Love is in the air as we approach February, which means Valentine's Day is just around the corner! This signals the time to celebrate love and affection with your significant other or your closest friends, and nothing says "I love you" like a thoughtful gift. Something simple and sweet can be gifting a book, especially to the readers in your life. However, with so many options to choose from, finding the perfect book can be challenging. So, to help in this process, below is a Valentine's Day gift guide tailored to the diverse interests of your loved ones, guaranteeing your gift brings happiness to this season of love.
For the Thriller/Mystery Lover:
The Secret History by Donna Tart
A thrilling murder mystery set in 1980s Vermont, where a group of prestigious classics students become entangled in the consequences of an act that reshapes their lives.
The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
A gripping thriller where the protagonist's life takes a mysterious turn after the arrival of a new co-worker, leading them to become entangled in secrets with frightening consequences.
For the Romantic:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
A timeless classic that dreamily explores the complexities of love, class, and societal expectations through 19th-century England.
Alone With You in the Ether by Olivie Blake
An intimate, beautiful exploration of love, mental health, and the unpredictability of life between two "flawed" characters in contemporary Chicago.
For the Philosophy Fan:
Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre
A satirical exploration of existentialism where a French writer grapples with the horror of his own existence as he delves through the nauseating absurdities of human life.
The Passion According to G.H. by Clarice Lispector
A reflective journey of a woman as she grapples with the dissolution of identity and meaning while facing an unsettling experience in her own home.
For the Magical Sci-Fi Enthusiast:
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
A woman who finds herself in a mysterious library, allowing her to explore the parallel lives she could have lived. The story delves into the theme of regret and the pursuit of a life worth living.
Cursed Bunny by Bora Chung
A collection of short stories that seamlessly blend magical realism, horror, and science-fiction while critiquing the real-life injustices rooted in modern society's systems of patriarchy and capitalism.
For the Fantasy Lover:
A Winter's Promise by Christelle Dabos
A captivating fantasy set in a world of floating celestial islands, where the protagonist navigates a magical world filled with tense political environments, supernatural abilities, and hidden secrets.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
A whimsical story of a young prince who travels across the universe, encountering unique characters and learning life lessons while exploring themes of love, friendship, loneliness, and loss.
For the Artist:
The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde
The protagonist's painted portrait becomes a haunting reflection of the consequences of aesthetic indulgence, delving into the transformative power of art and its impact on the mind.
Girl in Hyacinth Blue by Susan Vreeland
An enchanting narrative that spans over centuries, revealing the mysterious roots of a lost Vermeer painting while exploring the impact of the art on the lives it travels with.
For the Foodie:
Salt Fat Acid Heat by Samin Nosrat
In Bibi's Kitchen: The Recipes and Stories of Grandmothers from the Eight African
Arabiyya: Recipes from the Life of an Arab in Diaspora by Reem Assil
Burma Superstar: Addictive Recipes from the Crossroads of Southeast Asia by Desmond Tan and Kate Leahy
Nopalito: A Mexican Kitchen by Gonzalo Guzmán and Stacy Adimando
From the exploration of cooking essentials in Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat to the heartwarming stories and recipes of grandmothers in In Bibi's Kitchen, or the vibrant flavors presented in Arabiyya to the addictive Southeast Asian dishes in Burma Superstar, and finally, the authentic Mexican recipes from Nopalito, these cookbooks promise to satisfy the palates of every foodie in your life. Gifting a cookbook can also lead to the fun activity of preparing a meal together, creating special memories while enjoying something you made together.
For Anyone:
A Personalized Flipbook:
Put together a custom flipbook that tells the story of your unique journey together. Include your special moments, favorite shared memories, or inside jokes to make it a sentimental and heartwarming gift!
A Poetry Collection:
Compile a collection of love poems written by famous poets or write a few of your own verses to express your feelings! This gift can be a heartwarming gesture that they’ll remember forever. A few famous poems that can be used include “I Loved You First” by Christina Rossetti, “Sonnet 43” by Elizabeth Barret Browning, and “Unending Love” by Rabindranath Tagore.