As the days turn into days where spending the afternoon in bed is more appealing than going outside, you might be in need of a good book to snuggle up with. Books are a great idea to give any creative in your life, including yourself. Here are a few book ideas from THE BLOCK to wrap in a bow for that special someone on your gift list.
For the one who likes a little mystery and crime:
My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
In her debut novel, Braithwaite hits on hidden identities, sibling dynamics and of course murder. Told in a refreshing yet thrilling way, this novel is a great gift for someone looking to uncover a mystery this season. Get entranced by what one sister will do to protect the other when she goes just a little too far!
For the young adult, or the one who loves YA books:
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Though classified as a young adult (YA) novel, this compelling read by Adeyemi is great for anyone. Historical and magical, this story captures you with its themes of conflict, approval and survival, it’s almost impossible to put it down! And, if you really love it, it’s a trilogy.
For the one who loves to laugh:
On Beauty by Zadie Smith
Praised for it’s wit and charm, Smith writes about an interracial Massachusetts family and their complexities. While this book stirs up conflicts about race, beauty and politics, it’s sure to make the reader laugh and reflect on cultural values.
For the one who loves faith and science:
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
While trying to work through grief, Gyasi writes about a young woman wanting to understand the role science and faith plays in the troubles and triumph of her life. Questioning old thoughts and accepting new ones, this novel is a transcendent experience for any reader. Promising reviews indicate it searches for the meaning in the meaningless and will take them through various emotions from the beginning to the end.
For the one who wants to jump start their New Year resolutions:
Year of Yes : How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes
Though Shonda Rhimes is most known for dominating Thursday nights on ABC, she tells the story of her rise to the Shondaland empire. Don’t worry, readers can still catch moments of how each of her iconic shows came to be and the failure that led her to persevere! Rhymes equips readers with the resources that will challenge and flex their “yes” muscle. This self-starter book is ideal for the one who doesn’t need January 1 to start fresh.
For the one who loves the classics:
Not Without Laughter by Langston Hughes
This debut novel by Langston Hughes included moments of his own life, while also including relatable moments of a modern midwestern family. It’s perfect for the one who loves a classic novel written by a profound author like Hughes.
For the one who loves, love:
Party of Two by Jasmine Guillory
This Jasmine Guillory novel is the perfect mix of the predictable meet-cute trope mixed with unsuspecting romance issues. This story champions two strong and highly successful people finding each other and starting a relationship under the scrutiny of well… the whole nation. A fun, lighthearted read that’s sure to make the reader fall in love with love again!
Have recommendations of your own? Leave a comment with your favorite books by Black authors, then head over to THE BLOCK’s Instagram page to see what people are saying there.
