As promised last month, here are a few more ideas for wonderful Christmas gift books for all ages.
THE ASSOCIATE by John Grisham – in paperback at 10 euros
For the millions of fans of Grisham’s thrillers, this title harks back to the earlier Grisham style that made him famous and made the legal thriller so popular. Kyle McAvoy is one of the outstanding legal students of his generation but he has a secret in his past that threatens to destroy his fledgling career.
That secret has fallen into the hands of the wrong people and the only way Kyle can protect it is to play their game. They want him to become an associate at the largest law firm in the world. With a big salary and great prospects, the job would be a dream come true for most ambitious young lawyers. For Kyle though, it is a nightmare as, in addition to practising law, he must also lie, cheat, steal and take part in a scheme that could send him to prison – if it doesn’t get him killed first!
HUGH JOHNSON’S POCKET WINE BOOK 2010 – in hardcover at 12.5 euros
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The perennial favourite for wine lovers every Christmas, it is fully revised every year and this time expanded to include a colour supplement on South American wines. With up-to-the-minute information on more than 6,000 wines and growers and regional reviews, this little pocket-sized guide details wines to drink in 2010 and top vintages. Sure to be a winner in someone’s Christmas stocking!
LETTERS TO MY GRANDCHILDREN
by Tony Benn – in hardcover at 23.75 euros
The politician Tony Benn writes to the next generation, imploring them not to make the same mistakes as their forefathers. Writing with a passion that transcends political allegiances, Benn bridges the gap between often distant politicians and the public’s desires for the future.
LIES, DAMNED LIES & HISTORY
by Graeme Donald – in hardcover at 16.25 euros
It may come as a surprise to learn that history as we know it didn’t quite happen the way it’s usually depicted. The plague wasn’t bubonic, Christians weren’t fed to the lions and the American Civil War wasn’t about slavery. To find out how and why these errors became part of accepted history and to learn the real events, the historically curious will love to receive this for Christmas.
And for children:
HETTY FEATHER
by Jacqueline Wilson – in hardcover at 16.25 euros
Enormously popular with girls from age 9 to 12, this is the latest from Wilson, who used to be editor of the girls’ magazine, Jackie, in the 60s. Hetty Feather is set during Queen Victoria’s reign when Hetty’s mother has to leave her at the Foundling Hospital as a baby. She is fortunate to be fostered with a family living in the countryside, where she plays with her two ‘brothers’, works on the farm and sneaks off to the travelling circus to gaze in wonder at performing horses. When this idyllic existence is threatened, Hetty’s determination and courage are challenged.
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SING ALONG CHRISTMAS CAROLS with CD by Usborne Books as a tabbed board book – at 12.5 euros
Ten well-loved traditional Christmas carols, specially arranged for young children to be able to sing along. Each carol is featured on a page and accompanied by colour illustrations in a chunky board book format that’s easy to grasp by little hands!
MAKE THESE DINOSAURS
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by Usborne Books – in paperback at 7.5 euros
Perfect to keep dinosaur fans busy during Christmas, they’ll only need a tube of glue and a pair of scissors to turn this great book into an amazing prehistoric diorama. Scale models of Tyrannosaurus rex, Stegosaurus, Diplodocus, Triceratops and Parasaurolophus are included to complete the fold-out scene. Great for ages 5-9.
ALENTEJO SWEET ALENTEJO by José Carlos Rodrigues – retailing at 18 euros
A new bilingual book in Portuguese and English arrived at bookstores recently.
Alentejo Sweet Alentejo contains recipes on cakes and pastry from the Alentejo, one of richest gastronomic regions of Portugal.
The bilingual edition is a strong bet from publishers Casa das Letras, who believe that there is a large community of English speakers living in Portugal with a desire to learn more about the Portuguese cuisine, especially its mouth-watering desserts.
With a selection of 100 recipes illustrated with beautiful photographs, this book is a good choice when thinking of that special Christmas gift for those who enjoy Portuguese food and cooking. A very Happy Christmas and Healthy and Prosperous 2010 to all our clients and friends from all of us at The Griffin Bookshop – see you in the New Year!
