I used to fret about what gifts to buy friends for the holidays. These days, almost everyone I know is either without work, or in the process of looking for a job – no one has a lot of money to spend. However, almost all of my pals can find time to read a good book.

Hand-made gifts are sometimes a good alternative for store bought merchandise, but, who has time to make dozens of gifts? Ok, maybe some of you do, but I certainly do not.

A few years ago, I made the decision to only give books as presents. I love to read and reading is a pleasure that I want to share with my friends.

I have read so many good books that choosing the right one for each person is a challenge. However, the great thing about giving books as gifts is that you can buy them far in advance, or even at the last minute

The books I have selected, while only a partial list, are specifically targeted to single women and men. Hope you enjoy;

Pets:

The Complete Single’s Guide to Being a Dog Owner
by Betsy Rosenfeld (Adams Media, 2009)
As a dog lover, I found this book charming and filled with lots of practical information too. This would make the perfect gift for anyone who is considering sharing their homes with a four-legged friend rather than a two-legged one.

Self-Improvement:

Conquer The Fat-Loss Code
by Wendy Chant (McGraw-Hill, 2009)
Nutrition expert Wendy Chant has designed what I consider THE fat-loss bible. I took the time to try this program for two-months and not only did I loose weight, I went down four points in body fat.

The First 30 Days: Your Guide to Any Change (And Loving Your Life More)
by Ariane de Bonvoisin (HarperOne, 2008)
The First 30 Days is for anyone who is having difficulty accepting change in his or her lives. Whether you are single, or in a relationship, young or old, this is a ‘’must-have’’ book.

Now What? 90 Days to a New Life Direction
by Laura Berman Fortgang (Tarcher, 2005)
Now What? provides a brilliant strategy for taking your ‘’life-journey’’ to the next level. It is positive, realistic, and life affirming.

Think Confident, Be Confident: A Four-Step Program to Eliminate Doubt and Achieve Lifelong Self-Esteem.
by Leslie Sokol, PhD, and Marci G. Fox, PhD (Perigee Trade, 2009)
The title may say it all, but, you will find that this easy-to-read book just may change your, or a loved one’s life for the better. Sokol and Fox give you the tools needed to become more self-confident.

On Being Alone:

On My Own: The Art of Being A Woman Alone
by Florence Falk (Harmony, First Edition, 2007)
On My Own is brilliantly written for every woman, whether you are single, in a relationship, or simply enjoy being alone - an important book for the single woman’s soul.

Solemate: Master the Art of Aloneness and Transform Your Life
by Lauren Mackler (Hay House, 2009)
Solemate provides the reader with a gradual, systematic process in redefining ‘’aloneness.’’ The program is designed to help you live a more conscious life while guiding you through ways of eliminating self-defeating behavior patterns.

Friends & Lovers:

Benny & Shrimp: A Novel
by Katarina Mazetti (Penguin, 2009)
Benny & Shrimp is a novel about love and being on the brink of middle age. A charming look at 30-something singles in rural Sweden.

Such A Nice Guy
by Phil Torcivia (BookSurge Publishing, 2009)
This is a hilarious, raunchy, and brutally honest, diary of a single man. Such A Nice Guy is a ‘’must-give’’ book for all women who have single male friends in need of a holiday lift - and it’s a great read for single women who thought they knew what single men want. Think again, ladies, and laugh aloud.

The Recipe Club: A Tale of Food and Friendship
by Andrea Israel and Nancy Garfinkel (Harper, 2009)
The Recipe Club is a perfect blend of food and friendship through emails, letters, and recipes. Give this gift to a longtime friend and share some laughs and tears.

Spirituality:

Be The Change: How Meditation Can Transform You and the World
by Ed and Deb Shapiro (Forward by HH The Dalai Lama) Sterling Ethos, 2009
Includes wisdom from luminaries such as:
HH the Dalai Lama * Marianne Williamson * Robert Thurman * Jane Fonda * HH The Karmapa * Jack Kornfield * Krishna Das * Dean Ornish * Ram Dass * Jean Houston * Kitaro * Ellen Burstyn * Gregg Braden * Gay & Kathlyn Hendricks * Debbie Ford * Gangaji * Rabbi Zalman Schachter * Cyndi Lee * Wavy Gravy * Linus Roache * Tim Freke * Don Campbell * Russell Bishop * and many others. T


For a complete list of recommended reading, visit the Book Recommendations page at: https://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/9371.asp