January 17, 2024, by Annemijn Heijstek

These are the best books to give as a gift

Gifts, Entertainment, Inspiration, Lists
January 17, 2024, by Annemijn Heijstek

These are the best books to give as a gift

Birthday coming up and are you unsure what to give to the birthday boy or girl? You can't go wrong with a book! Of course you can give the party animal a book voucher, but it is even more fun to scour the bookstore yourself for a suitable book. Need inspiration? These are the best books to give as a gift.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse – Charlie Mackesy

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse – Charlie Mackesy

Perhaps the sweetest book you can read – and give as a gift. 'The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse' is about a friendship between a boy and three animals. Sounds like a children's book, but it is far from it. The beautiful illustrations are accompanied by texts that are full of universal wisdom and life lessons. Our favorite? “What's the bravest thing you've ever said?” the boy asked. “Help,” the horse replied.

 

Order The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse 

Crossroads – Jonathan Franzen

Crossroads – Jonathan Franzen

In 'Kruispunt' you follow the Hildebrandt family in the 70s. Assistant preacher Russ and his unstable wife Marion both want to escape their loveless marriage. In addition, you have the eldest son Clem who wants to join the army, his sister Becky who is absorbed in the hippie culture and the youngest brother Perry, who struggles with an addiction. Jonathan Franzen knows better than anyone else how to capture everyday life, but in a way that completely draws you in and turns the last page before you know it. That's a shame, but the good news: Kruispunt is the first part of a trilogy, and so there are two more pearls in the offing.

 

Order Crossroads

The Help – Freida Mcfadden

The Help – Freida Mcfadden

You can't go wrong with an exciting book. 'The Help' is a psychological thriller that is difficult to put down. Millie starts as a domestic helper for a wealthy family. The man of the family, Andrew, is the perfect husband, but his daughter is a spoiled brat and his wife Nina seems crazy. Millie starts an affair with Andrew, which leads to a number of shocking events... In the meantime, you get to know Millie better and work towards the reason why she was once in prison. We won't reveal more!

 

Order the Help

The Surrender – Arthur Japin

The Surrender – Arthur Japin

One of the Netherlands' best writers: Arthur Japin (he also translated 'The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse'). His book 'The Surrender' is a novel based on historical facts. It tells the story of Granny Parker, who gruesomely loses her entire family after being ambushed by a group of Comanche Indians. Many years later she meets Quanah, the leader of the Comanche that she so hates. He is on his way to surrender and lead his defeated people into the reservation forever. A beautiful book about forgiveness and what it means to accept your impossible fate.

 

Order The Surrender

The Island of the Vanished Trees – Elif Shafak

The Island of the Vanished Trees – Elif Shafak

Don't be surprised if you start talking to trees after reading this book. The story is partly set in the 70s in Cyprus, where the Greek Kostas and the Turkish Defne are separated by the war. Kostas leaves for London, Defne stays behind. Decades later, their daughter Ada delves into the family history after the death of her mother. The only clue Ada has is the fig tree growing in the backyard. You talk about the same fig tree throughout the story. Sounds crazy, but it's beautiful.

 

Order The Island of the Vanished Trees 

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