When I finish a good book I typically think of a person that could benefit from reading it – usually one of my brothers, my older kids, my parents, or my wife. That subtle, personal touch makes the gift of a great book a solid option for the holidays.
If you want to pass on the stuffy, same-old, impersonal standards – neckties and gift cards – I’d suggest one of the following titles this year.
A Book for the Athlete or Sports Lover:
The Last Folk Hero: The Life and Myth of Bo Jackson by Jeff Pearlman
A bit of recency bias here (I just spoke to Pearlman) a few weeks ago – listen/read here. No BS, for a sports fan, this is THE book to buy in 2022. This isn’t a dorky, deep dive into Bo Jackson’s Babe Ruth League stat sheets as much as an anecdote-after-anecdote account of a titan of physical ability. I loved every single thing about this book.
A Book for the Music Aficionado:
The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl
For any fan of music, looking to live vicariously through the crazy stories of big-time, touring musicians, you can find no better muse than former Nirvana drummer and current Foo Fighters front man, Dave Grohl. From picking up drums, to his parents’ blessing to drop out of high school, to Kurt Cobain stories, to flying 24-hours to attend a daddy-daughter dance, to his coffee and nicotine addiction – this book is makes the reader an honorary “roadie.”
Sneaky #2: A Dream about Lightning Bugs by Ben Folds – I bought a keyboard after reading this. Another lively story from a creative person whose lived more than most of us.
A Book for Introspection:
The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday
Purchased on the heels of a recommendation of a friend, I’m hardly a philosopher. I do, though, enjoy choppy thoughts and passages that provide daily time to think. Each day, I read Ryan Holiday’s excerpts from the philosopher Hall of Fame (not really) alongside his own reflections. Everyone can use some quiet time with a unique, otherwise unnoticed point of view – a great gift for avid or non-readers all the same.
A Business-Related Book:
Selling millions of worldwide copies, Atomic Habits, is as much of a business book as any. Its simple methods of introducing small, habitual changes into a daily routine is helpful and pragmatic. The book is a combination of workbook and narrative, and skips the over-technical stuff. By gifting this, you’re not sending a message that the person should operate differently, just another approach.
A Book for the Coffee Table:
The TB12 Method: How to do what you love, better and for longer by Tom Brady
Ok, ok…so TB12 has not been himself this season for my Tampa Bay Buccaneers (still in 1st place, though). This book is both recipes and thoughts about health, nutrition, and activity. Let’s face it – TB12 looks great almost always – weather on the coffee table, in the office, or on the shelf with cook books.
A Memoir about a Dude:
Gifting books about notable figures can be a trap. Some memoirs are overly self-righteous, “look-at-me” type of branding exercises for celebrities looking to make a buck. There are two, though, that I have previously reviewed and would give as gifts to family or friends.
Bare Bones: I’m not lonely if you’re reading this book by Bobby Bones
My review here. Note: I reviewed both of Bones’ bestselling titles (I know, I’m a fan!).
and
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
My review here.
Both of these bestsellers would cost less than $20 each and provide your recipient insights into two very different, while equally interesting, lives of notable male celebrities.
Giving a book as a gift is memorable and personal. A gifted book is cozy and thoughtful – the exact opposite of a neck tie or gift card. Plus, your kids will steal the gift card, and, who wears a tie anyway?
Great list! I’m going to check out the Bo Jackson one. Sounds fascinating. Thanks Tobin!
The Bo book is a MUST for dudes like us! Did you notice that two of those listed were reco’s from you? Everybody check out Aaron’s writing/work!:)