Thursday, December 06, 2012

Now that finals week is winding down, you can finally get into the Christmas spirit! If you're just beginning your shopping and don't know where to start, how about giving books this year?

Fortunately, there is no lack of sources to help you decide which book titles to give as presents. Discover the American Library Association's 2012 notable books list for "25 very good, very readable, and at times very important fiction, nonfiction, and poetry books for the adult reader." The corresponding 2012 list of children's books - those "of especially commendable quality, books that exhibit venturesome creativity, and books of fiction, information, poetry and pictures for all age levels (birth through age 14) that reflect and encourage children's interests in exemplary ways" - is also available.

The Los Angeles Times has just published a special Holiday Books Guide section, and the New York Times its lists of 100 Notable Books of 2012, 10 Best Books of 2012, and Notable Children's Books of 2012.

Browse Amazon  for their editors' selections of the best books of the year (don't forget the Kindle version too) as well as Barnes & Noble for their holiday books suggestions (both print and Nook versions).

For more suggestions, consult the librarians at your nearest public library.

Happy shopping, and a safe and joyous holiday season to all.  See you back in school when the spring semester starts on Jan. 26, 2013!