Monday, December 8, 2014

Welcomed Gifts for Friends and Family Who Read

It is not always easy to choose a book as a gift for book lovers. There are many different genres and personal preferences vary widely. If you are fortunate, you will know what genre the person you are buying for prefers.  But you still may or may not know what they've already read from that genre. Even though it is difficult to buy gifts for readers, I can assure you that readers welcome book-related gifts. Kindles and gift cards are popular and perfect gift choices for people who love to read.

I am proof of that.

A Kindle is a Wonderful Gift Choice


My oldest son bought a Kindle for me, one Christmas, years ago.  I did not think I would like an e-reader as I was a book addict. I probably could have been classified as a book hoarder.  I loved the covers, and the pages, and the words in books.  I loved sorting books on my bookshelves. I had collections by author.  Therefore, I was a bit skeptical when I opened that box that held that Kindle.

That Kindle has been amazing.  I read it every night before bed.  Because it is so easy to read, and carry along everywhere I go, I am reading even more than I had before.

I have one of the early Kindles.  The one that is called the Kindle Keyboard.  I connect to WiFi to order my books.  I have one word game on it. Otherwise, it is my library of books. Please note, that some of the original Kindles and some of the lesser expensive Kindles are not lighted.

Kindle Paperwhite - photo by Amazon

It is easy to solve that dilemma. There are lighted cases available.  I have the lighted leather case for
my Kindle. It has lasted all of these years and has only just now started to loosen just a bit where the light pulls up out of the protective case. With this light, I can read it in bed at night, at the campsite, in the tent, and anywhere else that I need light or that I want light without disturbing others.

Lighted Leather Case for Kindle Keyboard - photo by Amazon

To learn more about Kindles, Susan Deppner  tells  us about her experiences on her Kindle buying guide.  I am grateful for the wealth of information and experience she shares. She calls herself a bit "Kindle crazy". I think I would have to agree, but that's not a bad thing at all.  If you have Kindle questions, I'd begin by looking at Susan's articles.

If you already know what you are looking for, you can visit the Kindle Store to begin shopping.

Everyone Loves Gift Cards


If you don't want to give a Kindle, or if the person you are buying for already owns a Kindle, an Amazon Card is always appreciated.  I love to receive amazon gift cards so that I can add to my enormous book collection. I have given and received Amazon Gift cards for years, and have never had a problem with these cards.


Amazon Gift Cards

Books Make Great Gifts


If you do want to choose a book as a gift, here are a few excellent recommendations:

Galway Bay by Mary Pat Kelly.  My review of a historical fiction based on true events related to the Great Potato Famine. This story follows a family, a community, and two nations during this difficult time.  An excellent choice for readers who like things historical, Ireland, or epic survival. Mary Pat Kelly both entertained and educated me with this tale.  I will always remember what our country's Irish immigrants may have gone through in order to survive.

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline. Brenda Little tells us about another historical fiction that was based on true events in the US.  A train carried orphans from the east coast to the midwest and beyond from 1854 to 1929. The topic is tough, as is some of the language and a scene or two. This story remained on the NY Times bestseller list for over 90 weeks, have you read it?

Three Word Books Every Writer Needs - Barbara Radisavljevic reminds writers that tools such as the dictionary and thesaurus are their best friend. But have you ever  heard of a Descriptionary or Word Menu? If not, she'd be glad to introduce you.

The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby - Photographer Mary Beth Granger outlines her favorite photography how-to books, volumes 1 through 4. If you enjoy photography, these are likely to be of interest to you too.

Don't Forget the Young and Young Adult Readers on Your List


Warriors by Erin Hunter -  Wednesday Elf reviews this juvenile fantasy series that has her 14 year old grandson riveted. The series is about the adventures of the wild cat clans that live in the forests. Any age-appropriate book that encourages readers to read has our thumbs up.

How to Draw Spongebob Squarepants - Sylvestermouse Cynthia knows how much children like to draw.  Clearly, many children love Spongebob Squarepants. So a how-to-draw Spongebob and friends book is a great idea.


Young or old, I think books and reading-related items make some of the best and most memorable gifts.  A good story is always remembered and a thoughtful gift to a reader has lasting impact.

For many more book reviews, visit ReviewThisReviews.com




21 comments:

  1. A wonderful list of recommendations and personal touches here Dawn. I'm like you used to be with books - I love them! - but I expect one day I will finally end up with an e-reader, but it hasn't happened yet, though I'm getting more and more tempted and Susan's pages and recommendations are wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing my little piece too. :0)

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    1. You are very welcome, Dreya. I enjoyed your "little piece" very much. I definitely love my no-frills kindle so much. I think you'll like one if you get one too. I'm definitely glad I got a Kindle, since ordering from Amazon is super easy.

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  2. I'm a book reader/hoarder like you, Dawn. Your line about rearranging the books on your book shelves.... that's me. So I have been resistant for a long time about getting a Kindle, but there may come a time..... Meanwhile, love your featured book reviews as I'm always looking for a good new book to read. And with a new grandson, now just 6 months old, those Dr. Seuss and other children's books will be a must have soon for the newest member of our family of readers!

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    1. Come to think of it, my collections (by author) on the bookshelves started with Nancy Drew when I was very young! Thank you for your kind words and I hope you enjoy reading those Seuss books to your grandbaby.

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  3. Thanks for all the great suggestions. I love my Kindle but also still read regular books. I like the versatility of using both. I've given that Dr. Seuss book " The Places You'll Go" many times...great choices.

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    1. I would probably read print books too, except I haven't swallowed my pride and gone to the eye doctor. I think I need mature-lady reading glasses. The Kindle helps me stay in denial! haha.

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  4. wonderful ideas - mom is an avid reader. She's certainly a book person; she'll go through a book in a day, lol. A friend of mine went the route of a Kindle.

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    1. I have a cousin that can read a book in one day. Or huge books, like Stephen Kings The Stand, in a weekend. I am just not a very fast reader.

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  5. Not only is it great to read that your Kindle has lasted for years but that there is a light solution in the Kindle case. Still no eBook reader for me, but who knows? Maybe Santa will bring me one or send me an Amazon gift card and I can get one for myself. I really only want one for bedtime reading, too. I'm still stuck on printed books like glue!

    Thank you ever so much for featuring my review of Compost Stew, truly one of my favorites in my collection of books for kids.

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    1. You are very welcome, Ruthi. Compost Stew looks like such a cute book. I hope Santa is good to you.

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  6. My daughter gave me a Kindle a few years ago and, like you, I was surprised by how much I really love it. It read mine every night too. I have always loved books, always loved owning them, but the convenience of the Kindle cannot be denied. I still buy hard copies, but I actually read my Kindle more often these days.

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    1. See my reply to Mary Beth. haha. I'd probably read hard copy books too... If I had them in large print!

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  7. What a nice article with links to Susan and book reviews! Thank you for including one of mine in the list. I use an ipad, but have still been tempted to get a kindle. Small and light! Thanks for sharing this.

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    1. My Kindle travels EVERYWHERE with me. They are awesome things. I think you'd like one if you got one. Although, I know very little about ipads. It might be a little redundant to have a Kindle and an ipad.

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  8. I do love books as gifts. And the Kindle Fire was the best gift my husband ever gave me. I had to buy my own case though, so I'd definitely say that cases are great gifts to pair with kindles.

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    1. I'm so glad you love your Kindle Fire. I think that's what I will get when my Kindle finally gives up. Although, that may be awhile yet!

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  9. Thanks so much, Dawn Rae, for shining such a lovely holiday spotlight on my COMPOST STEW! Your kind words, along with Ruth's enthusiastic recommendation, are ever-so-greatly appreciated.

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    1. You are very welcome! So fun to "meet' a book author. Thank you for the visit and comment.

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  10. Thanks Dawn Rae for a lovely idea. I also like that you have included some reading choices. I appreciate this Review and will bookmark it for future reference.

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