Books Undecided has decided to start a series where we specifically prescribe books for certain types of people. That way if you are ever in search of a book for that one person... we might be able to help you.
To kick off this series, let's start with a person we all know in our lives. We all have that one friend that has everything. When picking out their birthday present, the search feels tiresome and often unfulfilling. However, search no more. Books make great gifts as long as you are able to find the "right" one. I have a few book suggestions to help you out.
Books For The Friend That Has Everything
A Pocket Full of Rye by Agatha Christie
Let's say your friend who has everything loves a mystery. They've read all the other authors, but they haven't given the classic Christie a try. A Pocket Full of Rye is a great Agatha Christie novel to start on.
Without giving too much away, here's the gist of the novel; somebody is murdered and found with a pocket full of rye.
I stayed up all night finishing this book to realize the murderer was... well I can't tell you because then you wouldn't read it.
Your friend would enjoy the characters who you think you love but then grow to mistrust and the resolution that connects all the pieces at the end.
The Man Who Would Be King by Rudyard Kipling
Let's say your friend that has everything doesn't really like to read but appreciates the English language. Furthermore, they like classic movies with tales of adventure, mystery, and a little bit of lunacy. My favorite Kipling short story is for them.
The Man Who Would Be King reads a lot like its title suggests. Two British adventurers journey to India to make themselves kings there. A lot happens. Like, a lot. At the end of the story, you are not really sure of what you just read. However, it leaves you with a feeling of, "wow." I think your friend with everything is missing that feeling in their life. You should grant them the pleasure of feeling that by gifting The Man Who Would Be King. Because it is a short story, this work often sells with more of Kipling's stories.
My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows
If this friend has a humorous outlook on life served with a side of history and magic, My Lady Jane is for them. On the back cover it reads,
"The comical, fantastical, romantical, entirely true story of Lady Jane Grey."
This story is far from accurate in its retelling of Jane Grey and her ascension as the Queen of England... for nine days. However, the twists and turns and all around jumps that the authors take in their story will 100 % thrill your friend that has everything. My Lady Jane fits their M.O. like a glove (I am absolutely sure of it).
In His Image by Jen Wilkin
Yes. We all need a little spiritual guidance in our lives. Even your friend that has everything! This devotional is short and simple with its words but beautiful and meaningful with its message. Wilkin goes over ten ways God calls us to reflect His character.
I read probably a quarter of a chapter each morning for part of my personal devotions. Half of the time, I did not want to put it down! I have a personal suggestion for you or your friend; journal your thoughts and takeaways as you read. The book has available pages for notes, but I just used my own notebook.
If your friend is in need of some spiritual maturity (like we all are), consider purchasing this devotional for them. They will thank you for it!
Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
Maybe your friend bleeds romance stories. However, she (or he) goes for the more popular stories and tends to focus on newer romances. Consider purchasing Mansfield Park. One of the six Austen books, Mansfield Park does not get as much limelight as the rest.
In this story, we read of a girl, Fanny, who is rather the opposite of the famous Elizabeth Bennett. However, Fanny has her strengths but more importantly, she knows her weaknesses. This novel does not just address love and matters of the heart, but it addresses social issues and the seriousness of our actions. Your friend is severely missing out on this book.
This completes our first ever "books for" blog post! I hope your friend who has everything can be truly blessed by your purchase of one or more of these books. If you have a specific person in mind for another "books for," let us know in the comments. We would love to help you figure out what book to gift them.
As always, thanks for reading and subscribe to be notified when we post.
Sophia