the nerds like me - the deep, intellectual kind. This isn't a new Hunger Games, an easy read of adventure and justice, but a literary work of beauty and craft. If you have an English major friend, I would suggest this gorgeous piece.

 5. Nobody is Ever Missing: A Novel by Catherine Lacey

Hitting lists like 20 under 40 Debuts You Should be Reading and of course the Best Books of 2014, this debut is something that has been on my list for awhile. This story follows the mind of Elyria through the death of her sister and the drastic change of the world around her, this is the kind of book that is there for you in that quiet space of mind where others can not venture.


6. The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Banks

This is a collection of short stories published in 2000 follows the life of Jane Rosenal on her personal and spiritual trek through life and all it has to offer. Hailed by critics and loved by readers (from all the reviews I have read) this little gem is perfect for the growing teenager in your life, as well as anyone inbetween the light of birth and the quiet of death. I wanted to end this list on a strong note, I highly suggest this book. And since its older, you can get it used for less (although I always suggest a local bookstore to support another book lover and the author. Double win)