Books to Get You Thinking Special 2010 Holiday Edition II

This month we continue our hunt for the perfect gifts for everyone on your list turning our attention from nonfiction books to fiction, and on to food and entertainment - subjects that are widely popular and hold universal appeal.

Fiction

Fall of Giants by Ken Follet
The first in the new “Century” trilogy, this riveting novel is set against the backdrop of the early twentieth century. It spans the complex unfolding drama faced by five different families - German, Russian, English, Welsh and American and their struggles through the critical times of the First World War, the Russian Revolution and the American suffrage. The author’s in-depth research and attention to historical detail makes this a novel of epic proportions.

Sourland by Joyce Carol Oates
A spell binding collection of sixteen stories penned by one of our most well known contemporary authors. In it she explores the indelible effect that loss, grief, and violence can have on determining individual psyche and expression.

Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love by Larry Levin
An inspiring, heartwarming story of a dog who miraculously survived abuse against all odds and won the hearts of the family who adopted him. The story is a testimony to the indomitable spirit of a dog that inspired the author to confront and overcome the dark shadows from his own childhood.

Homer and Langley by E. L. Doctorow
A masterful work of historical fiction , this book is founded on the lives of the Collyer brothers, Homer who was blind, and Langley who suffered partial brain damage from mustard gas exposure in the War. The brothers became a New York City legend when they were found in their Fifth Avenue mansion dead amidst tons of horded newspapers. Doctorow pens a haunting tale of the timeless love between the brothers and while apparently living in complete seclusion their lives are touched in a thousand different ways by the major events of the times.

Unbroken: A World War II Airman’s Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
After enthralling millions of readers with her bestselling novel Seabiscuit, Laura Hillenbrand presents yet another captivating story - this time her book is about an air force bomber Louie Zamperini whose plane plunged into the Pacific Ocean in 1942 and his amazing journey back home. The story centers not so much around Zamperini’s wartime experiences as on the undying hope, resolve and resilience of the human mind and spirit in the face of desperation, suffering and brutality.

Great House by Nicole Krauss
The novel bridges together four separate stories hinging around a majestic desk that is moved through different houses, evoking memories of years long gone by and characters and tales from past eras.

Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet by David Mitchell
This richly romantic novel is set in 1799 feudal Japan where Jacob de Zoet a young clerk from the West arrives to make a fortune so he could wed his fiancée back in Holland. Instead he meets and falls in love with Orito Aibagawa, a Japanese midwife. What makes the novel particularly special is the historical authenticity that envelopes the entire novel.

Food and Entertainment

Perfect One Dish Dinners: All you Need for Easy Get-Togethers by Pam Anderson
New York Times bestselling author offers worry free entertaining with her delightful collection of one main dish meals that can be put on the dinner table. Included in the two hundred recipes are coordinated salads, appetizers and desert that can be matched with the main dish.

Essential New York Times Cookbook: Classic Recipes for a New Century by Amanda Hesser
A treasury of more than a thousand recipes published in New York Times since the 1850s, ranging from the simple to the time consuming, arranged chronologically in different categories. In addition to the sumptuous recipes, the volume provides a window to the changing landscape of American culinary history over time.

Giada at Home: Family Recipes from Italy and California by Giada De Laurentiis
The popular host of a Food Network show puts together a winning combination of traditional Italian recipes passed down through generations along with new creations inspired by California’s abundant seasonal fruits and vegetables, all with her own unique twist.

Now Eat This!: 150 of America’s Favorite Comfort Foods All Under 350 Calories by Rocco DiSpirito
This well known award winning chef has come up with innovative recipes designed to satisfy the most fastidious of palettes, while keeping a check on the calorie and nutritional content of the dishes. If delicious pastas, luscious deserts and comfort foods are on your list, the book gives you a healthy way of preparing these in your kitchen. Personal advice and time saving methods from the master chef add to the overall appeal of the book.

The Family Dinner: Great Ways to Connect with your Kids One meal at a Time by Laurie David
This is much more than a recipe book and highlights the importance of the family sitting together at meal times away from the distractions of the electronic age. Using input from more than 50 celebrities that include child care experts, the author intersperses delicious wholesome recipes with green tips, conversation starters and games to liven up the dinner table.

Barefoot Contessa How Easy Is That? : Fabulous Recipes and Easy Tips by Ina Garten
A great resource in the kitchen for busy cooks who have little time but still want delicious flavor in their food. Complete with over two hundred gorgeous color photos as well as useful tips on preparation, presentation and useful equipment to stock the kitchen.

Wishing all our readers a wonderful Holiday Season and a New Year filled with joy, peace and happiness!

- Nita Mathur

top photo courtesy of Book Group Buzz

middle photo courtesy of Alice Harold

bottom photo courtesy of only alice