best books to gift

hello.

there are very few things in this world where over consumption ceases to exist- having a personal library filled with books is one of them. supporting authors, bookstores, your brain- the limit does not exist in this context. gifting a book is the perfect gift. people have different tastes in literature, and it might be intimidating to pick out a book for someone else, but when in doubt, gift your favorite book of all time, write a little love note in the first page, seal it with a kiss or a signature, and they will love it. annotate the book for extra bonus points. this truly is the most heartfelt expression of love.

i’m going to share with you a few books for gifting if you don’t know where to start. read each summary carefully to determine which one will be the best fit for your recipient. i’m going to do my best to provide a range of tastes and interests…

rebecca by daphne du maurier

for a gothic, hot reader who lives in spooky season 365 days of the year. someone who loves classic literature and craves literary experiences.
du maurier’s haunting tale of love, jealousy, and secrets at manderley is gothic perfection. the lush prose and suspenseful plot make it a timeless gift for anyone who loves a story that feels as atmospheric as it is emotionally gripping.

too much of life by clarice lispector

a reader who gives off immaculate vibes ~ someone with impeccable taste and a love for avant guard art.
this collection of lispector’s daily musings captures her sharp, poetic, and deeply human voice. it’s a perfect gift for someone who finds beauty in the mundane and appreciates writing that feels intimate, like a quiet conversation over coffee.

the book of disquiet by fernando pessoa

the philosophy lover who thrives off of academic validation. a reader who enjoys the idea of dark academia, but needs to be intellectually stimulated by da literature that’s actually good.
pessoa’s introspective masterpiece is a fragmented diary of existential longing and quiet observation. it’s an ideal gift for those who love reflective, poetic writing that feels deeply personal and timelessly profound.

truth is the arrow, mercy is the bow by steve almond

for the writer, aspiring substack creator who has already read multiple books on writing and is looking for something unique and profound.
this powerful book about grief and healing is both tender and raw, written with a deep understanding of human fragility. it’s perfect for someone who values emotional honesty and finds comfort in stories of redemption and resilience.

the bluest eye by toni morrison

for the reader who loves classic literature and craves profound, insightful reading experiences.
morrison’s debut novel is a heartbreaking exploration of beauty, race, and trauma. her prose is as poetic as it is devastating, making this a profound gift for someone who values stories that confront hard truths with unparalleled grace.

written on the body by jeanette winterson

for the insufferable lit reader who craves unconventional prose and sensuality in the books they devour.
winterson’s lyrical exploration of love and desire, told by a genderless narrator, is a beautifully unconventional gift. it’s perfect for someone who appreciates writing that feels both intimate and universal, with lines that linger in the mind long after reading.

on strike against god by joanna russ

for your hot queer sapphic friend who is already well read and is looking for a book about the sapphic experience that isn’t cringe.
a sharp, witty novella about a woman’s journey toward self-discovery and embracing her sexuality. russ’ voice is biting and bold, making this an empowering gift for anyone who values stories of rebellion and personal freedom.

this lady sings the blues by billie holiday

for the old soul, the jazz lover, the reader who loves memoirs and biographies but only about people who are actually interesting and bad ass.
holiday’s autobiography is as soulful and raw as her music, tracing her life through hardship, artistry, and resilience. it’s a gift that will resonate with music lovers and anyone inspired by stories of creativity born from struggle.

the brothers karamazov by fyodor dostoevsky

this is for your reader friend. the person who is so committed to literature and reading and writing. a great conversationalist who appreciates deep discussions on life, longing, existentialism, and what it means to be human. this is for anyone who is constantly searching for the book that will change their lives forever.
dostoevsky’s sprawling exploration of faith, morality, and human frailty is one of the greatest novels ever written. it’s a thoughtful gift for someone who loves classic literature and isn’t afraid to dive deep into the big questions of life.

a certain smile by françoise sagan

for the reader who thrives in summer. the light hearted free spirited person who thrives off of fleeting romance, a hot summer fling, and writes about it on her girl blog. (and it’s actually good).
sagan’s slim, bittersweet novella about a fleeting love affair in paris is as elegant and melancholic as the city itself. it’s perfect for someone who appreciates subtle, emotionally intelligent stories with a touch of glamour and restraint.

fear and trembling or either/or by søren kierkegaard

for the intellectual reader who enjoys philosophy, appreciates catholicism as an aesthetic and purposefully reads literature that sacrilegiously attacks their faith.
kierkegaard’s works are rich explorations of choice, faith, and the complexities of existence. whether grappling with the paradoxes of belief in fear and trembling or the duality of aesthetic and ethical life in either/or, his writing is deeply introspective and timeless.

existentialism is a humanism by jean-paul sartre

for the reader who wants to get into philosophy, but doesn’t know where to start, they’re too intimidated to ask booktok, and they’ve outgrown sophie’s world.
this is sartre at his most accessible, offering a clear and passionate defense of existentialism. his argument that life’s meaning comes from our choices feels empowering and relevant.

babel by r.f. kuang

for the reader who is searching for an addictive modern dark academia book that’s actually good.
kuang’s babel is a masterful blend of dark academia, historical fantasy, and sharp commentary on colonialism. set in an alternate oxford, it’s perfect for lovers of rich world-building and morally complex characters. it’s the kind of book that lingers in your thoughts long after you’ve turned the last page.

henry and june by anaïs nin

for the reader who appreciates real literary erotica and wants something that blends fragmented letters, poetry, a novella, and erotica all in one.
nin’s intimate journal captures the raw, messy beauty of love and desire as she navigates her relationship with henry miller and his wife june. it’s a sensual and deeply personal read, making it a thoughtful gift for anyone who appreciates the intersection of art, passion, and self-discovery.

lastly, if you want to add a little something extra to your bookish gift, i recommend pairing it with a good tea or coffee (depending on their preference). let me recommend a few options… for tea, i love moon walk black tea by ossuloc and their wedding green tea. if you’re looking for a gift set, consider the fortnum and mason one. osulloc has a great one, too. for coffee i recommend, emma chamberlain makes great instant coffee for your friends on the go. blue bottle is another great coffee option.

oh! don’t forget to add in some chocolate. the met museum sells aesthetically pleasing boxes of chocolates inspired by louis sherry monet. also consider this very fancy hot chocolate with marshmallows.

okay, that’s all for today.

if you’re not ready to become a paid subscriber and you have the capacity to leave a tip, that would be so appreciated.

i love you.

bye.

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