Readers' suggestions

From memories of best-loved children's books to novels that make a gentle moral point, readers offer their gift picks.

Last update: November 21, 2008 - 5:10 PM

One of my favorite books that I've given to both kids and adults is "The Gift of Nothing," by Patrick O'Donnell. It is a little illustrated story about friendship and the present that is presence. It's an anti-greed, anti-materialism book -- how much more relevant to the times can it get?

Sherry Machen, Wayzata

The best book I ever received as a Christmas gift was "Anne of Green Gables," by Lucy Maud Montgomery. My Aunt Fran gave it to me when I was 12 years old. I was intimidated by its size at first, but I loved the photo of the red-haired girl on the cover. I read the book and was enchanted by Anne, her friends and her island. I was so pleased when I discovered the other books in that series, and I've read them all again and again. Now that I have nieces of my own, I've made sure to give each of them a copy at their twelfth birthdays. Thank you, Aunt Fran!

Rosemary Wallner, Minnetonka

A favorite of mine to give is "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn," by Betty Smith. It's a great book for anyone, especially young women, because the coming-of-age story speaks to that age where you feel like the whole world is in front of you and your abilities are limitless. What makes it great, though, is that it tells that story with such heart-wrenching honesty; life isn't easy, and Smith wasn't about to tell us otherwise.

Megan Eckers, Lakeville

My wife has given the old standard "The Gift of the Magi" for years. It is a beautiful account of how a young husband and wife give up something that means so much to themselves to give to one another. It seems particularly fitting this year with the economy forcing people to look to the goodness of simple things as gifts. This story, however, is reflected in the loving nature of the gifts.

Steve Furlong, Minneapolis

I recommend "The Rabbi's Cat" by Joanne Sfar. The title character is given the gift of speech, misuses it and has it taken away. He then learns how to express himself with actions and deeds. In the process, he learns that love has many faces, even in his own heart, that speak more loudly than any words.

Elizabeth Brantley, Maple Grove

"Olive, the Other Reindeer," by Vivian Walsh and J.otto Seibold. Instead of "All of the other reindeer," Olive the pup hears something else on the radio: "Olive, the other reindeer." She concludes that she is to be Santa's canine helper, so she heads up to the North Pole. Her doggy talents of chewing, sniffing and fetching rescue Father Christmas from multiple mishaps. Seibold creates an avocado-and-tomato cartoon Christmas in which details shine: In a scene of flutes falling out of the sky and into a snow bank, a cutaway shows a surprised bunny awakening to find its burrow pierced by a silver shaft.

Tim Esse, Vadnais Heights

The best book to give this Christmas season, or any season, for that matter, is the Bible.

Sean M. Conway, Hinckley

Of course, David Sedaris' "Holidays on Ice," if the person has a sense of humor.

Teri Fischer, Minneapolis

I've enjoyed giving "Where the Sidewalk Ends" by Shel Silverstein to new parents for them to read to their children. I can remember my first-grade teacher at Washington Elementary in South St. Paul, Mr. Mulfinger, rewarding us by reading poems from the book. And now, twenty some years later, I read it frequently to my daughter, Belle.

Jeff R. Anderson, New Brighton

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Here are some of Books Editor Laurie Hertzel's favorite sites and blogs. Got a literary link to share? E-mail Laurie.

Talk of the Stacks An author series from the Library Foundation of Hennepin County.
Poets & Writers The website for Poets and Writers Magazine--podcasts, author interviews, and writing resources.
Creative Writing A place to keep apprised of writing competitions in the United States.
Gather Minnesota Readers The Website for Minnesota Public Radio's books blog.
The Loft Literary Center The Website for the Loft, a local place for writers and readers.
Good Reads A way to track what you're reading, and what your friends are reading.
Lost Manuscripts Just what it sounds like - a blog (sporadically updated) devoted to missing and destroyed manuscripts.
Maud Newton Very hip, reviews, links, a little attitude.
bookreporter.com A plethora of online book reviews and reading guides.
Rain Taxi Rain Taxi Review of Books.