Did you procrastinate on picking up a gift for your in-laws? ... Again? Not to fear! We asked local writers Matthew Salesses, Juliette Fay and William Landay, and Boston-area book sellers Sarah von Mortiz and Jamie Tan to share their recommendations for fiction, nonfiction, children’s books and gift ideas. It's a must-see list if you're behind on your holiday shopping — or just looking for a good book to curl up with this winter.
Matthew Salesses is the author of the forthcoming novel, "I'm Not Saying, I'm Just Saying."
Fiction:
"Forgotten Country," by Catherine Chung
Non-fiction:
"Where Are You From? An Anthology of Asian American Writing," compiled by various writers.
To give as a gift:
"The Oregon Trail Is the Oregon Trail," by Gregory Sherl (poetry)
Book that inspired me to write:
"We the Animals," by Justin Torres
Juliette Fay is a Boston-based author who wrote "The Shortest Way Home," "Deep Down True" and "Shelter Me."
Fiction:
"Love Anthony," by Lisa Genova
Non-fiction:
"Illuminations: A Novel of Hildegard von Bingen," by Mary Sharratt
To give as a gift:
"Alice Bliss," by Laura Harrington
Book that inspired me to write:
"Gilead," by Marilynne Robinson
William Landay is a New York Times bestselling author who wrote "Defending Jacob."
Fiction:
"The Orphan Master’s Son," by Adam Johnson
Non-fiction:
"The Crisis of Zionism," by Peter Beinart
To give as a gift:
"Fitzgerald Penguin Hardcover Classics" series.
Book that inspired me to write:
"Lonesome Dove," by Larry McMurtry
Sarah von Mortiz of Newtonville Books:
Fiction:
"The Song of Achilles," by Madeline Miller
Non-fiction: "
Children's Book-A-Day Almanac," by Anita Silvey
Gift: "
Boston Noir 2, Editors: Dennis Lehane," Mary Cotton, Jamie Clarke
Children's Book:
"Bear Has a Story to Tell," by Philip C. Stead, Illustrated by Erin E. Stead
Jamie Tan of Brookline Booksmith:
Fiction:
"Dear Life," by Alice Munro
Non-fiction:
"Lost at Sea: The Jon Ronson Mysteries," by Jon Ronson
To give as a gift:
"My Ideal Bookshelf," Editor: Thessaly La Force, Illustrator: Jane Mount
Children's Book:
"A Perfect Day," by Carin Berger
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