What Book Would You Give to Someone Else?

Have you ever considered what book you would give to someone else if you had the opportunity? To celebrate International Book Giving Day, Bookstr reflects on the books we’d give!

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We all have one book or series that rules over all the rest. International Book Giving Day is the perfect time to share that favorite with others. I think the best part is learning just why these books are given and why they are so beloved by their readers!

Books are the gift that keeps on giving. You’re not only receiving a book that’s important to someone, but the inside holds a story that may end up being important to you.

Read on to see the Bookstr Team’s book-gifting picks!

The Magicians Trilogy by Lev Grossman

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The Magicians, The Magician King, and The Magician's Land by Lev Grossman- book covers
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“A book series I would love to offer someone is The Magicians series by Lev Grossman. To start, the series is essential a risque Hogwarts for young adults that presents many themes such as coming of age, sexuality, and death. In addition, magic-murder-mystery is a genre that I believe anyone can get behind.”

— Jhade Gales, Graphics Department

The Reading List by Sara Adams

The Reading List by Sara Adams- book cover
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I would gift The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams to my Valentine! It is a heartwarming, heart-wrenching story focused on the power of storytelling, and these characters will nestle in your heart for a long time.

— Lindsay Johnson, Social 

The Expected One by Kathleen McGowan

The Expected One by Kathleen McGowan- book cover
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The Expected One by Kathleen McGowan – This book, one in an amazingly insightful trilogy, mingles fact and fiction. I am not a religious person though I was raised Apostolic Pentecostal and like to view religion from an academic lens. McGowan takes the idea of a marriage between Jesus and Mary Magdalene, their children, and their legacy and harnesses the spiritual and emotional journey of the present and the past as they collide. Beautifully written, heavily researched, and emotionally gripping. Wish I could read it again for the first time!

— Kristi Eskew, Editorial

Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri

Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri- book covers
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I would gift (and have gifted) Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri to friends of mine. I’ve found that buying a book for someone can be super tricky – especially if they’re not huge readers. This read has eased the pressure of book-gifting woes on a couple of occasions because it’s a very approachable, easy-going novel that still packs a punch. It’s constituted by a string of different snapshots into one unnamed character’s life based on their various whereabouts. I’d definitely recommend giving this short but contemplative book to one of your busy, go-getter friends. Plus, the cover is really pretty, so it makes a good first appearance!

— Erin Shea, Editorial

The Hunger Games Trilogy

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The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins- book covers
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The Hunger Games Series was my obsession back in elementary. It would be awesome to give a set to someone. Katniss is a badass that everyone should look up to, and I will always have a soft spot for Katniss and Peeta. It’s an amazing series that I think everyone should read once. Heartbreaking, depressing, yet hopeful stories of overcoming the government’s control.

— Sierra Jackson, editorial

Percy Jackson Series

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Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters, Percy Jackson and the Titan's Curse, Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth, Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian- book covers
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In honor of  Rick Riordan continuing the fabled Percy Jackson series, what better time to go back and re-experience those books that captivated us so much as children? Even better, this time around, you’ll be able to understand some of the adult humor Riordan put into his works. You may even have a better grasp on greek mythology (depending on if you read it before covering it in school). I simply cannot think of a better way to relearn the amazing history through the works of Riordan. Lastly, how are you gonna know what going on in Riordan’s continuations without re-experiencing all 10 books!

— Sam Cosca, Graphics

Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton

Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton- book cover
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Bethany Hamilton is always inspirational. Her story and the novel, Soul Surfer, are one of resilience and determination. Her attitude after she lost her arm is so admirable. Most people would have given up, but she refused to let it stop her from doing what she loved the most: surfing. This book gives deep insight into Bethany’s family, her surfing career, her mindset, and her outlook on life. Bethany is still surfing today and took part in the 2022 Billabong Pro Pipeline, which was the first-ever full women’s competition at the Banzai Pipeline surf spot on the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii.

— Christina Hardesty, Graphics

Mortal Engines Quartet by Phillip Reeve

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Mortal Engine, Predator's Gold, Infernal Devices, A Darling Plain-
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I’d honestly give the entire quartet of the Mortal Engines series- probably also in addition to the prequel books as well as the side story books- because it was this series that was one of the brighter spots in my high school years. I managed to finish the main four books in a span of a few weeks. The last book was also the only one so far that actually made me cry. Hopeful, yet inspiring characters, in addition to an intriguing world, oh lord, seriously, go read the entire thing!

— Darhell T. Eugene, Editorial

Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior by Chris Bradford

Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior by Chris Bradford- book cover
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I want to give someone Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior by Chris Bradford. It is the first book of the Young Samurai series and the first book series I have ever read. Jam-packed with adventure, grueling heartbreak, loss, self-improvement, discovery, slice-of-life moments, an impressive cast of characters, and a commanding knowledge of martial arts and Japan showcased by the author. The book series that made me fall deeply in love with reading and the first to make me bawl my eyes out.

— Richard Sendang, Editorial

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

The Princess Bride by William Goldman- Book cover
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The Princess Bride was published 50 years ago this year and remains just as charming and funny as when it was first released. If you love the 1987 cult classic film, check out the original novel that features sword fights, battles of wits, revenge, pirates, ferocious beasts, miracles, and of course, true love. It is “inconceivable” how any lover of fantasy or adventure would not be a fan of this story, which makes it the perfect gift for the magic enthusiasts in your life. In addition, The Princess Bride is a great tale for readers of all ages, so after assuring your kids that it is not just “a kissing book,” when they ask you to read them one more chapter before bed, you can reply, “As you wish.”

— Cara Hadden, Editorial

This lesser-known holiday shares its day with Valentine’s Day. Some of these picks may be the perfect gift for your partner!

We hope you enjoyed our picks and they inspired you to think about a book or series you would give!

Click here to read more from us here at Bookstr!

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