FOR THE NEW ROMANTIC
All your sister wants for Christmas is a Hallmark-esque romance, so give her one! Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake features a sassy-yet-lovable main character named Delilah. Taken back to her hometown by family obligations (of course!) she finds herself crushing on her wicked stepsister’s best friend. The author takes a second-chance
romance set in a picturesque small town and flips it on its L.G.B.T.Q.+ head in the perfect way. BookHampton, East Hampton; publisher price, $18.
FOR THE OLD SALT
Your uncle only seems to care about one thing: fishing. For that reason, Sing Like A Fish: How Sound Rules Life Under Water, written by an award-winning science journalist, Amorina Kingdon, might just fit the bill. Sing Like a Fish combines historical research and today’s latest scientific findings to captivate the reader with the natural sounds of the sea and warn of the real dangers of human-made noise. Barnes & Noble, Bridgehampton; publisher price, $30.
FOR THE HORROR FAN
So your brother relaxes by reading horror novels? An odd choice, okay, but This Wretched Valley by Jenny Kiefer is a unique option. This title isn’t your run-of-the-mill ghost story; set in the forests of rural Kentucky, it centers around a professional rock climber who encounters terrifying situations at the hands of her friends, the dark woods around her, and the rock face itself. BookHampton; publisher price $18.99.
FOR THE CRAZY-BUSY
For your teacher friend, who doesn’t have a ton of time on her hands but loves a touching story: Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo. A dual perspective tale told by a pair of half sisters reeling from the death of their father. This novel is written in verse and is a quick yet beautiful read. Burton’s Books, Greenport; publisher price, $18.99.
FOR THE EMO TEEN
Is your teenage niece going through a tough time? Eat Your Heart Out by Kelly deVos will hopefully inspire her to fight her demons, or, at the very least, laugh at them. A group of teens stranded during an Arizona blizzard must not only survive the elements but fight off really athletic zombies! Hilarious and seasonally appropriate. BookHampton, $19.99.
FOR THE CHEF
Your aunt is a great cook, and you want to encourage that hobby and reap the benefits. Pick up a copy of Il Buco’s cookbook, Il Buco: Stories & Recipes by Donna Lennard, Joshua David Stein, and Alice Waters. Perhaps she will make the Flourless Chocolate Cake as a holiday party dessert? Il Buco Vita, Amagansett; publisher price, $50.
FOR THE MURDER MAVEN
Is your co-worker an armchair sleuth in their free time? They are going to love Unmasked: My Life Solving America’s Cold Cases by Paul Holes. He is a national treasure, having most notably brought down the Golden State Killer after decades of the serial killer being unidentified. Part true-crime novel, part personal memoir, this book keeps readers on the edge of their seats while also giving a firsthand account of what it’s like to balance tracking down monsters with having a family. Burton’s Books, Greenport; publisher price, $28.99.
FOR THE GREEN THUMB
Your friend’s husband relaxes by immersing himself in his garden, so Soil and Spirit, by a well-known local farmer and writer, Scott Chaskey, would be a great choice. This collection of essays feature Chaskey’s experiences around the globe including farming in Amagansett. It’s sure to be a hit! Marders Garden Center, publisher price, $26.
FOR THE ECCENTRIC
For your eccentric neighbor who has a soft spot for feeding feral cats, grab a copy of Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton. This novel features an unlikely protagonist, a domesticated crow and his side-kick, a bloodhound. They are on a quest to restore their owner back to good health while also rescuing all of the other pets in town. Dark humor and unexpected scenarios abound! Barnes & Noble; publisher price, $27.
FOR THE BEDTIME-STORYTELLER
Looking for a read that will be fun for the whole family? Why not pick-up an early-edition copy of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl? With the 2023 release of Wonka on the silver screen, this book is seeing a resurgence in popularity. Black Cat Books; vintage, various prices.
FOR THE LIT SNOB
Your grandma will only take book recommendations for “good literature.” A safe bet is The Covenant of Water, an award-winning historical-fiction novel by Abraham Verghese, that has been hugely popular since its publication a year or two ago. The plot follows one family through the generations in southwest India. Grandma will love it! Sag Harbor Books; publisher price, $32.
FOR THE FOLKLORIST
Your cousin is obsessed with Norse mythology and Viking history? She will love Children of Ash and Elm: A History of the Vikings by Neil Price. A nonfiction title that showcases the rich culture and customs of the Vikings, from the Scandinavian perspective. A Book Place, Riverhead; publisher price, $35.