Make Your Loved Ones' Holidays Brighter: Give Books!

Buzzed-about 2020 Titles That Are Sure to Delight This Holiday Season

This year more than ever, books offer welcome escapes from day-to-day concerns. Luckily, numerous noteworthy books have been published in 2020. From novels to memoirs to cookbooks, they promise to provide terrific gift-giving options for family and friends—or even yourself!

Fiction

Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory
This love story set on an estate in England at Christmastime features two successful, single adults in mid-life who don't even consider they're missing out on anything—until they meet each other. Penned by a bestselling romance novelist, it serves up a healthy dose of British charm—and royalty—along with plenty of scones and tea.

It's Not All Downhill from Here by Terry McMillan
The author of Waiting to Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back returns with another highly entertaining read focused on the challenges faced by Black women in America and how so many cope—with the humor that has seen them through life's challenges and the heartfelt wisdom they've gained along the way.

Children's, Middle Grade, Young Adult

Cozy by Jan Brett
This latest addition to the incredible collection of books by celebrated author and illustrator Jan Brett tells the story of a musk ox in Alaska who's searching for his family—and receives surprising assistance when he needs it most. Seven other wintry tales are available in Jan Brett's Christmas Treasury.

I Promise by LeBron James
Basketball superstar LeBron James is also founder of the I Promise school in Akron, Ohio, which serves at-risk students and promotes much more than academics. This colorful picture book echoes the promises made by students at the I Promise school related to their own behavior. Reviewers rave that the kiddos in their homes and classrooms adore this unique, reassuring book.

Dog Man: Grime and Punishment by Dav Pilkey
The internationally renowned author and artist of Captain Underpants fame has hit another homerun with his many fans with his hilarious Dog Man series. The latest addition pits Dog Man against a challenge he can't face alone, but luckily he can count on his pack of trusted pals for all the help he's howling for.

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord
This endearing tale of two teens working to keep their families' businesses afloat reveals all's definitely not fair in love and war—especially when two expert rivals wage their war on Twitter for all to witness.

A Year of Positive Thinking for Teens by Katie Hurley
After a challenging year, everyone can benefit from some positive thinking, especially teens. This guide from a popular psychotherapist who specializes in children and teens is designed to help with its accessible prompts for turning negative thoughts around—and learning to avoid them altogether.

Nonfiction

Becoming: A Guided Journal for Discovering Your Voice by Michelle Obama
Thousands of readers loved former First Lady Michelle Obama's memoir Becoming, and now they can apply the wisdom found in the pages of that book to their own personal insights in this one-of-a-kind journal.

Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals by Rachel Hollis
When a motivational speaker and author makes a few suggestions on how to better your life, it usually makes sense to listen. When Rachel Hollis provides specific tips on how to not only better your life but identify and work toward your life goals, it's time to pay close attention and take notes. This accessible yet practical guide is sure to help many women make positive change in their lives happen.

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
Fans of actor Matthew McConaughey will enjoy this humorous, at times boisterous, yet sincere memoir full of entertaining anecdotes, lessons learned, poetry, photos, and insightful offerings with no apologies for a life fully lived.

Modern Comfort Food by Ina Garten
Comfort food is making a comeback in this new era of quarantines and social distancing, and the Barefoot Contessa has served up a healthy collection of new recipes to try in her latest cookbook. From pasta and burgers to hash browns and Boston cream pie, the 85 options in Ina Garten's twelfth cookbook will surely keep any home cook happily busy in their kitchen.

Moon USA National Parks : The Complete Guide to All 62 Parks by Becky Lomax
While it may be a long while before many Americans travel internationally again, there is plenty to see here at home. This guide will surely inspire the avid travelers among your friends and family members. In addition to beautiful photos of all 62 national parks, it includes itineraries, park-specific adventures, road trip times, and insightful advice from a former park guide on when to visit and where to stay.

I hope this list provides some helpful ideas to make your holiday shopping easy and fun this year! Happy holidays!

Read more by Karen DeGroot Carter