L. Perkins Agency’s Suggestion on What to Buy Readers and Writers for Christmas

Every year I am faced with the same dilemma – what do I buy my writing friends? I usually opt for a gift certificate to Amazon or The Strand (if they’re in NYC), but I know deep down I can do much better than that.

So this year I asked my agency colleagues for a list of gift suggestions and I am thrilled to share it with you.

Louise Fury suggests the following:
Aqua Notes: 
waterproof notepads for the shower -- you never know when inspirations can strike. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003W09LTQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003W09LTQ&linkCode=as2&tag=thwrli02-20

Typewriter charm: http://www.amazon.com/Sterling-Silver-Antiqued-Typewriter-Charm/dp/B00Q1DPIUM/ref=sr_1_60?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1417713852&sr=1-60&keywords=typewriter+ring


Senior Agent Sandy Lu has recently discovered the joy of audio books and took the time to list the favorite audio books she’s listened to this year, as well as an old book scented candle (clever gift, indeed!)

Old Books Scented Soy Candle https://www.etsy.com/listing/159184877/old-books-book-lovers-scented-soy-candle?ref=shop_home_feat

Non-Fiction:

The Black Count: The Real Count of Monte Cristo by Tom Reiss

The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferris

Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy: Four Women Undercover in the Civil War

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York by Deborah Blum

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg

Fiction:

Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman

A Constellation of Vital Phenomenon by Anthony Marra

This Dark Road to Mercy by Wiley Cash

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith

The Distance by Helen Giltrow

F by Daniel Kehlmann

The Girl with All the Gifts by M. R. Carey

I Love You More by Jennifer Murphy

Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke

Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

The Quick by Lauren Owen

The Rise & Fall of Great Powers by Tom Rachman

The Weight of Blood by Laura McHugh

YA:

The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

Defy by Sara B. Larson

Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger

Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

Gated by Amy Christine Parker

The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd

Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis

The Paladin Prophecy by Mark Frost

Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman



Tish Beaty, our resident romance expert, suggests you curl up with the following titles:

Erotic Romance:

Rosalie Stanton - Sinners and Saints Series - https://www.totallybound.com/series/sinners-and-saints

Candice Gilmer - Various Works - http://candicegilmer.com/

Chloe Stowe - M/M Various Works - http://www.chloestowe.com/published-works.html

Louisa Bacio - Various Works - http://louisabacio.com/books

Rachell Nichole - Various Works - http://www.rachellnichole.com/Holiday-Books.html



Leon Husock, our resident man, gave us the following gift suggesitons:


Well, there’s Tequila Mockingbird, that book of literary-inspired cocktails.

There are also these: http://www.litographs.com which are shirts and tote bags with the text of classic books on them in small type arranged to make pictures, which I think are super cool.


Rachel Brooks, our romance and YA/New Adult agent, also shared a thoughtful list:

1) Book themed jewelry, handmade on Etsy, is a great gift idea for bibliophiles. Whether it's a quote from a classic, book-shaped earrings, or a necklace featuring weathered pages, Etsy has tons of jewelry items for book lovers and writers. Plus, you're supporting an indie artist by purchasing their items!

Buy link:

https://www.etsy.com/market/book_jewelry


2) What reader or writer doesn't need an artsy mug for their tea, coffee, or cocoa? The quirky store The Unemployed Philosopher's Guild has a great selection of unique mugs. One features first lines from literary classics, while another is decorated with titles of banned books. They also sell a Shakespearean insult mug if some snark is needed for your holiday season!

Buy Link:

http://www.philosophersguild.com/Mugs-and-Glass/


3) A book idea for readers who love contemporary or women's fiction novels, especially ones with a charming heroine:

Independently Wealthy by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal, St. Martin's 2014
-Chosen as one of "The Best New Books" in People Magazine's Dec 8th print issue
-“Soapy, fast-paced fun with a murder thrown in for good measure.” —Kirkus Reviews

The Duke's Guide to Correct Behavior by Megan Frampton

 -Starred review, Publishers Weekly

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/15NShfC

B&N: http://bit.ly/1w0QzDc

And me? 

I think Strunck and White’s Elements of Style and the Chicago Manuel of Style always make great gifts for writers, as well as the parodies (Alice Threw the Looking Glass, The Elements of F*cking Style, Spunk & Bite). As well as all those grammar humor books (Woe is I, Eats, Shites & Leaves)

Also get a kick our of Bookopoly,

http://www.amazon.com/Late-for-the-Sky-5514870/dp/B000HET4YC

And think every romance writer on the planet should have a copy of Slash, Romance without Boundaries, a sort of Cards against Humanity game for readers and writers.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gamesbyplaydate/slash-romance-without-boundaries

Happy Holidays!