Books for Gifting
Hey Party People,
The holidays are drawing near. The bulk of my shopping remains on my to do list, so I really put this little gift guide together for myself (and for you, too).
I decided to go with a book-themed guide this year because writing a book has given me a different level of appreciation for books, authors, and editors. My book is officially... finally... headed to the printer! (It will be on shelves in June 2026.) I will have a lot more to say about this experience and the book in 2026. Until then, I wanted my gift guide for this year to highlight a few books that I have enjoyed and a few books that I am excited to dive into. For each option, I have included a link to order on Bookshop (which I highly recommend) and on Amazon. All selections will come on time for the holidays. And you can of course find these at your local bookstore, too. I hope you find something for someone on your list (and for yourself, too).
With care,
1. Wine Pairing for the People: The Communion of Wine, Food and Culture from Africa and Beyond
By Cha McCoy with Layla Schlack
I love learning about wine and certified sommelier Cha McCoy has inked a first-of-its-kind guide to pairing wine with foods from Africa and beyond.
2. The Conjuring of America: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine and 400 Y ears of Black Women’s Magic
By Lindsey Stewart
I am fascinated by this book. It is a crucial telling of U.S. history centering the Black women’s contributions to culture, wellness, and spirituality that we see today. Including Vicks VapoRub, Aunt Jemima’s pancake mix, Disney’s The Little Mermaid (2023), and the all-American blue jean.
3. The Anthony Bourdain Reader: New, Classic and Rediscovered Writing
By Anthony Bourdain
This book includes a career-spanning collection of writing from Anthony Bourdain. Here you will find the best and most fascinating writing and touches on his many pursuits and passions, from restaurant life to family life to the “low life,” from TV to travel through places like Vietnam, Buenos Aires, Paris, and Shanghai.
4. The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime and Dangerous Obsession
By Michael Finkel
This one is for the person on your list who loves a good thriller. This book came on my radar because I cannot stop thinking about that Louvre heist. And one of my favorite Netflix series was Money Heist, so it just makes sense that The Art Heist is my next read (and maybe yours, too).
5. The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone
By Olivia Laing
This is the selection for the writer and creative spirit in your life. It was recommended to me because I want to read more creative nonfiction as I am thinking about my next writing project. The book is both memoir and cultural criticism on loneliness in NYC. It is fascinating.
Thanks for including Wine Pairing for the People ! I hope people fall in love learning about with the entangled history and hope for wine produced in marganalized regions.
Let me go ahead and get all of these now chile 😮💨 this list is STRONG!