The Readers Speak: Great Recommends for Christmas Gift Giving

ThePassionatebookworm recommends:
'Divergent', by Veronica Roth


"OK. We all know Hunger Games is a huge hit. Therefore,  I don't mention this one because it's already on most wish lists or already bought.  Up next: I recommend 'Divergent', by Veronica Roth. With a passion I recommend this! Great Dystopian read, strong female lead.  Tons of action and ideas that will seriously make you think!  Perfect description @ http://www.shelfari.com/books/17454627/Divergent"

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Dyan P. recommends:
'A Discovery of Witches', by Deborah Harkness.  


"A very grown-up supernatural story which differs from anything I have read.  It has romance (clean and PG 13), mystery, folklore & mythology, science & magic, and is the first in a trilogy, with more to come in the Spring.  For people who like paranormal without gore/violence/blood; it is all hinted at, but tasteful.  I could not put it down."

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D'Arcy M. recommends:
'Little Women', by Louisa May Alcott

"Louisa May Alcott, a pioneer for all women; in a time when women were destined to be: Wife, Mother, or Old Maid, Louisa dreamed of something more. Encouraged by her brother to write she would come to write one of America's greatest classics and become one of the greatest writers of all time. 

'Little Women', set during the Civil War, tells the story of the March sisters: Josephine (Jo), Elizabeth (Beth), Margaret (Meg), and Amy; so different from each other, yet have an unbreakable bond as they lean upon each another for guidance, strength, and emotional support. 

Once a wealthy family, they too become victims of the war through poverty and death, after their father leaves home to be a Chaplain for the war. Never a family to let obstacles get in their way, the women always find a way to help the needy and neighbors battling illness, for they know there is always someone in more desperate need than they. Without help from their father's wealthy Aunt Josephine the young sisters are thrust into a premature adulthood. It is through these struggles through poverty, war and death that Jo gains her perspective and begins to write.  And she writes about what she knows best:  her sisters.  
It is believed that Jo's character was developed from Louisa May Alcott's own life. Smart, feisty, and full of life are just a few words that have described both author and character. 

I recommend this book for two reasons. As women, we too have a bit of Jo in us, some more than others; but we will do anything for our family, no matter what is going on around us. I also recommend this book for the reason of Women Rights, as it wasn't too long ago that our great-grandmothers were fighting for the right to vote and our grandmothers and mothers the right to work without fear of sexual harassment. I thank women like Louisa May Alcott for paving the way for me and my fellow women."

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Lindsay T. recommends:
'The Dragonriders of Pern' series by Anne McCaffrey


"Anne McCaffrey is an author who truly brings her characters to life. She has also done an amazing job in passing this along to her son, Todd McCaffrey. In recent years, Todd has taken over the series and has done a remarkable job. Many readers have a difference of opinion on which books to read first.

My opinion is that you really should pick up Dragonsdawn first. In this book we meet the world of Pern. The book takes place as the settlers of the world first arrive. This book is divided into three sections. The first section is very much Sci-Fi as it takes place in space. The second section transitions to the world of Pern and eventually the introductions of dragons, as the title suggests. Some will find this book a slow read; however, I promise that the information provided will be crucial to the stories to come."

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WritingGoddess recommends:


"Personal favorites on my list include Replay by Ken Grimwood, The Princess Bride by William Goldman, Life Expectations by Dean Koontz, and the entire Spellman File series by Lisa Lutz. For adventure, check out The Ark by Boyd Morrison, and for thought-provoking stories, you can't beat any title by Jodi Picoult."