Book Review: Holiday recommendations for 2014
Courtesy Photo
If you’re looking for a holiday gift for that book-lover in your life, here are some recommendations compiled by the staff at Off the Beaten Path Bookstore for all ages.
Fiction
“A Sudden Light,” by Garth Stein
From the author of “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” an enchanting story told by another unusually perceptive narrator.
“All the Light We Cannot See,” by Anthony Doerr
Two children, one French and one German, who come of age during World War II. Brilliant.
“Narrow Road to the Deep North,” by Richard Flanagan
An Australian surgeon trying to survive a brutal Japanese POW camp learns bitter lessons of love and loss. Winner of the Man Booker Prize.
“Neverhome,” by Laird Hunt
The story of a woman who takes on a man’s name and clothing in order to fight the Civil War; this novel is bound to be a classic.
Young readers
“Bad Magic,” by Pseudonymous Bosch
When words from his journal appear mysteriously on his school wall as graffiti, Clay never imagines that magic might be to blame.
“Red Berries White Clouds Blue Sky,” by Sandra Dallas
A 12-year-old American girl discovers prejudice when she and her family are interred in a Japanese relocation camp at the start of World War II. Does she still want to be an American?
“The Last Ride of Caleb O’Toole,” by Eric Pierpoint
Caleb and his siblings have to flee a western Kansas town to survive a cholera epidemic and find themselves traveling the Oregon Trail.
Young adult
“The Walled City,” by Ryan Graudin
DAI, trying to escape a haunting past, traffics drugs for the most ruthless kingpin in the Walled City. But in order to find the key to his freedom, he needs help from someone with the power to be invisible.
“Atlantia,” by Ally Condie
“A heroine unlike any I’d met before, a setting I’d never glimpsed, a story I’d never imagined. Atlantia is fresh, wild, and engrossing.”
“Accidental Highwayman,” by Ben Tripp
In the spirit of “Treasure Island” and “The Princess Bride,” a page-turning experience. By a turn of fate, Kit, a lonely house boy, embarks on a mission to save a princess.
Nonfiction
“A Deadly Wandering,” by Matt Richtel
A riveting account of our country’s first texting-while-driving manslaughter case. It will change your life.
“Great Maps: The World’s Masterpieces Explored and Explained,” by Jerry Brotton
A gorgeous exposition of maps that made the world we know.
“Don’t Give Up, Don’t Give In: Lessons From An Extraordinary Life,” by Louis Zamperini and David Rensin
If “Unbroken” moved you, read this first-person account of Louis Zamperini’s life.
Picture books
“Journey,” by Aaron Becker
A beautiful, wordless, picture book — spellbinding.
“Once Upon an Alphabet,” by Oliver Jeffers
Little stories for each letter — a work of art.
“The Stick,” by Clay Rice
A touching story of giving back, a perfect read-to book.
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
Readers around Steamboat and Routt County make the Steamboat Pilot & Today’s work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.
Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.
Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.