Books are fantastic gifts as they can serve as a source of entertainment. They also offer a way to learn more about the themes that interest you. It can even be a way to tell the person you’re gifting “I know you.” when you gift them a book on a topic they are interested in.
But how do you find the perfect book that even someone who isn’t exactly a book lover would love? Some English books are classics, offering unmatched entertainment and interesting storytelling that even non-readers will find themselves hooked on until they reach the last page. Here are six English books you can confidently gift anyone, even people who do not consider themselves bookworms.
In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson
Humor, wit, and educative facts are the three main things Bill Bryson presents in his book In a Sunburned Country. Probably you already guessed that it’s about one of the most beautiful countries – Australia, and can be a great choice for those who love the land of sun and nature. Without a doubt, when it comes to Australia-related gifts, there are plenty of options from small souvenirs to some of the best luxury Australian gifts. However, a book is always a great choice when you want to be a unique gifter.
Talking about In a Sunburned Country, it offers an interesting perspective from several angles. In fact, Australia houses the majority of the world’s deadliest creatures of all kinds! This is the kind of fact a reader stands to learn from the book In a Sunburned Country. But don’t worry, it’s not a book of scary facts. It is actually a fun read, hence the book is multi-dimensional and can be an attractive option for many.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
This book is a classic many people love. You will hardly find anyone who hasn’t heard of it. It is also currently a recommended text for students taking literature in many West African schools. All these show how much people like this book.
We see the events through the eyes of a young girl who grew up in Alabama. Her lawyer father defends a black man falsely accused of a crime. It covers important topics of racism and injustice. But despite the serious themes in this book, it still manages to have a sprinkle of humor. And of course, it teaches important lessons. It shows how important it is that we dare to stand for the voiceless among us.
The Alchemist
This book is all about the story of a shepherd boy who takes control of his life. He dreams of finding treasures in Egypt and tries to follow that dream. He begins a journey to achieve his dream. It is a long journey, and before it ends, he will meet many people who will teach him different things.
What makes a book so popular to be translated into 80 languages? Well, in the case of this book, it is because it taps into a desire all humans have. Adventure. Many people love grass-to-grace stories that show that their dreams matter.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
This beautiful fantasy novel combines love and magic, two elements humans love. In it, we meet two magicians competing in a magical contest. We are following the contesting, rooting for one or the other, then the unexpected happens. They both fall in love. The circus becomes the stage for their competition and their romance.
The book has inspired many creative projects. People who love it have created artworks, costumes, and even and even real-life Night Circus events.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
This book is a real classic. From the silent generation to Gen Zs, it is a staple in many libraries. If you’re loved one a hopeless romantic, it is your best bet on a gift for them. Many people consider it one of the greatest love stories ever written. It has been adapted into several films.
Austen was a visionary, in terms of the times she worked in. She explores topics of women’s rights and social class in this novel. One notable thing about how she did this is the humorous tone. Many feminists today still look up to the book’s female protagonist Elizabeth.
Humans of New York by Brandon Stanton
This book has real-life humans as the characters. Brandon Stanton started it as a photography project. He wanted to snap 10,000 New Yorkers. But this project blew into something bigger than he had thought initially.
So, instead of a photo album, he created a book with pictures that tell stories. Alongside each portrait is a quote or story from the lives of the people in the photo. For example, one photo shows a young boy dressed as Spider-Man. His quote says, “When I grow up, I’m going to be a combination of a lawyer and Spider-Man.”
This book is perfect for anyone who loves photography and human stories. Or someone who just wants to see the world through different eyes.
In a nutshell, reading is always in fashion, and after a little research, it’s easy to find the best book for a gift for a friend or a family member, regardless of their love of reading. What we see today is that people appreciate literature more along with the development of technology, and decades ago probably no one would believe that in a tech-empowered world, literary candles and high-quality printed books could be in demand, but that’s our reality.