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Table of Contents

Chapter #

Title

Pg. #

Chapter 1:

Things to consider before buying a gift

3

Chapter 2:

The most cherished gift- a book

8

Chapter 3:

How to use this e-book

10

Chapter 4:

Birthday

12

Chapter 5:

Puberty

16

Chapter 6:

Graduation/Employment/Initiation

19

Chapter 7:

Romance/Falling in Love

23

Chapter 8:

Marriage

26

Chapter 9:

Honeymoon

29

Chapter 10:

Wedding Anniversary

31

Chapter 11:

Pregnancy

33

Chapter 12:

Tour/Journey/Travel

36

Chapter 13:

Retirement

38

Chapter 14:

Death/Bereavement/Funeral/Loss

40

Humble Disclaimer

41

About the Author: Ashmita Saha

41

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Chapter 1: Things to consider before buying a gift

Let's face it. We are often at a loss when it comes to buying a gift. It maybe for someone as close to you as your best friend, your brother or sister, your parents or your grandparents. Or it may be for someone whom you barely know. You are expected to gift these people on their birthdays, anniversaries, during festivals, at the parties they invite you to and at various such occasions. Your gifts are supposed to make them feel special, to make them realize their importance in your life and do a lot more besides...

Communicate and Be Useful.

And so the 'Gift' itself becomes very important. It has to deliver the right message to the person who receives the gift. It has to be within your budget. And, the best gifts are those which become useful to the people who receive them. Thus your gift has to be l

Useful

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Within budget and

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Has to communicate the right feelings

Statement on You

Let us also not forget that your gift is a statement on you. If you invest little time and money in your gift, you may come across as a safe player who is non-personal, cold and frugal. Is that really who you are? I would rather believe that you are a time pressed individual who is spoilt for choice. I mean, just look at the mind boggling array of shiny baubles in gift stores. It is not your fault that you are confused about the right gift for each occasion. So was I some time ago. I would spend hours at the gift stores, or at the book store, never knowing what to buy. Book covers always praise a book- how do you judge a book by the cover only? Remember the famous cliché 'Never judge a book by its cover' ☺

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You would want your gift to communicate some of these qualities about you: l

Classy

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Sophisticated

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Well educated

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Good Taste

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Caring

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Thoughtful

But who has the time? Or knowledge?

More often than not, we run short of time or money to plan our gifts perfectly. And to be frank, many a times, we lack the knowledge required to buy a gift that serves its ultimate purpose: usefulness, utility and communication.

And here's an honest admission- so did I.

But since I love reading and run this website on book reviews, I decided to invest some time in researching the best gifting ideas and document them. So that in times to come, both you and I could benefit out of it.

I mean, consider this scenario-your boss has invited you to a dinner at his place. Obviously, you cannot land up empty handed. At the same time, you and your wife would not want to spend a hundred dollars on the gift. You don't have the spare time needed to spend at a gift store thinking of the best suitable gift for the occasion. So what do you do? Here is what most people would do, including me (until recently)- buy some flowers and maybe a small showpiece. Or perhaps a bottle of wine.

These gifts seem perfectly fine on the face of it, but think about the lost opportunity. You could have missed a chance to impress your boss! Had you, instead of the flowers, bought a book, the right one that is, you could have come across as a classy employee with great 4 DO NOT COPY Copyright © 2009 book-review-circle.com. All Rights Reserved.


taste, as someone who is knowledgeable, and therefore is perhaps a more valued employee than your colleagues ;-)

Or consider this scenario- your 12 year old son's birthday is approaching. You want to be the best dad ever. So what do you buy for him? You need something that does not burn a hole in your pocket AND a gift that he will treasure for years to come, a gift that will help him shape his personality, a gift that is fun and definitely not didactic, a gift that will make him look up to you.

At a loss? What do you do?

This list of scenarios could go on and on. Your best friend's wedding, your wife's anniversary, your dad's retirement. How many dilemmas do you tackle? Is there no easy way out of this? Yes thankfully, there is. Simply read on...

Things you should consider before buying

Do you get cold feet when you think of the things you have to consider before you can choose the right gift?

Like keeping the personality of the receiver in mind? l

What does he like

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What stage of life is he in

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How well do you know him- is he a close relative or a distant acquaintance

I once gave 'Many Lives, Many Masters' by Dr. Brian Weiss to my father-in-law. My FIL about to retire and he spends his free time meditating. He is keenly interested in Yoga. But I gave him 'Many Lives, Many Masters' which is an intriguing true story of a psychiatrist and his patient, about past life therapy and about re-incarnation. I loved that book. And I 5 DO NOT COPY Copyright © 2009 book-review-circle.com. All Rights Reserved.


thought he would too. Well contrary to what I thought, this book was not in his area of interest and the book is gathering dust in his book shelf. L

But that was a long time ago- that was before I had written this paper. Now I never go wrong because now I know the right books for the right people.

To continue the story then- one fine day, I wanted to take some time off and cut the chase for decent gift choices. And since I am an incurable book worm, I decided to pick books only as gifts. I checked out the complete list of timeless book classics. I found out the alltime favorites in the best book stores of the world. Being an avid reader since childhood, I tried to recall and enlist all the books that had influenced me in my formative years. And at the end, I compiled them all...for mutual benefit.

So now when I need to buy a gift for someone, I simply refer to my list of 101 Book gifting ideas and pick out the book that best suits the circumstances. And, almost always I never go wrong. To let you on to a secret- people love my gifts :-) And I love to see a smile on their faces when I give them something that is so meaningful. I also love people coming back to me and telling me how excited they were about the content of the book. Before we know it, we have a little warm conversation going about the book and about related books and topics. I mean, if my small little gift could get so much mind share from this person, I have spent my money well. Is there a better way to gift? I don't think so.



So in short, the chart above summarizes all the points that you need to take into account before you make your buy. The subsequent chapters in this book will help you through this gift buying decision by recommending a number of select books that suit your gifting need.



Chapter 2: The most cherished gift- a book

Consider the following gifting alternatives and you will know the answer to the question in the Chapter name: l

A flower gives good cheer, but for how long? A good book can be read and reread. And with each read it unfurls new layers of meanings, new thoughts to ponder on.

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Which shiny bauble will communicate your knowledge of the receiver's personality?

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Which shimmering trinket would shape a part of the receiver's personality?

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Diamonds are a girl's best friend but they are expensive. Perhaps Eric Segal's Love Story would be just as good for your sweetheart. And perhaps it would also mend that hole in your pocket that the diamond made? Would you appear more sensitive and romantic if you gave her Tolstoy's timeless love story 'Anna Karenina', than perhaps a candle light dinner in an expensive restaurant? That is because the book would be something she could cuddle into bed with, something she would go off to sleep hugging, something she would preserve for years to come, something you could reopen together when you were old and retired. Think about it.

So here is why you should gift a book: l

A book brings good cheer

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It is inexpensive

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It can give the desired emotional response l

thought provoking

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romantic

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informative

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inspirational

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It contributes a little in making its readers who they are

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A good book is for the keeps. It can be treasured for years to come. It never dies.



Even in books, there are just too many choices out there. Just look up any book shelf in a book store- over hundred classics, thousands of children's literature, millions of self-help non-fiction. In short, just too much clutter. Let’s cut through all that clutter.

Question is how do you hit the bull's eye each time you gift- without fail? Well now you can- by simply going through the pages that follow.

I have used my existing knowledge of the books that I know of, that I have read and loved since childhood and coupled that up with extensive research on the current market best sellers. With this knowledge I have created a list of books that will help serve as the best gifting ideas – for all occasions. I shall also give you the reason behind why each book has been selected and why I think it will do what a gift needs to do: Communicate and Be Useful.



Chapter 3: How to use this e-book

Do keep in mind that this list is only indicative, not comprehensive. If you want to make the best use of this list, here is what you must do: l

temper the suggestions given in this list with your opinion of who the receiver is , what he will like etc

l

Consider your past experience of gifting this person. Is there any learning? For example, I might suggest giving a how-to book to a pregnant lady, but if you know she hates 'how-to' books with a passion, then don't do it.

l

If you know that the receiver is not interested in books at all, then don't consider giving him the book, cause your gift will not get him interested. Well, actually, that is not always true. I gifted my then boyfriend (now husband) a P G Wodehouse (Jeeves Collection) on his birthday many many years ago. He was not an avid reader and had no clue on who or what P G Wodehouse was. P G Wodehouse was an English author who wrote some timeless comic novels about (among other things) an English noble man Bertram Wooster and his classic butler Jeeves. The series is a masterpiece in good humor and is totally addictive. I told him to give the book a try. And would you believe it, he was totally hooked on to the book- so much so that today he has finished reading almost all the books in the series and many of Wodehouse’s other series as well!

An Indicative, not Exhaustive list Let me mention again, this list is an indicative list. The book universe is so huge that for almost every 10 books that I suggest, there would be 100 other books (not mentioned in my list) that would serve the purpose as well. Since such an exhaustive list is outside the scope of this paper, I have provided only 101 book names. When you choose your gift, please keep in mind that you may have a personal favorite in the same category that may not have been mentioned in the list. Also, a friend may have suggested books to you which you may not find included in my list. My list should serve the purpose of suggesting the 10 DO NOT COPY Copyright © 2009 book-review-circle.com. All Rights Reserved.


genre of books you could choose from, for each gifting occasion. It should also serve the purpose of your last minute guide in case you run out of ideas for gifting. Or you can simply use this list if you don't have the time and energy to invest on finding a nice gift.

What you will find next In the subsequent chapters you will find the actual list of 101 book names from which you can pick your gift item. The list has been divided into chapters according to the different important phases in a person’s life. Like: •

Birthday

•

Puberty

•

Graduation/Employment/Initiation

•

Romance/Falling in Love

•

Marriage

•

Honeymoon

•

Wedding Anniversary

•

Pregnancy

•

Tour/Journey/Travel

•

Retirement

•

Death/Bereavement/Funeral/Loss

Each chapter has about 10 books from which you can choose. I have briefly explained what each book is all about and why you should select it as a gift item.



Chapter 4: Birthday

This is a happy occasion. You want to gift a book to the birthday boy/girl and let him/her have a memory of this day to cherish for the rest of the year until his/her next birthday arrives. If the person is young you want the gift to be fun and educational at the same time. I would suggest a series of 'growing-up' novels for this occasion. As the name suggests, a 'growing up' novel is a novel that follows the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist. The list below has books for kids, adolescents, youngsters as well as middle aged people. The reasons why I suggest growing-up novels (or Bildungsroman as the erudite would call it) are: l

A growing up novel is easy to relate to because it talks about the growing up experiences of the protagonist (main character). This growing-up could be physical, emotional or spiritual

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Such a novel is educative because it provides the reader a chance to learn from the experiences and mistakes of the protagonist

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Most of the novels listed below are fun to read. So the reader will have something to enjoy and cherish even after his birthday party is long over

My short and indicative list is as follows: l

David Copperfield-Charles Dickens

A good gift for an ardent young reader, this is one of the classics that a person must keep in his library. Charles Dickens' autobiographical novel is a tragi-comic tale of David Copperfield coming from rags to riches. This book is for someone who is looking for something beyond pure fun. David Copperfield is the favorite novel of many great men like Kafka, Freud, Henry James, and Dostoyevsky. You could help your youngster be a part of this tradition ☺ l

Great Expectations-by Charles Dickens

Another classic by Dickens, this is the story of a blacksmith, Pip from boyhood to adulthood. This book is shorter than David Copperfield but is grimmer. You can never 12 DO NOT COPY Copyright © 2009 book-review-circle.com. All Rights Reserved.


know if things will work out for Pip. The main themes in the book are of guilt in crime, class consciousness and ambition. The book is a good read for thoughtful teenagers because of its depth and maturity. It lacks the comic element but makes up for it in complex psychological symbolism. l

Treasure Island-Robert Louis Stevenson

A classic adventure story and a must read for all children. Treasure Island, as the name suggests, is the tale of a treasure hunt, richly interspersed with pirates, high sea mishaps, treachery, heroism, murder and a lot more. It is a huge favorite among children for its rich narrative. Some of its elements like a one legged pirate with a parrot on one shoulder, treasure maps leading to treasure hunts, etc. have influenced children's adventure tales for ages. You would not want your youngster to miss out on this piece of essential adventure reading. l

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn- Mark Twain

This is a lovely book of boyhood adventures for children. It narrates the adventures of a young boy, Huckleberry Finn along the Mississippi river. The story involves escapades, intrigues, plotting, feuds, loss, humor and heroism. Huck's language is coarse and regional, so a non-English child may face some difficulty in following the novel- but a little patience and perseverance on the part of the reader can be a very rewarding experience in this case. Children have been known to cherish this book since it was first published in 1884 and it has consistently proved to be a great boyhood companion since then. The sheer range of Huck's adventures opens a world of possibilities for the child's young imagination. l

The Picture of Dorian Gray-Oscar Wilde

This is a quirky tale of a hedonistic and handsome young man, Dorian Gray, who is able to lead a life full of moral turpitude without his external facade reflecting his inner rot. An artist had once painted his portrait which lends the book its title. With each sin that he commits, Dorian Gray's portrait starts showing signs of aging and ugliness instead of Dorian Gray himself. The novel shows how Dorian Gray leads a life of spiritual bankruptcy with only the portrait serving as his moral mirror until Gray suffers a fatal blow when he tries to destroy the sole voice of his conscience, the portrait. This fable would serve as a good birthday gift 13 DO NOT COPY Copyright © 2009 book-review-circle.com. All Rights Reserved.


to a young teenager who has to make his life's choices soon. l

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man-James Joyce

This should be your gift to an erudite young individual who likes literary challenges. Let me warn you, this book is not for the casual reader. Considered a literary classic, Joyce's masterpiece is full of literary allusions and poses complex philosophical questions. The novel traces the intellectual and religious dilemmas of Stephen Dedalus against the Catholic conventions of modern times. This book would demand some follow-up research by the reader for a complete understanding of its contents. l

Sons and Lovers- D. H. Lawrence

Another literary classic, Sons and Lovers is again for the serious reader. It presents a complex relationship between mother and child and narrates how familial relationships mould love life experiences as well, for the sons. This book would interest someone who likes studying human nature and psyche. The strong love-hate relationships narrated in the book draw parallels from real life bonding. The book is an engaging read- but as suggested earlier-only for the sincere literary reader. l

Siddhartha- Hermann Hesse

If your birthday boy is a casual reader, then this book is the ideal gift for him. Written in very simple language, the book narrates the story of Siddhartha's spiritual quest for The Ultimate Truth. Though the narrative is very simple (the book can be completed in a few hours’ time) the thoughts that it expresses are profound. The reader is left to mull over some of the ideas discussed in the book long after the book is over. Choose this book for a casual but sensible reader. Also, since the book narrates a spiritual journey, choose this book for a reader who is old enough to understand spirituality. l

The Catcher in the Rye- J.D. Salinger

One of the most popular books of the twentieth century, The Catcher in the Rye is an ideal gift for a teenager. It is about the adventures of a young boy who leaves home for three days. Its major themes are teenage angst, confusion, sexuality, rebellion and alienation. The novel has had to face some criticism due to its use of foul language -'fuck', ‘goddamn' etc.- and due to its depiction of the protagonist as a poor teenage role model. In spite of this the popularity of the book has been unwavering and the book is considered to be a 14 DO NOT COPY Copyright © 2009 book-review-circle.com. All Rights Reserved.


literary classic with a huge fan following. l

To Kill a Mockingbird- Harper Lee

This Pulitzer winner is a thought provoking book on racial prejudice with gender roles, compassion, and courage forming sub themes. Though written in a warm and humorous fashion, it narrates the tragic tale of the murder of a harmless black man. The story is told from a child's perspective and uses Gothic thrills to maintain intense interest in the reader. This should be your choice of gift if you wish to present something that is warm, sad, thoughtful and thrilling at the same time. l

Midnight's Children- Salman Rushdie

A Booker and James Tait Black Memorial prize winner, this book is about Saleem Sinai, who was born at the midnight hour of Indian Independence. His mission is to organize a conference of all children born at the hour of Indian Independence. Woven into this basic theme are various events of Pre and Post-Colonial India with which Sinai keeps getting involved. Rushdie uses Magic Realism to lend the book a complex allegorical symbolism and therefore it may be difficult for people who are uninitiated into this technique of writing. Gift this to someone who is open to toiling with literary challenges. l

The Buddha of Suburbia- Hanif Kureishi

A faintly humorous novel dealing with young adulthood themes like initiation, need to find an identity, and ambition. This novel makes for a light read and as it is a popular work of contemporary fiction, it is a good gift even for the casual reader. It gives us good glimpses of the present day London, youth, and the issues facing them today.

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Chapter 5: Puberty

This is not a conventional gifting occasion. However, considering the fears and anxieties of adolescents and guardians during this stage, a sensible gift can definitely help the situation. Puberty is a difficult phase in every child's life. Their body is changing in unknown ways and there are very few people with whom all queries and anxieties can be discussed. Parents often find it difficult to coach their children through this phase and the information gathered from teachers and friends is just not enough. If you are a parent, uncle, or aunt whose child, nephew, niece is going through this, you will find the below mentioned gift suggestions helpful. l

The Care & Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls (American Girl Library) Valorie Schaefer

A great book for young girls- it answers many questions that girls have about their bodies, including pimples, periods, bra buying, and bad breath. It does not discuss sex. l

Sex, Puberty, and All That Stuff: A Guide to Growing Up- Jacqui Bailey

This book is for slightly more grown up girls and boys who have to deal with their first dates, crushes and raging hormones. The book discusses sexual encounters and advices youngsters to be responsible about their bodies. It serves as an informative book for both boys and girls. l

The Body Book: It's A God Thing! (The Lily Series) - Nancy Rue

This is a fun and interactive book for young girls. It discusses topics like puberty, diet, exercise and grooming. It discusses everything from a Christian perspective and uses quizzes and easy activities to deliver its message. l

Period : A Girl's Guide - JoAnn Loulan, Bonnie Worthen

This book discusses menstruation and puberty in great detail- sometimes using diagrams for what goes on inside the body. As the book does not discuss sex, it is a good gift for very young inquisitive girls. l

American Medical Association Boy's Guide to Becoming a Teen - American Medical Association, Kate Gruenwald Pfeifer 16 DO NOT COPY Copyright © 2009 book-review-circle.com. All Rights Reserved.


This is a good gift for young boys who may find a sit-down lecture intimidating. It not only discusses bodily changes in adolescent boys but also gives advice on things like handling peer pressure and public behavior. l

My Body, My Self for Boys, (What's Happening to My Body?) - Lynda Madaras , Area Madaras

This is a best seller- an interactive book for young boys full of activities, illustrations, checklists, and spaces for journal jottings. It covers topics like puberty, body changes and hygiene. You could either read it together with your son or leave him to figure it out himself- whichever is more comfortable for you. l

Ten Talks Parents Must Have with Their Children About Sex and Character - Pepper Schwartz ,Dominic Cappello

This is a self-help book for parents in distress. Many parents find it odd to bring up topics relating to sex education. And yet, they have the most important roles in explaining these uneasy topics to their children. The book is a great gift for such parents. l

Dr. Ruth Talks To Kids: Where You Came From, How Your Body Changes, and What Sex Is All About- Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Diane Degroat

A book from noted therapist Dr. Ruth, it lends credibility to what a parent may have already discussed with the child. The topics discussed are the usual- puberty, sex, peer pressure etc. The parents are shown as the good guys in the book and hence parents can use it to read it together with their children. l

The Talk: What Your Kids Need to Hear from You About Sex- Sharon Maxwell

A great book that helps parents bridge the generation gap between sexuality during their times and sexuality in their children's times. 'Sex sells' in today's world. From marketing campaigns to tech savvy gaming software, sexuality has been commercialized beyond recognition for most parents. Parents are guided through this new world and given indispensable advice on how to shape their children's minds with values that belong to their family and not those advocated by popular culture. l

Purity Code, The God's Plan for Sex and Your Body - Jim Burns

'In honor of God, my family, and my future spouse, I commit my life to sexual purity.' This is the motto that the book wants to teach youngsters. For parents who want to have an open 17 DO NOT COPY Copyright © 2009 book-review-circle.com. All Rights Reserved.


door policy on issues like virginity, sexual hygiene etc. with their children, this book can serve as an excellent platform. The book discusses one topic in each chapter and has questions on that same topic at the end of the chapter. Children and parents are advised to read the book together and then use the questions as a platform for a structured meaningful discussion. l

Girlology Hang-Ups, Hook-Ups, and Holding Out: Stuff You Need to Know About Your Body, Sex, & Dating - Melisa Dr. Holmes, Trish Dr. Hutchison

Girls and their parents have one book now that answers all their queries on friends, guys, body changes, dating, and sex. The authors, being doctors, have answered questions that they have been asked by girls on various occasions. This compilation of questions and answers from real life has made the book indispensable. Because, as parents it is almost impossible to comprehend the vast array of doubts and queries their girl may have. l

Parenting Today's Adolescent Helping Your Child Avoid The Traps Of The Preteen And Teen Years- Dennis Rainey, Barbara Rainey, Bruce Nygren

A how-to manual for parents, this book adopts a tell-all approach. Taboo topics like masturbation and pornography are discussed and parents are advised to educate their children before they learn about these things from others.




Chapter 6: Graduation/Employment/Initiation

This is a very special occasion of celebration for your son, daughter, sibling, grandchild, niece or nephew. The young man has just completed an important phase in his life. From the secure environment of his school/college, he is about to step into an unknown, competitive world. From studying for exams, being graded, and hanging out with friends, his entire life will metamorphose into job hunts, proving himself at work and beginning a family.

The gift that you choose for him should ideally help him see through the turmoil of this phasel

provide motivation,

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inspiration and

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help him choose the right path at difficult times

I would suggest giving him an autobiography of a great and successful person at this time. Your son/daughter should read about a great personality whose life and thinking help him/her in these different ways: l

make crucial decisions in his/her life,

l

provide a guiding light,

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provide inspiration to build strength and character

But given that there is no dearth of great and successful men, which (auto) biography should you choose? Again, if you do zero-in on the famous personality, there are countless biographers who have written books on the same man. Which book do you pick up? Do you really have the time to go through all the various options (even in just the 'biographies' section) and select the correct book? Do you even know if the ideal book is in stock? Do you want to walk home carrying a boring biography full of dry facts? Or do you want to buy a flamboyant book indulging in hero worship? Neither, I would suppose. 19 DO NOT COPY Copyright © 2009 book-review-circle.com. All Rights Reserved.


Well here are my very specific and cryptic suggestions that should be able to help you make the right decision: A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King,

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Jr.-Martin Luther King and James M. Washington Martin Luther King was awarded the Nobel Laureate for Peace prize due to his work towards ending racial discrimination in America. A prominent humanitarian in the history of the modern world, his life provides valuable lessons in universal brotherhood, equal rights and peace. The book that I recommend here is a collection of his major writings and speeches. It gives us a very close look at the man himself, his thinking and his ideology. The book includes his famous 'I have a dream' speech. It is a thought provoking collection. Mandela: An Illustrated Autobiography-Nelson Mandela

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Nelson Mandela is another prominent humanitarian, anti-apartheid campaigner and Nobel Peace Prize awardee, whose life provides continuous inspiration to those who are willing to question the prominent (and unjust) social order. This book is an abridged version of his original autobiography 'Long Walk to Freedom' and contains 200 photographs. This edition is shorter than the original autobiography, making it suitable for those who find it difficult to read through a lot of text at a time. The photographs also make the reading experience vivid. l

Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth-Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Again, this book has the story of his extra ordinary unarmed struggle against colonization, from the man himself. Written in a very matter of fact, simplistic manner, the book has a very earthy flavor. It lacks the drama of eloquent speeches. This is what makes the work endearing. l

Florence Nightingale: Mystic, Visionary, Healer-Barbara Dossey

The life and works of this world famous founder of professional nursing, the book is an engaging read. Apart from the meticulous details of Nightingale's life, the book also provides photographs, drawings, letters, and maps. Extensive appendices contain a family tree, a time line, a complete listing of her writings, and more. 20 DO NOT COPY Copyright © 2009 book-review-circle.com. All Rights Reserved.


l

Helen Keller: A photographic story of a life- Leslie Garrett

A beautiful book with touching photographs of Keller, this book is an ode to the human spirit that is unwilling to accept limitations. The book serves as a valuable lesson in the dignity of struggle and is a fitting gift for young graduates who are yet to launch their careers. Readers are warned that this is a very simple book filled with notes, quotations and photographs on every page. While being very informative, it is fit to be read by a child and hence would be enjoyable even by those who don't enjoy reading as such. For more serious readers, you should choose something that is weightier. l

Kwame Nkrumah: Father Of African Nationalism- David Birmingham

A visionary who thought ahead of his times, Kwame Nkrumah had a threefold ideology: black identity, search for national autonomy and advocacy of Pan African unity. A short book of about 150 pages, it details the life of one of Africa's greatest leaders. Kwame Nkrumah is one of the many leaders who inspire and motivate us to think beyond existing social norms and to fight for what we believe in. It also makes us more sensitive to humanity in general. This is a fitting gift for a young individual who has to carve out a niche for himself in the world very soon. l

Elizabeth I- Anne Somerset

Britain's Queen Elizabeth I had come to the throne at a time when men were not expected to obey a woman's orders. The Queen's success in reining the then turbulent England for 45 long years is an interesting study of achievement despite heavy odds. There would be many biographies available for this world famous personality but Somerset's book is special because it shows us the human aspect of the monarch. Somerset tries to illustrate the dilemmas faced by the Queen and reasons out why she took the steps that have been otherwise criticized by many. This is a heavy book comprising well over 550 pages and will serve as a good gift to one who is seriously interested in biographies. l

Failure Is Impossible: Susan B. Anthony in Her Own Words - Lynn Sherr

This is a great gift for a spirited youngster. And what a beautiful title! This book is a collection of fiery speeches and letters by one of the first feminists of the modern world, Susan B. Anthony. The book is enlightening and fun as it shows how a single woman fought for her cause in a world largely full of unsympathetic men. This addictive book 21 DO NOT COPY Copyright © 2009 book-review-circle.com. All Rights Reserved.


provides its dose of inspiration, information and fun at the same. If you want to set an example of someone who struggled continuously until she achieved success, this is the book you should gift. l

Beethoven (Master Musicians)- Barry Cooper

This one is a great gift for one who is interested in music and is about to set out in life on his own. The book shows how various incidents in the musician’s life made him create his masterpieces. It also gives a detailed comprehensive list of all his compositions. Talking about a composer who created timeless music even in the face of deafness, this biography provides a good source of motivation for young adults and shapes their tastes in music at the same time ;-) I would suggest you buy a collection of Beethoven's music along with this book to make it a complete gift. I can guarantee that your youngster will love it. l

What Now?: Words of Wisdom for Life After Graduation-Jennifer Leigh Selig

This book is essentially a collection of essays, poems, quotes, cartoons etc. from a variety of sources like Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, Helen Keller, Eleanor Roosevelt etc. All writings are supposed to answer the quintessential initiation question ' What Now'. It is an inspirational book that will be a useful and memorable gift for this occasion. Consisting only of about 300 pages of easy print, this is a suitable gift even for someone who is not an avid reader because of its short contextual chapters. l

Words to Live By: A Journal of Wisdom for Someone You Love- Emily Marshall, Kate Marshall

This is THE gift for you if you want to truly personalize your gift. The book is actually a sort of formatted notebook in which you are required to fill words of advice for your new graduate. It has sections on happiness, money, health, friendship, romance, spirituality, work, citizenship, success, raising children, and having fun. So if you have a lot to share but don't want to give a 'sit down' lecture, this is the way to do it. Buy this book, take your time in filling this out, and then watch your young graduate go through every detail during his private moments. It is unnecessary for me to mention that this is a good way of handing out advice without sounding like a preacher. And since you take your time to fill out the pages, you can choose your words with care- thus making the book not just a graduation gift but a lifelong treasure. 22 DO NOT COPY Copyright © 2009 book-review-circle.com. All Rights Reserved.


Chapter 7: Romance/Falling in Love

So you have to buy something for your date and you need some help. A gift for your special friend may be a very tricky proposition indeed. You want it to convey how special the receiver is without seeming overt or loud. Here are a few gifting suggestions that you could use. Each of these books is acclaimed in its genre and has a huge fan following. There are little chances that you could go wrong with these: l

Memoirs of a Geisha -Arthur Golden

This is a romantic tale of a humble girl falling in love with a rich and established 'Chairman'. She harbors this love in secret for several years during which she trains to be a Geisha in order to be a fit mistress for the Chairman. The story goes on to show how she finally attains the Chairman's love after a lot of struggle. Published in 1997, the book is a relatively new love story but it has attained a lot of popularity even in such a short time. l

The Time Traveler's Wife -Audrey Niffenegger

This bestselling novel was published in 2003 and is a romantic science fiction. It narrates the story of Henry DeTamble and his romantic relationship with his wife. Henry has a genetic disorder due to which he travels back and forth in time. He does not have any control over where, when or for how long he goes. His wife is left behind each time he time-travels, enduring these unexpected sojourns, waiting for him and wishing for his wellbeing in his absence. The book is a great gift even for a casual reader due to the dramatic and thrilling narrative style. l

Love Story-Erich Wolf Segal

This is one of the most popular romances of the late 1900s. A short book of around 150 pages, it narrates the finding, loving and losing of his soul mate by Oliver. Written in very simple language, the book can be finished in one sitting. So it is a good gift for a casual reader. This is the book that carries the now famous quote 'Love means never having to say you are sorry '. l

Wuthering Heights-Emily Brontë

This is a wild romantic thriller and has become a classic of English literature. Gift it to a spunky date. It depicts the love story of a boorish Heathcliff and the gentler, more 23 DO NOT COPY Copyright © 2009 book-review-circle.com. All Rights Reserved.


educated Catherine. Their love remains unfulfilled and is the cause of much violence in the novel. The story is imaginative, passionate and powerful. It is impossible to read the book and lay it aside without being affected by it in some way. l

Pride and Prejudice-Jane Austen

Another literary classic, this is a longish narrative of the love between Elizabeth and Darcy in 18th century England. The novel is a good reflection of bygone times when class consciousness was a dominating factor in human relationships and marriage was a means for many women to come into wealth. Elizabeth's decision to marry for love and not for necessity is a bold decision at a time when women could not own property and hence not marrying a wealthy suitor could mean a life of penury. If the novel were a lady, she would be calm yet bold, graceful yet strong. If your date has similar features, gift it to her. l

Gone With the Wind-Margaret Mitchell

A very popular romance, Gone with the Wind is the riveting tale of Scarlett O'Hara's love life. Scarlett is a strong willed wealthy girl who loves suitors and parties. She marries thrice in the novel, but never the one she thinks she loves. The reader remembers the book for its passion and its unfulfilled love. Many young girls are known to have a huge crush on Rhett Butler, Scarlett's lover, after reading the novel- and that includes me. The story is unforgettable and makes for a great gift to a passionate partner. l

Anna Karenina-Leo Tolstoy

This world famous book is the saga of a beautiful aristocrat Anna and her romance with her suitor Vronsky. What complicates this love affair is the fact that Anna is already married and has a son by the first marriage. Themes of love, infidelity, marriage, passion, lust, faith and jealousy are elaborately explored in the novel. The narrative is enthralling and expansive at the same time- spanning about 900 pages. So the book requires some patience to read. I would suggest this gift for a mature, avid reader. l

Twilight -Stephenie Meyer

This is the first of four immensely popular love story series. It describes the love Bella, a teenager, has for a handsome young vampire. The book is passionate and romantic without being gory (as is presumed from the vampire connection). I would suggest this book for a young adult. Despite being written for a young audience, this book steers clear 24 DO NOT COPY Copyright © 2009 book-review-circle.com. All Rights Reserved.


of sex, foul language and drugs. So if you are looking for a clean romance for the young, this is it. Chances are that your date will be so addicted to the first book, that you will have to buy her all four. l

Far from The Madding Crowd-Thomas Hardy

Another English classic, this book offers a love story in the rural English setting. Bathsheba is a wealthy, well-educated woman who marries out of lust, fails to make the marriage a happy one, is unable to marry another wealthy suitor as she is emotionally unconnected to him, and finally marries her only real friend and advisor Gabriel. This is a mature love story that delves on the institution of marriage. It offers a good lesson on the conditions that lead to a successful marriage. This is an apt gift for the seasoned reader. l

Love in the Time of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

This is a triangular love story by the Nobel Prize winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Fermina Daza rejects the wild romantic love of Florentino Ariza to marry the progressive and modern Juvenal Urbino. Neither is however faithful in marriage. Urbino has two affairs outside marriage while Fermina keeps up her correspondence with Ariza and goes back to him after the death of Urbino. The novel shows the enduring power of true love and is therefore a very romantic gift. l

Rebecca- Daphne du Maurier

This is the story of a whirlwind romance between the narrator (unnamed in the novel) and a wealthy widower, Maximilian De Winter. By virtue of marriage to this gentleman the narrator comes to be the mistress of a huge estate called Manderley. But the shadow of its former mistress Rebecca looms large over the estate. It is difficult for the narrator to outperform the deceased Rebecca into becoming the charming, virtuous and talented lady she had been. This tension in the plot wreaks havoc into their marriage as well. The novel proceeds like a romantic thriller towards a happy ending where love ultimately wins all. This is a good gift for a passionate lover.




Chapter 8: Marriage Two individuals, who are very close to you, have decided to share their lives with each other. The most common gift to mark this occasion is usually some household article that the couple will find useful for their new life together. A dinner set, some appliance they would need, etc...This is what most people would gift. How can you make your gift extra special? I have provided a list of books on marital wisdom that are universally popular, enlightening and utilitarian. Could there be a better gift for two people who are about to need all the advice possible on mutual understanding, compromise and patience in order to handle the challenges of marriage successfully? l

For Men Only: A Straightforward Guide to the Inner Lives of Women- Shaunti Feldhahn, Jeff Feldhahn

A great book to gift to the groom, it provides some important aspects of understanding women. It includes chapters on common maladies like: bearing a grudge for a long time, spending time with family, providing emotional security, sexuality and romance. l

Men, Women and Relationships: Making Peace with the Opposite Sex-John Gray

Since both the sexes think and react differently to situations, it important to understand and anticipate the partner's reaction in order to avoid expectation mismatches and marital discord. The couple can enjoy reading it together. l

Every Man's Marriage: An Every Man's Guide to Winning the Heart of a Woman Stephen Arterburn

Gift it to the groom, and the bride will thank you for doing so. It talks about all the secret desires of a woman, what she really wants out of a relationship and how a man can finally give his wife what she yearns for. l

Why Men Marry Bitches: A Woman's Guide to Winning Her Man's Heart - Sherry Argov

This is a gift for the bride, not the groom. The author does not use the word 'bitch' in a derogatory sense. Instead she uses the word to imply a strong willed woman 'who has her own identity and is secure with who she is'. This is a guide for a woman who wants to know what her man wants and respects. It reveals the secret to sustaining a relationship 26 DO NOT COPY Copyright © 2009 book-review-circle.com. All Rights Reserved.


for women. l

Becoming the Woman of His Dreams: Seven Qualities Every Man Longs For Sharon Jaynes

The author surveyed various men on the endearing qualities of their wives and put together her knowledge in this book. She has presented this knowledge in the form of seven key qualities that a woman must possess in order to keep her husband happy. l

Why Men Love Bitches: From Doormat to Dreamgirl - A Woman's Guide to Holding Her Own in a Relationship - Sherry Argov

This book is slightly controversial as it suggests ways in which the woman can be strong without being abrasive in the relationship. While this book will really help someone who is being 'too nice' in the relationship, chances are that an already strong willed bride will get a double dose from this book. So you could choose this book for someone you know who has chances of being run down in the marriage by a strong groom. l

Men Are Like Waffles--Women Are Like Spaghetti - Bill Farrel, Pam Ferrel

There are a couple of books with similar names. However the book with the exact title as above seems to be the most popular book in its category. It explains how a man's life is compartmentalized like waffles and how elements in a woman's life are all mixed up together. The book helps explain gender differences and marital discord with the help of this waffle-spaghetti reasoning. It is a good humorous book to be enjoyed together by the couple. l

What A Man Wants, What A Woman Needs The Secret To Successful, Fulfilling Relationships - Eddie L. Long

This is a good book for the couple to read together. It discusses how to improve communication, and understand the roles and responsibilities of both the spouses in the relationship. The outlook is very Christian and you may want to think twice before giving it to a couple belonging to another religion. l

Discourses On Love, Marriage, And Transgression In Medieval And Early Modern Literature-Albrecht Classen

Now I am going to enlist a couple of books that will be a welcome relief from the marital advice catalogs mentioned earlier ☺ I understand that you may not wish to preach to the 27 DO NOT COPY Copyright © 2009 book-review-circle.com. All Rights Reserved.


married couple and may wish to give them something that is completely out of the world. Well here goes- the book mentioned above, is a collection of essays on various aspects of marriage in medieval writing and modern times. Some of the essays include titles like "Accusations of Gay and Straight Sexual Transgression" and "Caucer's Vows and How They Break: Transgression in The Manciple's Tale". This is your gift to the couple who are serious readers, even scholarly... l

The New Honeymoon Planner: Selecting the Ideal Location and Planning the Trip of a Lifetime-Sharon Naylor

This gift item is truly fun. Though chances are that by the time you give this book to the couple, they would have already planned their honeymoon. It contains loads of fun ideas of things to do in your honeymoon, places to visit etc. If you are particularly close to the couple, you should give this gift before they start planning for their honeymoon. l

The Four Seasons of Marriage - Gary Chapman

This is a great book by marriage counselor Gary Chapman. He describes the various phases of marriage in terms of four seasons. It provides an easy framework for couples to understand their marriage and gives remedies to apply when the marriage hits rough waters. This is a very useful book for those who are about to start this journey together.




Chapter 9: Honeymoon

So your best friend is going for his/her honeymoon and you want to gift the couple something naughty and fun. You want your gift to be cherished without being labeled cheap. What do you gift? I have made a list of some erotic classics that every married couple could use. Each book mentioned below is a treasured literary classic and holds key secrets to sensual enjoyment. Choosing any of these books as your gift will ensure that the couple enjoys it together without finding the contents sleazy (which is a risk with many contemporary erotic fiction pieces). l

Kamasutra: Fully Illustrated Sex Positions: The Art of Love - Mallanaga Vatsyayana, Sir Richard Burton

This world famous book from ancient India is a lot more than a sex manual. It is a book about cultivating physical pleasures for the civilized man and woman. It talks about 64 arts or skills that should be practiced by every cultured individual in order to live a physically, morally and mentally fulfilling life. These include singing, dancing, writing, drawing and many more. This is not a pornographic work; it reveals enormous wisdom and should be read by the young and old alike. The book has various translations and versions available in the market. But Richard Burton's translation is particularly interesting because of its 90 explicit pictorial depictions of sexual positions. These help in the understanding of a large part of the text. l

The Ananga Ranga-Sir Richard F. Burton

This is again a 12th century Hindu erotic work. This is a good prelude to the Kamasutra and it discusses the secrets of healthy sexuality. Richard Burton's translation is freely available on the Internet and it is difficult to find a single volume hard copy of the text. So if you can lay your hands on one, just grab it. l

The Illustrated Perfumed Garden: A Sensuous Paradise Where Erotic Love Grows

and Blooms by Sheik Nefzawi This is a 15th century Arabic sex manual. The book discusses the qualities a sexually attractive person should have, gives advice on sexual techniques and prescribes potions for sex maladies. This is an entertaining book that is meant to be enjoyed by the couple 29 DO NOT COPY Copyright © 2009 book-review-circle.com. All Rights Reserved.


together. l

Lady Chatterley’s Lover- DH Lawrence

This classic by D H Lawrence contains many sexual ideas that were considered licentious during his times. Indeed the book was banned in many countries including Britain, Australia and Canada. The plot revolves around the sexual exploits of Constance Chatterley who seeks physical enjoyment outside her marriage to an impotent man. If you are buying this book, make sure you buy the uncensored version. l

The Carnal Prayer Mat-Li Yu

This is an erotic novel from ancient China, a translation of which, by Patrick Hanan, is available. It is about the sexual experiences of a scholar Vesperus who wants to marry only the most beautiful of all women. The book is sexy, philosophical, witty and fast paced. This is a very enjoyable book for a newly married couple. l

The Golden Lotus-Wang Shih-cheng

A seminal work written during the Ming dynasty of China, it paints an appropriate portrait of the times complete with its domestic strife, corruption and power struggle. It has many sexually explicit passages and had been banned in China for a long time due to this. But in spite of this, the work is not pornographic; in fact it can even be studied as a cultural history of China during the Ming dynasty.




Chapter 10: Wedding Anniversary

They occur every year and leave you at a loss each time. Sometimes you are required to celebrate someone's silver/golden anniversary and you can't think of a gift special enough to mark the occasion. As a wife, you have a heart full of pent up desire and frustration which you wish your husband would empathize with. As a husband you just can't fathom why your marriage does not score a full ten. Not to worry friends, I have now a list that will lessen your worries ☺ l

Golden Anniversaries: The Seven Secrets of Successful Marriage- Charles D. Schmitz, Elizabeth A. Schmitz

This book is a recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Award Gold Medal for the Most Outstanding Relationships and Marriage Book. It gleans the collective wisdom of hundreds of happy couples with successful marriages. A great gift that helps a couple look back upon their years spent together. It helps forge stronger bonding between the partners. l

Anniversary Questions: Keeping Your Marriage Healthy and Sizzling-Bobb Biehl, Cheryl Biehl

A compilation of a set of questions that married couples need to ask each other but are either too embarrassed or are too self-conscious to do so. By gifting this book to a dear friend, you shall virtually lead the couple into analyzing various issues- from appearances to finances- that they had otherwise taken for granted or thought they were on the same page about them. This is a great gift for an anniversary. l

Building a Love that Lasts: The Seven Surprising Secrets of Successful MarriageCharles D. Schmitz, Elizabeth A. Schmitz

The book explores seven aspects of a lasting relationship: togetherness, truthfulness, respect and kindness, staying fit, joint finances, tactile communication, surprise and unpredictability. In addition, it provides dozens of useful insights and great interviews of real life happy couples. The book was awarded 'Best Relationship Book of 2008' by INDIE Book Awards. l

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work- John M. Gottman, Nan Silver 31 DO NOT COPY Copyright © 2009 book-review-circle.com. All Rights Reserved.


Know someone who does not have a perfect marriage? Is your marriage failing to give you complete satisfaction? Buy yourself or your friend this book. Many people vouch for the wisdom contained here. You may agree or disagree with it, but at least give it a shot. l

Our Wedding Anniversary Memory Book

Every couple should own one such book. If the couple you know does not have one such already, go ahead and gift this one to them. So many of us take pictures but don't ever find the time to organize them meaningfully. This book helps you organize memories of your marriage beautifully so that you create a treasure trove over the years- something to look back upon with wistfulness many many years later. l

All About Us-Philipp Keel

The book raises some very offbeat questions like: If you could change one of your partner's body parts, what would it be? Or, you have drawn blood in a fight with an ex (yes/no). Or, Name a habit of your partner that you have proudly accepted. By asking such questions, the book forces you to re-look at your relationship, acknowledge aspects of your relationship that you would otherwise take for granted and thereby realize your love for your partner in a whole new way. l

Book of Us: The Journal of Your Love Story in 150 Questions- David Marshall, Kate Marshall

This is a gift your wife will love. It requires you both to sit together and chronicle your love life by answering the 150 questions given in the book. The answers that you pen down will be a treasured memory that you can look back upon with pride many years down the line. A gentle warning, this is a very romantic gift, not meant for matter-of-fact couples. l

The First Five Years of Marriage: Launching a Lifelong, Successful RelationshipPhillip J. Swihart, Wilford Wooten

The first five years of marriage help lay a solid foundation to a long lasting healthy relationship. This book discusses touchy matters like money, communication, and conflict resolution and advices young couples on how to deal with compatibility issues early on in their marriage. This is a good gift for a recently married friend or even for your spouse if you are in a young marriage.



Chapter 11: Pregnancy

Someone you know is going through the rigors of pregnancy. She has had to forsake her figure, her favorite foods, her sleep and is enduring nausea, aches, pregnancy blues and stretch marks. What can you do to cheer her up? Eat outs could be restrictive; plus you don't know what she likes anymore. Flowers would cheer her up but only temporarily. You cannot take her shopping, because plus-size-pregnancy-wear-shopping isn't entertaining. What do you do? Here is my list of great book gift suggestions to your rescue. l

What to Expect When You're Expecting-Heidi Murkoff

This classic pregnancy bestseller is on the USA Today list of '25 most influential books of the past 25 years'. This book occupies first position on my list because possessing this book is basic hygiene for a pregnant woman these days. If you know someone who does not have this book, go ahead and buy one for her. l

Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy-Mayo Clinic

In a market full of pregnancy books, it is difficult to differentiate one book from the other. I chose the book above because of its two very interesting features. First, it contains an easy to follow chart of pregnancy symptoms and related to-dos. The chart becomes very helpful for worried pregnant women and serves as a ready reference guide. Second, it has a 'decision guide' that offers some helpful advice on common pregnancy related dilemmasshould you go back to work, how to select a health care provider, prenatal testing options, pain relief for childbirth etc. l

Belly Laughs : The Naked Truth about Pregnancy and Childbirth-Jenny McCarthy

The author of this book was a sexy Playboy model and she did not have a pretty pregnancy. She recounts all the ugliness in this book in her frank and funny style. Morning sickness, hormonal rage, cravings, hemorrhoids, "engorged" breasts, gas, hot flashes, fainting spells, weight gain, acne, water retention and labor- are all discussed in a chatty gossipy fashion, much to the consolation of cheerless pregnant readers. If a dear friend of yours is pregnant, this is a great book to brighten up her days. l

The Expectant Father: Facts, Tips and Advice for Dads-to-Be-Armin A. Brott

While the expectant mother gets all the attention from friends and family, the expectant 33 DO NOT COPY Copyright © 2009 book-review-circle.com. All Rights Reserved.


father is left to figure out huge emotional, financial and domestic changes on his own. If you know one such father, gift him this book. Essential topics like how he can help his wife, how he can get more involved in parenting the child and manage finances better, are covered with a touch of humor. So while the author introduces new information to an overwhelmed dad-to-be, he uses cartoons to lighten up the information. A great read for any dad who wants to help. l

The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy-Vicki Iovine

Another pregnancy guide book that reassures you during your pregnancy blues. And hence a great gift for a dear friend. The book uses a warm and witty voice to discuss the common concerns of most pregnant women: morning sickness, swollen breasts, exercises, stretch marks, sex during and after pregnancy, delivery, maternity clothing, bladder behavior and a lot more. l

The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two- William Sears, Martha Sears, Robert Sears, and James Sears

Everybody is so busy making the pregnancy easier for the woman that they forget the next important phase in her life when she is going to be completely clueless- handling the baby. More importantly, while she is called to handle the pressures of being a new mother she will hardly have time to read how-to manuals on baby care. So the best time to give her one such manual is while she is still pregnant. This book is one such comprehensive volume with information on a healthy birth, putting the baby to sleep, proper feeding habits, early health concerns, milestones in infant development and troublesome toddler behavior l

The Nursing Mother's Companion-Kathleen Huggins

This is another very important aspect of becoming a mother. Gift this book to a first time mom-to-be during her pregnancy so that she can prepare herself for the challenges of nursing. In a warm and reassuring tone this bestseller gives all the advice related to nursing, its benefits and its problems. l

Thinking Woman's Guide to A Better Birth - Henci Goer

This book is for someone who is curious to know everything about her pregnancy. The book contains the latest information, the newest research findings, and the most recent medical procedures available on childbirth. So if someone is simply not happy with the 34 DO NOT COPY Copyright © 2009 book-review-circle.com. All Rights Reserved.


standard information books available in the market, this book will quench her thirst for knowledge. l

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth - Ina May Gaskin

This book is about natural childbirth. Ina May is a very experienced midwife who works at a natural birthing institute 'The Farm' in Tennessee. She argues the case of natural childbirthing from her experience of handling over 2000 births. This is a good book for couples who are nervous about the pains of labor and are wary of the final day of pregnancy. The book reveals how birthing can be a euphoric and sometimes even orgasmic experience. l

Expect the Best: Your Guide to Healthy Eating Before, During, and After PregnancyAmerican Dietetic Association, Elizabeth M. Ward

This is one book full of advice for the health conscious mom- and also for the mom who gives in to cravings easily. The book has important nutrition and exercise information for pre-pregnant, pregnant and nursing women. And it is also a great gift for expectant dads who are wondering how they can help- hand out this book to them for great ideas on easyto-prepare delicious recipes for their partners. ●

Bhagavad Gita: As It Is- A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

The Hindus believe that a pregnant woman should devote herself to religious thoughts and meditation during her child bearing days in order to give birth to a peaceful and spiritual human being. I don’t know if this is true but let me still mention two religious books in this category. I mention these two books simply because a pregnant lady needs to be calm and at peace. And what better way to achieve peace than to read some peaceful teachings by the two most peaceful religions of the world- Hinduism and Buddhism? The Bhagavad Gita contains the concise summary of the Hindu philosophy and Prabhupada’s translation is the most widely read Gita in the world. ●

The Foundations of Buddhism- Rupert Gethin

Gethin’s book contains a summary of the ideas and heritage of Buddhism along with a narrative of the story of the Buddha, a discussion of the Four Noble Truths, cosmology of Karma and rebirth, the path of the Bodhisattva and other such facets of Buddhism. The book provides a comprehensive view of the noble Buddhist philosophy.



Chapter 12: Tour/Journey/Travel

Know someone who is about to travel? Know someone with wanderlust? Is there someone who routinely gets into trouble while traveling? Here are some great gifting ideas for anyone who fits any of the scenarios above. l

Where To Go When (Eyewitness Travel Guides)- DK Publishing

This book discusses 30 destinations to be visited according to the calendar months. It uses enticing pictures, quirky destination details, and activity lists. All these elements make the book a prized possession or a great gift for anyone who loves traveling. l

The Art of Travel-Alain De Botton

An offbeat travel book, the book describes the author's travel experiences and links them with his readings, art and his internal thoughts. This is a good gift for someone who is thoughtful, sensitive and enjoys travel. l

The Smart Traveler's Passport: 399 Tips from Seasoned Travelers -Erik Torkells

Truly meant for people who want to learn ways to travel smart- that is, get the best travel experience at the least cost and the maximum convenience. It contains 399 tips from travelers on how to do just this. l

Best Travel Activity Book Ever- Rand McNally

Do you know a family with a young child that is about to go on a long trip? Do you want to make the journey easier for them? Gift this book to them. The book contains a number of engaging activities like puzzles, color by number, join the dots and other such activities that kids would love. l

Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World's Greatest Trips-National Geographic

This is probably a book that any traveler would love- be it an adventure seeker, a culture explorer, or the luxury lover. Journeys are slotted into themes like: Across Water, In Search of Culture, In Gourmet Heaven, On Foot etc. This book contains details of journeys of the most exotic kind, in all possible means of communication, in all continents...A fabulous gift for anyone who likes traveling l

Make The Most Of Your Time On Earth: 1000 Ultimate Travel Experiences - Rough Guides 36 DO NOT COPY Copyright © 2009 book-review-circle.com. All Rights Reserved.


This is another hugely popular book in the travel guides genre. The book has a wide variety of travel experiences for all types of travelers. From extreme sports, to wildlife gazing, from pricey hotels to brilliant carnivals the book has it all. If you need to buy a gift for someone who likes traveling, look no further. l

The Wall Street Journal Guide to Power Travel: How to Arrive with Your Dignity, Sanity, and Wallet Intact-Scott Mccartney

This is a handy guide for anyone who has to do a lot of traveling. It contains tips on how to make the travel experience more convenient and hassle free. It also guides the reader on what to do when in trouble in a new place. Tips like how to avoid baggage loss, get cheap fares, and get around security bottlenecks make the book a valuable read. l

Travel as a Political Act- Rick Steves

A book for the thoughtful traveler- this one is written from an American traveler's viewpoint and discusses how various societies around the world have different socio-cultural setups. Nevertheless the book has truisms for almost all cultures and societies. The book shows how cultural and social interaction via travel can provide intellectual stimulation for the traveler and make him wiser.




Chapter 13: Retirement

This phase of life is dreaded by many. To think that the biggest engagement of their lives will be gone leaving them empty, is distressing. Here is a list of books that can help ease this anxiety and can inspire the reader to deploy his time in retirement more usefully.

l

The Remains of the Day-Kazuo Ishiguro

Know someone who has worked too hard all his life? Need to buy him a gift in order to cheer him up from the prospect of an ebbing career? This book should do the job. This book, a Booker Prize winner, is about a prudish butler who spends his entire life following the call of his duty towards his master. In the process however he misses out on a lot of fun, love and warmth. Now, in the waning days of his life, he takes stalk of how he has lived it. A suitable book for someone who is going through the same phase of his life, the books leaves the reader with a sense of peace and calm. l

The Joy of Not Working-Ernie Zelinski

This is a humorous book that encourages the reader to joyously look forward to days devoid of service. It contains exercises that help the reader understand the value of leisure and is liberally interspersed with cartoons, and quotes. This is an enjoyable read even for someone who is not an avid reader. l

The Old Man and the Sea-Ernest Hemingway

Hemingway's masterpiece, the book is the tragic tale of an old man whose capabilities as a fisherman are waning due to his falling strength. In spite of this he uses every bit of his remaining vigor to catch a prize fish. This fish is eaten away by other fish before he can bring it to shore. The huge skeleton of the fish however is seen by other fishermen and the old man's catch becomes the talk of the town. The book emphasizes how the fight is more important than the outcome. l

How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free: Retirement Wisdom That You Won't Get from Your Financial Advisor-Ernie J. Zelinski

Another inspiring book that does what the title suggests. There are sections on money management, health and goal setting. There are a host of tips on things to do and things to 38 DO NOT COPY Copyright © 2009 book-review-circle.com. All Rights Reserved.


avoid. The tone is light and genial and hence a good book for someone who is dreading his retirement days. l

What You Don't Know About Retirement: A Funny Retirement Quiz-Bill Dodds

This one is a great book for a retiree to joyously while away his time. It contains a series of funny questions and answers about old and retired people that make the reader chuckledefinitely a warm gift for someone who is going to have a lot of time on his hands.




Chapter 14: Death/Bereavement/Funeral/Loss

This can be one of the most difficult occasions for you to choose something appropriate. The person who has undergone the loss may not be in a state to concentrate on a book right after the loss. You would like to help but the right words don't come easily on these occasions. You wish to strike the right balance between empathy and comfort without appearing to be patronizing. I did some research on the books that have been written to help bereaved people. I took into account primary reader responses to these books and have shortlisted 5 books that have been universally helpful to the bereaved. These books are: l

On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss- Elisabeth Kubler-Ross,David Kessler

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Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations For Working Through Grief- Martha W. Hickman

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Understanding Your Grief: Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart-Alan D. Wolfelt

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When there Are No Words: Finding Your Way to Cope with Loss and Grief-Charlie Walton

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Awakening from Grief: Finding the Way Back to Joy-John E. Welshons

This time I shall not define each book separately as the purpose of all these books is the same: to provide comfort to the grieving person. Their titles are good indicators of their content. Each of these books is equally helpful and has been received very well by their readers. They serve as ideal gifts for people who have lost their dear ones. The approach of each is slightly different from the rest but each serves the purpose of providing comfort to the hurting soul just as well.




Humble Disclaimer The books suggested above are popular and classical in nature. I have personally read most of them and can vouch for their quality. For the ones that I have not read myself, I have used customer reviews, best seller and popularity charts as points of reference. My suggestions should be able to help you find good books for all gifting occasions in your life. These books are great gifts as well as great reads. The list is the result of my own quest for good books for all seasons of my life. I do hope you shall find the list useful and that you will encourage the habit of reading good quality literature by gifting and reading good books ☺

About the Author: Ashmita Saha

Literature has been Ashmita’s first love since childhood. Even after a post graduate degree in business administration and several years of managerial experience in the corporate world, love of literature has drawn her back to the realm of books. She has created www.book-review-circle.com for book lovers and written several e-books in order to help encourage the habit of reading literature amongst youngsters.

Www.book-review-circle.com is a place for book lovers. Book lovers come here to review books, to find suggestions for their next read and to indulge in hot literary debates. Bookreview-circle.com has its own club- The Book Lovers Club and its own monthly e-zine- The Book Lovers Club News Some e-books written by Ashmita Saha are: •

Gift a Book-101 ideas: Ultimate Guide to the Best Gifts

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How to read literature: A Literature Study Guide

and,
