12 Days of Dappered 2014 – His own library. Or, at least a start.

Why real books > E-books (at least, for gifting)

It’ll be here before you know it. So if you’re in need of a few ideas on what to give (or in some cases, what to put on your own list) this year, this is the place to be for the next couple weeks. Our annual 12 days of Dappered covers highly giftable ideas with a few examples piggy-backed onto each. All will be reasonably affordable. See the growing archive here.

E-books are great. They’re perfect for travelling, easy to access, and you can often try a sample of a book before diving full on into a purchase.

But physical, tangible books are better. Especially for gifting.

How many times have you picked up your tablet with the intention of reading, only to end up burning an hour checking facebook? Books won’t do that. Also, unlike an e-book, there’s room inside the cover (on the title page or one of the a blank “leaves” at the beginning) to write the recipient a message. Plus, books just look good. Especially hard covers. Dedicate a shelf to the books you’ve already read, as well as a few books you’re looking forward to reading. It’ll tell your guests a little something about the person who owns (or rents) the place.

Suggestions? Sure. Here’s a few…

 

The Light Between Oceans – $17.50

Isolation and family. Selfishness and selflessness. Pain, joy, and decisions.

 

A Short History of Nearly Everything – $21.05

Try to imagine the pitch the author gave to his publisher on this one. “You wanna do what?”

 

20,000 Leagues Under The Sea – $9.61

A story about either the coolest guy ever, or, a murderous madman who wasn’t keen on showing off his work. Maybe both. Probably both. Also, you’ll be having the fish for dinner. Again.

 

The Count of Monte Cristo – $17.18

For the guy who appreciates the types of people who would never start trouble, but will be more than happy to finish it if need be. Also, Dumas got paid by the line for this one, since it was originally serialized. There were 139 installments. So, it’s a doozy. See you in March.

 

All The Light We Cannot See – $16.20

Drama, suspense, and great character development. Centered around a blind French girl and a German boy (and how their paths cross) during WWII, one of the main accomplishments of Anthony Doerr’s second novel is the strange sense of sympathy you may feel for the antagonist.

Once you fill a shelf with nothing but books you’ve read, create a rotating library. When someone comes to stay at your place, or just drops by for a visit, if they show interest in the books on the shelf, invite them to take one. But the one condition is that when they return, they have to bring back a different book from their own collection.