Tis the Season to Give the Gift of Stories

‘Baldwin’

For the bio lovers in your life, Baldwin: A Love Story by Nicholas Boggs is an epic, masterful deep dive into the genius that was James Baldwin; a complex, driven man who bravely tackled his sexuality in his writing despite warnings from the publishing world. Boggs does a terrific job of bringing the man behind the myth to light in this deep revelation, making this truly a love story for the ages. 

‘We Did Okay Kid’

Looking for some Hollywood related stories? Look no further than Sir Anthony Hopkin’s memoir We Did Okay Kid. What a life this award-winning actor has led, from Wales to Hollywood, to a robust Instagram account. Hopkins reveals the trials and highs and the no-longer-getting-high life of this genius actor, who has brought us such iconic characters in films such as The Lion in Winter and Silence of the Lambs to name only two of dozens of memorable cinematic performances. This memoir is sure to please.

‘Queen Esther’

I had forgotten how amusing a John Irving novel is. Lovers of quirky characters, and rich stories will enjoy John Irving’s latest Queen Esther. Irving tackles the subjects that matter to him, antisemitism, orphans, and wrestling – as adoptive parents attempt to learn what it means to be Jewish and an orphan searches for how to be the best Jew she can be.  

‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World’

For a fast paced, action packed, and very amusing thriller turn to Ace Atkins’ Everybody Wants to Rule the World. Fourteen-year-old Peter believes his mom’s new boyfriend is a Russian spy. It is 1985 in Atlanta, Georgia and Peter turns to a washed-out crime novelist to investigate. There is a slew of quirky characters (drag queen Jackie Demure, an ex-NFLer, is my favorite), Russian hitmen, FBI agents and badass women, all converging on a thrilling climax. 

‘The Last Vampire’

The Last Vampire by Romina Garber is the perfect YA read – and older, I’m not gonna lie, I loved it – for fans of vampire fiction. Lorena didn’t mean to awaken an old vampire at her new boarding school, but when she does all Hell breaks loose and the two fall madly in love.

‘The Italian Secret’

For lovers of a sexy noir – led by a femme fatale female detective – turn to The Italian Secret, Tara Moss’ latest. From Australia to Italy in this post-WWII novel, PI Billie Walker, who has a penchant for red lipstick and straightened stocking seams, investigates secrets from her own past. Moss writes snappy dialogue and drops in enough relevant fashion and simmering romance to keep the reader intrigued all the way to the last page. 

‘Please Pay Attention’

For the middle grader in your life, pick up Jamie Sumner’s Please Pay Attention. I’ve been a fan of Sumner for years. Motivated by a personal tragedy that struck the author’s community in Tennessee, the story tackles a difficult subject beautifully. Her heroine is Bea, a sixth grader with cerebral palsy who besides being bound to a wheelchair must now negotiate a school tragedy, grief and loss. This book is absolutely terrific.

‘The List of Suspicious Things’

Inspired by the author Jennie Godfrey’s childhood The List of Suspicious Things is an eerie story about a Yorkshire Ripper in this coming-of-age story about 12-year-old Miv who is determined to find the serial killer haunting her town, so her father won’t move the family away from Miv’s best friend. It is 1979 and Thatcher is prime minister. For Miv this is a mystery that will hit closer to home than she anticipated. A surprisingly moving story.

‘Only Way Out’

Tod Goldberg delivers an action-packed noir thriller in Only Way Out set in a small town on the Oregon coast. A crooked lawyer who stole millions and a cop who sees opportunity set up this wild ride of losers and connivers with black humor and hard choices.