With Christmas around the corner, I'm doing a classic bookshelf cleanout and regifting my favorite book reads of the year. Regifting books is a great Christmas gift idea for family members. Unwrapping a book on Christmas morning is a gift that keeps giving, sparking new conversations for the future.
Remember to add a Book Club Card to each book to track the journey!
To: Mom
By Jeanine Cummings
The story of a loving mother forced to flee Acapulco with her 8-year-old son to escape the drug cartel. Together, Lydia and Luca make the treacherous journey to the US on a freight train, becoming two of the countless undocumented immigrants, undertaking the dangerous journey to the United States and befriending migrants along the way.
This storyline presses deep into immigration issues, strikes controversy about the author's background, and, overall, portrays the force of a mother's love and how far it will take her.
To: Dad
By Paulo Coelho
Santiago is an Andalusian shepherd boy yearning to travel in search of extravagant worldly treasures. The treasures Santiago finds along the way teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, learning to read the omens sewed along life's path, and, above all, following our dreams.
The Alchemist is a magical read. Other than wisdom, it provides great happy hour conversation topics -- perfect for quality time with dads!
To: Sister
Kristin Hannah
This is a story of two sisters, separated by not only years and experience, but also opposing ideals and passions. In German-occupied, war-torn France, each sister embarks on a dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom.
Often sibilings differ, but ultimatley our human spirts bond us together. This passionatly heartbreaking novel celebrates the durability of women and the love of sisterhood.
To: Brother
by James Clear
Practical strategies that teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results. Just in time for New Years Resolutions and reflecting on the past year, Automic Habits reshapes the way you think about progress and success.
Siblings have the power to build each other up, whether its accelerated by rivarly and competition or tenderness and empathy. Give the gift of growing together by sharing a book!
To: Grandma
by Martha Hall Kelly
The novel follows the stories of three unsung women, inlcuding the true story of a New York socialite who championed a group of World War II concentration camp survivors known as the Rabbits. The womens' lives collide as they each quest for love, happiness, and second chances.
This story showcases women's fight for survival and changing hearts that results from a remarkable past.
To: Grandpa
by Fredrik Backman
Ove, a grumpy yet loveable man, finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door, and a comical and heartwarming tale of unexpected friendship unfolds. It is a thoughtful exploration of the profound impact one's life has on countless others.
Backman's novel covers a range of topics from a longlived life including marriage, love, race, class, division, and gentrification. This is a great book to build on conversation and connections.
What books from your bookshelf are you regifiting this year?