FEATURED

Handpicked gifts for the holidays

Handpicked recommendations by the staff of WCC. Washtenaw Voice

By Matthew Bartow
Contributor

We’ve all been there before: It’s the holiday season and the pressure to find the perfect gift is mounting. No need to panic; head to your local bookstore! There’s a book out there to suit every taste and interest. To help you check off everyone on your list, campus staff and faculty recommended their personal favorites.

Recommended by Maureen Perault, WCC librarian

The Once and Future King by T.H. White (1958)

The classic fiction novel chronicles the youth and education of King Arthur and his rule as king, and features the kingdom of Camelot, Knights of The Round Table, and magician Merlyn.

“It stands the test of time even though it is written about historical legends,” said Perault.

Price range: Between $10-$26 for paperback copies

Becoming by Michelle Obama (2018)

Written in her own words, this memoir follows Michelle Obama’s life, including her time in the White House, her childhood, her role as a mother and her advocacy work.

“It is empowering, articulate, and promotes women of all colors,” Perault said.

Price range: $20 to $35 for hardcover copies

The Friend by Sigrid Nunez (2018)

National Book Award Winner in 2018 for Fiction.

After the death of a close friend, a woman finds herself tasked with the responsibility of caring for his dog. She forms a strong bond with the dog, as they both navigate through their collective grief.

Price range: $22 to $25 for hardcover copies, $14 to $16 for paperback copies

Recommended by Dave Waskin, journalism and English professor

A Wild Sheep Chase by Haruki Murakami (1982)

After a man unknowingly publishes a photo containing a mutant sheep with a star on its back in an advertisement, he is forced to set out on a quest through Japan to locate the sheep–or face dire consequences.

“Odd, mysterious, funny, extremely enjoyable novel for those with an offbeat sense of humor,” according to Waskin.

Price range: $14 to $18 for paperback copies

The Traveling Feast by Rick Bass (2018)

A nonfiction memoir in which writer Rick Bass travels to cook meals for writers who have influenced him throughout his career, including segments that feature Joyce Carol Oates, David Sedaris, and Amy Hempel.

“This book, for me, was moving and memorable,” said Waskin.

Price range: $25 to $28 for hardcover copies and around $17.99 for paperback copies

Only to Sleep by Lawrence Osborne (2018)

This is a detective novel with Osborne writing Raymond Chandler’s great character, Philip Marlowe, as a retired, 72-year-old private eye returning to his world-weary ways on the West Coast.

“I was re-reading chapters even before I finished. I liked it that much,” said Waskin.

Price range: $23 to $26 for hardcover copies and $13 to $16 for paperback copies