Best Books for Christmas 2007

Books make great Christmas presents—they are value for money, they keep you occupied through the holiday season and they expand the mind. Everyone likes a good read. Whether you’re shopping for someone who likes fiction or non-fiction, how-to books or children’s books, it’s all about picking the right book for the right person.

If you’re shopping for a bookworm this Christmas, here’s our top ten list of books as Christmas gifts.

1. Terri Irwin: My Steve

The definitive story of Steve Irwin’s life, told by the one person who was closer to him than anyone else.

• www.crocodilehunter.com.au

2. Khaled Hosseini: The Kite Runner

Now a major motion picture, this is a great story about a boy growing up in Afghanistan, and the changes he discovers when he returns to his home country after living in America.

• www.khaledhosseini.com

3. John Grisham: Playing for Pizza

The latest from bestseller Grisham tells the story of an American footballer who travels to Italy to play for the Parma Panthers.

• www.jgrisham.com

4. Di Morrisey: Monsoon

Two women’s journey to Vietnam to discover their past and place themselves in the present. The characters in this book connect easily with a generation still coming to terms with their connection to this beautiful land.

• www.dimorrissey.com

5. Maggie Beer: Maggie’s Harvest

A cookbook of recipes from Maggie Beer’s personal treasure trove. If you’re buying a gift for someone who enjoys The Cook and the Chef, this is just the thing.

• www.maggiebeer.com.au

6. Richard Hammond: On The Edge: My Story

One of the presenters of the top rating British TV Series Top Gear, Hammond tells the story of his life from early days to his recent near fatal crash at 500 km/h.

• Purchase On the Edge: My Story from amazon.co.uk

7. Doris Lessing: The Cleft

The 2007 Nobel Prize winner Doris Lessing has crafted a new book, telling the story of a people emerging into civilization.

• Purchase from harpercollins.com

8. Alexis Wright: Carpentaria

This story of Australia’s Gulf country introduces us to a world and a culture that most people will never see, and all in Wright’s unmistakable style. Alexis Wright was the winner of the 2007 Miles Franklin award for Australian literature.

• Purcahse from the publisher - www.giramondopublishing.com

9. Andrew Roberts: A History of the English-Speaking Peoples Since 1900

This colossal book (752 pages) maps the history and influence of the English language over the last century. It chronicles the highs and lows of the English-speaking world and makes for a fascinating read.

• www.andrew-roberts.net

10. Ben Elton: Blind Faith

The master of satirical fiction imagines a futuristic world where online confession mingles with religious intolerance. Author of best selling books such as Chart Throb and Popcorn, Ben Elton is also famous for his TV comedy writing, such as The Young Ones and Black Adder.

• Purchase from amazon.co.uk

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