Whether for reading or giftgiving, here are some great books

‘Tis the time of year for holiday gift giving and cozying up with a good book.

Here are a few recommendations from local experts — booksellers and librarians!

Chuck Duritsch, Dayton Metro Library external relations manager, says:

“My favorite read of 2018 is ‘Less’ by Andrew Sean Greer.

His writing is eloquent as he tells a story of a 50ish gay man who is in a professional and personal slump.

What is remarkable about this universal story about growing old and the nature of love is that it’s told with humor and wit.

I would often stop reading to laugh out loud and admire his amazing prose.

I was elated when this book received the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.”

Debe Dockins, Washington-Centerville Public Library, community outreach and development coordinator, says, “I know this a couple of years old, but I recently listened to ‘A Gentleman in Moscow’ written by Amor Towles and narrated by Nicholas Guy Smith.

It was a standout in my literary year. Every day I climbed in my car and was transported to the world of the impeccably mannered and witty Count Rostov, an aristocrat ‘Game of Thrones’ Fan destined to spend will want this book that his life confined to the takes place 300 years Hotel Metropol in Moscow. before the Winters.” And Sharon Kelly

I recommend this book Roth, director of public for anyone interested relations at Books in history, Russia, and & Co. at The Greene the interaction between (www.booksandco.com) classes.” suggests three titles: “For

For children (and for lovers of beautiful children’s adults, too) Dockins picture books, we also recommends “The suggest Jan Brett’s newest, Wonky Donkey” by Craig ‘The Snowy Nap.’ Smith and Katz Cowley. We find Hedgie the “The book is based upon Hedgehog yearns to see a song that Smith wrote the wonders of Winter in 2005 after hearing the and watch his friends joke ‘What do you call a frolicking in the snow donkey with three legs? before he goes into

— A wonky donkey,’” hibernation. Dockins says. Lisa has an idea that

“It was an Internet will help him do just sensation when a video that! What fun it is! (We appeared on Facebook have some signed copies.) with a Scottish grandmother reading the If writers fascinate book to her grandchild. you, ‘Writers: Their Lives I laughed for days. I’m and Works’ will be a perfect laughing now.” book.

Gail Lichtenfels, It is a celebration of owner of Epic Book over 80 great novelists, Shop in Yellow Springs poets, and playwrights (www.epic-bookshop. from pre-19th century to com) says, “George the present day. Orwell’s ‘1984’ is a masterpiece You’ll learn their inspirations, in literature their motivations, and provides a particular and their impact perspective on life in on readers worldwide. the 21st century since we Finally, If it’s an exciting now have all the technology book you want, try ‘Past that this novel, written Tense’ by Lee Child. in ‘49, was just imagining.” All Jack Reacher wanted to do was make a

Marianne Guess, brief visit to the town his owner of New and father may have lived in Olde Pages Bookshoppe years ago. in Englewood But when he arrived (www.facebook.com/ here, he discovered sinister New-Olde-Pages-Bookshoppe-105574156174462/) goings-on at a remote motel outside of town. recommends “In Pieces” Following his instincts by Sally Fields. Guess gets him embroiled in a says: fast-paced, heart-pounding

“I followed her career situation … as only from Gidget to her days Jack Reacher can do.” in a fast car with Burt

Reynolds and her current movies. Sally Field is a phenomenal actress.

I just got in George

R. R. Martin’s ‘Fire &

Blood.’ Any die-hard

Upcoming literary events

■ Monday, Dec. 10, 1-3 p.m., Washington-Centerville Public Library, Centerville Library, 111 W. Spring Valley Road — This month’s “2nd Monday Authors” program features Molly Jebber, an Amish historical romance author featuring her novel, “Liza’s Second Chance,” and Rachel A. Long, with her debut book, “Where is God? I Don’t See Him.”

■ Thursday, Dec. 13, 4-5 p.m., Dayton Metro Library, Main Library (215 E. 3rd St.), Electra C. Doren Community Room — Join author Tim Waggoner for “The Ultimate Guide to Writing Horror” as he discusses types of horror writing, and horror writing techniques. Learn more about Waggoner and his prolific writing career at www. timwaggoner.com

■ Sunday, Dec. 16, 2:30-4:30 p.m., Wright Memorial Public Library, 1776 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood — Writers’ Café, a casual hang out for writers ages 18 and up and of all experience levels, meets the first Friday (7 p.m.) and third Sunday (2:30 p.m.) of each month.

■ Tuesday, Dec. 18, 7-8:30 p.m., Wright Memorial Public Library, 1776 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood — The Wright Library Poets meet monthly to share work and hone craft; beginners welcome.

■ For more information contact Elizabeth Schmidt at schmidt@ wrightlibrary.org or 2947171

Sharon Short writes historical mysteries under the pen name Jess Montgomery (www. jessmontgomeryauthor. com). Send her column ideas, book club news, or literary events at sharonshort1983@ gmail.com.

1. The Tattooist of Auschwitz Heather Morris

2. The 17th Suspect Patterson/Paetro

3. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine Gail Honeyman

4. Sapiens

5. The Wife Between Us

6. Less

7. Let’s Go, Pikachu! & Let’s Go, Eevee! (official trainer’s guide)

8. Instant Pot Miracle: 6 Ingredients or Less

Ivy Manning Kilmeade/Yaeger

10. Taste of Home Favorites

11. The Odd 1s Out James Rallison

12. Then She Was Gone Lisa Jewell

13. Night of Camp David Fletcher Knebel

14. Sold on a Monday Kristina McMorris

15. Rich People Problems Kevin Kwan