Dark chocolate with a strong espresso. A full red and a creamy brie. Popcorn with warm butter. Dinner and a show. I could go on but I’m triggering all kinds of cravings. Anyway you get the picture. Iconic pairs. Perfect pairs. Books on a desert isle.
Who remembers picking five books you’d take if you were stranded on a desert island? I have this faint feeling I’m misremembering and that it was five records but whatever I want to talk about books. Specifically pairing books with people.
It is an artful process finding the perfect gift; to give someone the very thing they would have bought for themself. But add the element of surprise. And when I get it right? Oh the rush of endorphins when I hear “This has been on my list to read!” But the biggest thrill is if the book (or author) becomes the reader’s favorite. That’s the biggest win.
Gifting a book is an intimate act, the goal is to give pleasure and if successful the subsequent bond is enduring, not just for the book and reader but the friendship as well. Matching books and people is very much like setting up a blind date, especially if the book is a personal fave. It can be stressful, I want everyone to like each other. Unspoken but definitely implied when I gift a book is that I think this title is your type, I’m speculating on things going well and betting on a successful match. It’s a lot.
And so I will not be giving book suggestions in this post, but the books pictured are titles acquired this year that I happily endorse. I did however geek out hard putting together the following links to “Best of” lists.
The New York Times
Refinery 29
GoodReads reader’s choice winners
The CBC’s list of best Canadian fiction and non-fiction
I like the OZY Weekender list for being arranged by continent
New Yorker writers list their favorite reads this year, it is not limited to this publishing year of.
And now, alternate options to Amazon:
TORONTO:
Flying Books, founded and choosily curated by an female editor, delivery very speedy and free in the city
Queen Books, women owned and run Leslieville location for curbside pick up
Type Books, another female founded shop, three brick and mortar locations for curbside pick up
A Different Booklist, Toronto’s oldest black owned book shop specializing in writing from the African and Caribbean diaspora and the global south
Another Story, a longtime indie staple for the Roncey crowd
Book City, the original indie of this list with four brick and mortar locations for curbside pickup
Knowledge Bookstore, afrocentric lit with curbside pick up in Brampton (Toronto adjacent)
While far from Independent, Chapters Indigo is Canadian, nationwide, and founded by a woman passionate about books, tenaciously holding her own against the invasion of Amazon.
NYC:
Sisters Uptown Bookstore, Manhattan’s oldest Black owned shop is located in Harlem
The Lit Bar, a Black woman saves the day when Barnes&Noble closes and leaves the Bronx without a bookstore (?!); while sipping is temporarily cancelled, shipping is not
McNally Jackson Books, an Independent chain established by a woman with four locations for curbside pickup
The Mysterious Bookshop, independent shop specializing in mystery and its myriad sub-genres, in the ‘time before’ it was a destination for a bookish day trip where something for everyone can be found
Three Lives & Company, while they don’t have an online presence, they are (currently) open for shopping in limited numbers
Albertine, located in the French Embassy, you are immediately transported when you (can) visit, otherwise order online; primarily books in French but also a selection in English
not the original Shakespeare & Company (that’s in Paris) but a welcome addition to the Upper West Side
Cafe Con Libros (two of my favorite things); Afro-centric, specializing in feminist lit
The Center for Fiction is more than a bookstore, it’s a non-profit literary organization that hosts some of the best panels and events in the city, among other things
Books are Magic, the name is on the nose but the fact is indisputable
LA:
EsoWon, the granddaddy of the Black owned bookshops
Chevalier, the oldest independent bookstore in LA
Stories LA, I’m a sucker for the books and coffee combo, and this is from my old hood so there’s nostalgia too
Skylight Books, another indie fave where many friends had readings
Book Soup, another indie staple, located on the Sunset Strip
Malik Books, family run Black bookstore
The Last Bookstore, hopefully the name is more ironic than prophetic, they’re like a west coast Strand without the history (they should have been listed in NYC section but like a lot of long term relationships, it’s complicated)
A special shout out to Bookshop for their initiative with indie booksellers nationwide, and Mahogany Books, a black owned business with a national online presence.
More gift shopping:
If the recipient is a reader and a writer, check out Wonder Pens, a gorgeous stationary shop with two Toronto locations for curbside pick up.
The Curated Market Company in Toronto’s east end has a lovely selection of gift ideas available for curbside pickup. Peace Collective gifts not only share hometown pride, Raptors love and more, every purchase provides meals for those in need.
Remember Michelle Obama’s vote necklace? By Chari has a lot more going on in the pretty things department. String Thing Studio in Brooklyn, recommended by my knitting pals is a lovely spot to support for the yarn lovers in your group. Today is the last day for free ground shipping of sustainable gifts from Under the Canopy, an organic and zero waste home brand. Goodee is a curated marketplace of feel good, do good products and artistry. Plants always make a lovely gift, even if the act of giving a living thing is intimidating. Natty Garden can guide and support thumbs of all colors.
Whatever you give, give with a full heart and clear mind. Happy Blessings to all.
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