So you are looking for a gift and have no idea what to buy.Generally the books proffered at this time of year are "fluffy";
light and inconsequential.
I decided to offer an alternative list of lesser known books and authors that will be provocative and intriguing. Definitely thought provoking.
(Note. I have a direct connection with only 3 of these books. The rest I suggest because they were good reads). For convenience I have loosely grouped them.
Political Theme
As an election is imminent here are some books which made me realize how lucky I am to be able to vote and how important it is to exercise that right:
23 things They Don't Tell You About Capitalism
by
Ha-Joon Chang .
Clearly explains intricacies of Capitalism
The Veiled Kingdom
By
Carmen Bin Laden
The account of life of women in Saudi Arabia
The State of Africa
by
Martin Meredith
Account of political journey of African countries after independence
Dog Theme
Thinking of getting a dog for Christmas; Be prepared with some reading
The Genius of Dogs
by
Brian Hare
A scientific study of dogs. Very Interesting to all "doggie" people both experienced dog owners and those thinking of getting a dog
My Friend Ruby
by
Anna Chelmicka
An account of how a dog can change a life
Holiday Theme
Thinking of holidays. Some books to ponder upon over the festive season
Cream Teas, Traffic Jams and Sunburn
by
Brian Viner
Brits on holiday. Enjoyable and amusing read but informative. Do you recognze yourself in any of the examples? I certainly did.
Wonderful Walks from Dog-friendly campsites throughout the UK
by
Anna Chelmicka
Dog Friendly campsites to visit and directions for walks from them.
Lonely Planet
Botswana & Namibia
Places to see in these 2 African countries.
World War 11 Theme
A few of the many books about the second world war.
Secret Life of Bletchley Park
by
Sinclair McKay
Fascinating account of a place that remained unknown for decades despite over 8000 people working there at one time.
Operation Mincemeat
by
Ben Macintyre
The amazing account of how Hitler was mis-informed by the allies.
Quiet Heroes
by
Rita Cosby
Story of 2 ordinary men in extraordinary times.
Wojtek the Bear
by
Ailereen Orr
The story of the bear that accompanied a Polish unit during WW2.
Uplifting but unfortunately it does not end happily.
Discerning Theme
Books that will probably make you appraise and re-evaluate
Thinking Fast and Slow
by
Daniel Kahnemann
An analysis of thinking; why do some people cope better than others
The Silk Roads
by
Peter Frankopan
History of Globalization from BC to modern day.
Authentic Happiness
by
Martin Seligman
A study of depression; its causes and treatments.
A Little Light Read
Quick reads to pass the time.
Ladies No. 1 Dectecitive Agency
by
Alexander McCall Smith
A series of detective stories set in Botswana
A Gift that keeps on Giving
An antidote to all the seemingly depressing news
Positive News
A quarterly journal that reports on ordinary people doing extraordinarily wonderful things
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