Did you procrastinate on picking up a gift for your in-laws? ... Again? Not to fear! We asked local writers Matthew Salesses, Juliette Fay and William Landay, and Boston-area book sellers Sarah von Mortiz and Jamie Tan to share their recommendations for fiction, nonfiction, children’s books and gift ideas. It's a must-see list if you're behind on your holiday shopping — or just looking for a good book to curl up with this winter.
Matthew Salesses is the author of the forthcoming novel, "I'm Not Saying, I'm Just Saying."
Fiction: "Forgotten Country," by Catherine Chung
Non-fiction: "Where Are You From? An Anthology of Asian American Writing,"compiled by various writers.
To give as a gift: "The Oregon Trail Is the Oregon Trail,"by Gregory Sherl (poetry)
Book that inspired me to write: "We the Animals," by Justin Torres
Juliette Fay is a Boston-based author who wrote "The Shortest Way Home," "Deep Down True" and "Shelter Me."
Fiction: "Love Anthony," by Lisa Genova
Non-fiction: "Illuminations: A Novel of Hildegard von Bingen," by Mary Sharratt
To give as a gift: "Alice Bliss," by Laura Harrington
Book that inspired me to write: "Gilead," by Marilynne Robinson
William Landay is a New York Times bestselling author who wrote "Defending Jacob."
Fiction: "The Orphan Master’s Son," by Adam Johnson
Non-fiction: "The Crisis of Zionism," by Peter Beinart
To give as a gift: "Fitzgerald Penguin Hardcover Classics" series.
Book that inspired me to write: "Lonesome Dove," by Larry McMurtry
Sarah von Mortiz of Newtonville Books:
Fiction: "The Song of Achilles," by Madeline Miller
Non-fiction: "Children's Book-A-Day Almanac," by Anita Silvey
Gift: "Boston Noir 2, Editors: Dennis Lehane," Mary Cotton, Jamie Clarke
Children's Book: "Bear Has a Story to Tell," by Philip C. Stead, Illustrated by Erin E. Stead
Jamie Tan of Brookline Booksmith:
Fiction: "Dear Life," by Alice Munro
Non-fiction: "Lost at Sea: The Jon Ronson Mysteries," by Jon Ronson
To give as a gift: "My Ideal Bookshelf," Editor: Thessaly La Force, Illustrator: Jane Mount
Children's Book: "A Perfect Day,"by Carin Berger
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