Editor’s note: Since Kathy Hare reviews books for the NFH, we asked her to come up with a list of books she would recommend as gifts for the holidays. Here’s what Kathy had to say about books.Books can be a refuge from a hectic world or an aid when planning a party for friends. Books hold the collective knowledge of our species, while also giving readers insight to the heart and spirit of one individual – the author.Books expand the mind, making them a necessity no one should live without. Books make great gifts. The list is designed to help anyone select a book for family members or friends, based on their age or hobbies. Make the gift memorable by inscribing a message in the front of the book. Years later, someone might treasure those personal words as much as the book.Kathy choices:INFANTS:“Mother Goose” by Mary EngelbreitAll parents should have a copy of Mother Goose and begin reading it to infants long before they can speak. Nursery rhymes teach children the rhythm of speech, while also passing along moral lessons. I picked this edition because the colorful illustrations pop out of the page, making it visually appealing to infants.“Bright Baby First Words,” by Roger PriddyThis board book is strong enough to stand up to infants’ grasping hands and slobbering mouths. It has bright pictures and teaches infants to associate words with pictures.“The Velveteen Rabbit,” by Margery WilliamsChildren love to hear how the velveteen rabbit becomes a real rabbit. I started a tradition by giving this book to all my nephews and nieces. Their parents said it was the most requested bedtime story. Both the illustrations and story line make this a book children will enjoy for many years.PRE-SCHOOL (AGES 3-5):“A Family of Poems,” by Caroline KennedyCaroline Kennedy’s book of poems can be appreciated at any age, but the book was designed to be read to young children. It contains old and new poems that will make young listeners think. Jon Muth’s illustrations, combined with Kennedy’s picks, have created a book every family should have on their bookshelf.“A Bargain for Frances,” by Russell HobanMy daughter loved these stories. Frances is a young badger who learns life’s lessons the hard way – by getting into trouble. Mother Badger helps Frances by teaching her how to handle pesky friends. This is the first book in the “Frances” series. Your child will love the quirky stories, which provide a different moral lesson in each book.“Adventures of Frog and Toad,” by Arnold LobelFrog and Toad are best friends. They will quickly become a boy’s best friend, too, as he listens to their adventures. Lobel designed his series of books so children will learn to appreciate the small joys in life. In this edition Frog and Toad are learning to fly a kite. Frog loves to tell stories. He is more mature, patient and practical than Toad, who is a bit of an impish, insecure fellow; just the type of guy many boys can relate to.FIRST TO THIRD GRADE:“The Nixie’s Song: Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles,” by Tony DiTerlizze and Holly BlackThis book introduces children to the world of magic. Nick Vargas and his family move around a lot because his father builds subdivisions. When his father remarries, Nick finds himself having to adjust to a new sister. But Laurie is no ordinary girl; she collects books and drawings about faeries. She longs to enter their world. One day Nick finds a four-leaf clover and the two are off on a magical adventure.“Little House in the Big Woods,” by Laura Ingalls WilderThis is the first book in the classic “Little House” series. While these books are traditionally read by girls, boys may also enjoy the chills and thrills in this story. There’s a Wisconsin blizzard, a panther attack and a wild sled ride. Introduce your child to pioneer life in the Midwest during the late 1800s, through the eyes of Laura Ingalls.FOURTH TO SIXTH GRADE:“Oh, Yikes!” History’s Grossest Moments,” by Joy MasoffIf you have a child who doesn’t like to read, buy this book for them. At this age, children are fascinated with grossness, and this book delivers exactly what they want. They get the lowdown on the real Dracula, learn about nasty pirates and watch Attila the Hun shake in his boots as he faces warriors on horseback. Plus, this is perhaps the only book that can answer the age old question: “How did knights in armor go to the bathroom?”“The Dangerous Book for Boys,” by Conn and Hal IgguldenTo read the complete review of this book go to www.newfalconherald.com. You will find it in the August 4-17 edition. “Dangerous,” what boy doesn’t like hearing that word! But don’t worry parents, there isn’t anything in this book you didn’t do as a child. Unfortunately, with the advent of video games, children don’t seem to go out and play as much as in the past. This book gets them off the couch to search for fossils, build forts, stargaze, or to learn the proper way to skip stones.“The Daring Book for Girls,” by Andrea Buchanan and Miriam PeskowitzAfter reading “The Dangerous Book for Boys,” Andrea and Miriam knew they had to develop a counterpart for girls. They followed the same format, and had the same goal in mind – to recapture a culture. Among other things, the book teaches girls five karate moves, 14 different games of tag, how to jump double-dutch, plus how to build a clubhouse and negotiate a salary. It is also packed with inspirational stories about women inventors, scientists and queens.SIXTH TO EIGHTH GRADE:“The Hobbit,” by J.R.R. TolkienFollow the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, as he sets out on a hazardous journey with Gandalf the Grey, who stops by one morning “looking for someone to share in an adventure.” This is the first book in the “Lord of the Rings” series. If your child likes this one, they are sure to spend many hours in Tolkien’s subterranean world filled with dwarves, dragons, wizards, giant spiders, hostile elves and many other interesting creatures.“Warriors,” by James HarpurAll the truth, tactics and triumphs of history’s greatest fighters are described in this masterfully illustrated book. The author marches readers through time, starting with the Assyrians and ending with the Zulus. Readers can study battle tactics, see how weapons changed through history and learn about a fearsome woman who rose up in revolt against the Roman army. If this book doesn’t spark a student’s interest in history – nothing will!HIGH SCHOOL:By the time students reach high school they are reading adult books, but their choice of reading materials can change rapidly at this age. Buy the genre they like, but don’t be afraid to expand their horizons with a few classics. I’m recommending two novels everyone in my extended family read while in high school.“Gone with the Wind,” by Margaret Mitchell“Gone with the Wind” is a great movie, but “frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn,” because the book is much better. Students won’t mind joining Scarlett O’Hara, Rhett Butler and Ashley Wilkes on their journey through the Civil War. I read this novel over and over again during my teen years, dreaming of Tara with its gracious mansion, hoping each time that Scarlet would “get real” and discover there was no other man for her but Rhett.“Tortilla Flat” by John SteinbeckThis short novel takes place in Monterey in a shabby, rundown section of town. Danny has just inherited two houses, making him the richest man in his neighborhood. His friends quickly take advantage of Danny’s new-found wealth. Steinbeck’s dry humor will keep students laughing, as he nails human nature to the wall. If I were a teacher, my one essay question about this book would be “why should you never leave an open bottle of wine in the house overnight?” “Tortilla Flat” is a great introduction to other Steinbeck novels.For the adults on your list:COOKBOOKS:“Contemporary Italian,” by Robert HelstromHelstrom is the executive chef of Kuleto’s Italian Restaurant in San Francisco. Don’t expect to find pasta recipes dripping with tomato sauce. Contemporary Italian cooking relies on fresh vegetables and spices to make a delicious meal. I recommend the following recipes: Focaccia Bread, Tuscan Grilled Chicken and Mixed Greens with Balsamic Vinaigrette.“Best of Ireland,” by Matthew DrennanPeople often laugh when I mention Irish cooking. But over the last 20 years Irish cuisine has changed dramatically. I recommend all of the soups in this cookbook, especially the Yellow Broth recipe. The Cod with Parsley Sauce is divine.HISTORY BUFFS:“1776,” by David McCulloughThis is not your high school history. David McCullough’s “1776” is a riveting account of the first year of the War of Independence. After consulting 294 American and British sources, including letters, diaries, books, newspapers and maps; McCullough replaces the myths surrounding the American Revolution with stark reality.“BOOM!” by Tom Brokaw“One minute it was Ike and the man in the grey flannel suit, and the next minute it was time to turn on, tune in, drop out,” Brokaw writes. Take a journey back to the 1960s as Brokaw interviews celebrities and citizens to explore a national mindset that changed our world forever.“Ambrose Bierce’s Civil War,” by Ambrose Bierce, edited by William McCannAmbrose Bierce chronicles the war as he experiences the battles first hand. This book is not for the timid. How could an actual account of the Civil War not make readers queasy? In fact, after describing, “What I saw at Shiloh,” and “A Little bit of Chickamauga,” Bierce turns to fiction as a method of escaping the madness. This book contains both factual war stories and some of Bierce’s fiction. You won’t have any trouble telling which is which.PHOTOGRAPHERS:“The Photographer’s Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos,” by Michael FreemanYou can have the best camera on the market, but unless you know how to compose a picture you’re only taking snapshots. Freeman’s book covers traditional composition exercises and how to enhance a digital photo on the computer. Grab your camera and start exploring situations and locations that will turn your mere photos into art.“Fine Art Printing for Photographers: Exhibition Quality Prints with Inkjet Printers,” by Uwe Steinmueller and Juergen GulbinsPhotographers learn how to get the most out of inkjet printers in order to create prints with the high quality usually reserved for darkroom creations. The book is beautifully illustrated, giving photographers step-by-step instructions sure to improve all of their photos.FINE ART:“Masterpiece Paintings: From the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston,” by Theodore Stebbins and Peter C. SuttonThis book is sure to please the Fine Art lover on your shopping list. The Boston Fine Arts Museum opened in 1870. Stebbins and Sutton picked 125 examples of the best American and European paintings, including many by Impressionists artists. Each painting is skillfully photographed with an interpretive commentary explaining the artist’s conception or the details about the time period in which the masterpiece was created. This book is eye candy for any lover of fine art.TRAVELERS:“Roadside Geology of Colorado,” by Halka Chronic and Felicie WilliamsMake your next Colorado road trip more exciting. You can buy “Roadside Geology” books for many states, but darn it, Colorado is the most geologically interesting place in the country. This guide describes landforms and rock formations along every major road in Colorado. It explains the geology of Gunnison National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Dinosaur National Monument, Great Sand Dunes National Monument and Preserve, Mesa Verde National Park, and Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. Buy a copy of the book and stick it in your car.“The Complete Travel Detective Bible,” by Peter GreenbergIn case you haven’t noticed, travel isn’t getting any easier. Greenberg, travel editor for the Today show, covers hot tips for domestic and international travel. Learn how to get the best fares, which airlines bump passengers more often and what countries require a visa. Greenberg has traveled to more than 146 countries, so he encountered most travel nightmares. Learn from his experience. He also explains how travelers can find offbeat accommodations in such places as lighthouses and monasteries.PHILOSOPHY/PHYSICS:“A Briefer History of Time,” by Stephen Hawking and Leonard MlodinowSeventeen years ago Hawking wrote “A Brief History of Time,” and since then advances in physics and astronomy have increased our knowledge of the universe. Hawking presents this material so it can be read by a general audience. Explore the mysterious world of dark matter and dark energy, which together make up 90 percent of the universe. Hawking has a gift for explaining astrophysics to readers who may not even understand the meaning of the word.SPORTS:“Playing For Pizza,” by John GrishamNFH reporter Alicia Littlejohn recommends this book. Ricky Dockery, a third-string Cleveland Browns quarterback, must flee vengeful fans after throwing three interceptions in the closing minutes of the AFC championship game. He ends up in Italy where he becomes quarterback of the inept Parma Panthers. Follow his adventures as he becomes enchanted with Italian culture. Join him in sumptuous four-hour meals. Hey, a book that combines pizza and football has got to be good!“The 25 Greatest Sports Conspiracy Theories of All-Time: Ranking Sports’ Most Notorious Fixes, Cover-Ups, and Scandals” by Elliott KalbSo you think the game was fixed? Well, you may be right. There is certainly evidence the outcome of many sports events were decided before the game began. Kalb researched the 25 biggest myths and scandals in professional and collegiate athletics. Was the 1919 World Series thrown? What about the Jet’s win in Super Bowl III? And gee, didn’t Sonny Liston hit the mat faster than anyone expected in his World Championship match with Muhammad Ali. Sports fans – get the real scoop!MYSTERY NOVELS:There are tons of good mystery books on the market. But mysteries set in a certain place and time really appeal to me, especially when the author does his or her research. That’s why I’m recommending the following three series by writers who have an extensive knowledge about the place, time and culture in which their mysteries take place.“Brother Cadfael Mysteries,” by Ellis PetersPeters wrote 20 novels starring Brother Cadfael that are set in 12th century Shewsbury, England. You may have seen some of the stories retold on the PBS Mystery series. Readers can start with the first one, “A Morbid Taste for Bones,” or the last one “A Rare Benedictine.” It doesn’t matter, every Brother Cadfael book will keep you mesmerized until you may have to visit Shrewsbury to experience Cadfael’s world in the flesh.The “Roma Sub Rosa” series, by Steven SaylorSaylor is the master of historic novels. Navigate the streets of ancient Rome with his detective, Gordianus the Finder. Besides picking up clues, readers get a crash course in Roman history, as they rub elbows with some of the greatest names in history including: Cicero, Julius Caesar, Sulla, Catalina, Ptolemy and Cleopatra.“Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee Mysteries,” by Tony HillermanHillerman’s mysteries take place right in our own backyard. Follow Leaphorn and Chee as they investigate murders on Indian reservations in the Southwest. Hillerman’s descriptive narrative makes readers taste the dry desert air. His background in anthropology allows him to explain Hopi, Navajo and Anasazi cultures while keeping his readers entertained. Most men love this series; women may want more in-depth love stories in their mysteries, but beyond that, these novels lack nothing.HARD HITTING FICTION:“A Thousand Splendid Suns” and “The Kite Runner,” by Khaled HosseiniI reviewed both of these books shortly after they hit the stand. Hosseini is a superb writer. His insight into modern-day Afghanistan comes from first-hand experience. Expect parts of both novels to be excruciatingly painful to read, but then the truth about a culture, even when written as fiction, is often painful. Suffer through the tough parts, and you will have a much better understanding of a mysterious culture.Note: All of these books can be purchased on Amazon. The majority of the recommendations also are in stock at Barnes and Noble and Borders.
