Nine books that make great gifts this Christmas
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Perfect presents: The best coffee table books and hot reads
For the inquisitive
Accidental Genius: The World's Greatest By-Chance Discoveries, Richard Gaughan, $18
From X-rays (1895) to superglue (1951), Richard Gaughan chronicles 35 of history's most fortuitous scientific discoveries, including how a chocolate bar accidentally melting in a lab led to the microwave oven (1945). With playful illustrations that lend comic book appeal, the book delivers knowledge—not to mention great did-you-know party openers—in a fun, entertaining manner. —Danya Cohen
For the foodie and travel junkie
Burma: Rivers of Flavor, Naomi Duguid, $35
Celebrated food writer and photographer Naomi Duguid treats food lovers to a delicious cross-country journey in her newest book, which explores the delectable culinary culture of Burma. She covers everything from essential condiments to seductive desserts, with vibrant pictures and a story to accompany each recipe. —Irene Ngo
For the fashion fanatic
The Sartorialist: Closer, Scott Schuman, $32
Scott Schuman, a.k.a. the Sartorialist, has an uncanny ability to home in on people who exhibit exceptional style amid the multitudes on city streets. He became famous for his photographic blog of the same name, and shots showcased there are beautifully collected in this petite volume. Inspiring for fashionistas, voyeurs and photographers alike. —Laura Fader
For the music lover
John Lennon Letters, edited by Hunter Davies, $33
Lennon lovers, rejoice! This gorgeous hardcover explores hundreds of the musician's most intimate and endearing notes, doodles and letters, from his early years to the time of his death. Paired with biographical tidbits and archival photos, this read is sure to be a number 1 hit with Beatles fans. —Madeline Cravit
For the Harry Potter nut
The Casual Vacancy, J.K. Rowling, $37
J.K. Rowling shocked many with The Casual Vacancy, her first novel for adults. In it, life is far removed from the magic world of Harry Potter. The small town of Pagford is rife with discontent, and its citizens are divided over a municipal issue. Claws soon come out, anonymous web posts go up, and tragedy is set in motion. Reviews on the book have been divided. We found it a tad overlong but a shrewd commentary on modern life and incredibly poignant. —Laurie Grassi
For the girl about town
The Book for Dangerous Women, Clare Conville, Liz Hoggard, Sarah-Jane Lovett, $20
Finally, the woman's ultimate guide to love, life and laughter, from the good (chocolate) to the bad (bores) to the ugly (cancer). The advice and observations are succinct and snappy, accurate and humorous. Note the very sensible approach to dieting: Never eat more than you can lift. —Anna Redman
For the graphic novel buff
Building Stories, Chris Ware, $55
Chris Ware takes the graphic novel to new heights with Building Stories. It's a collection of 14 books, pamphlets and posters about the residents of a Chicago brownstone. The way the narrative emerges is dictated by the order in which you choose to read the elements and how deeply you delve into the lives of the characters: a troubled couple, the elderly lady who owns the building and a lonely woman with a false leg, herself the writer of a book that "was in pieces," she says, "like books falling apart out of a carton, maybe." —Laurie Grassi
For the ultimate bibliophile
My Ideal Bookshelf, Jane Mount, $28
Have you ever wondered what you might find on other people's bookshelves? For five years artists Jane Mount has painted images of the book spines in people's collections. Now she and writer-editor Thessaly La Force have created a book featuring Mount's renderings of the titles nearest and dearest to more than 100 famous people, including Patti Smith, James Franco and Malcolm Gladwell. Browse through to see who shares your faves and why they love them, or search for new selections to add to your must-read pile. —Anna Redman
For the dreamer
Country, Jasper Conran, $75
A collection of photos and essays chronicling designer Jasper Contran's year-long journey through the English countryside with photographer Andrew Montgomery. Conran visits artisans and tradespeople as they perfect skills that have been practised for generations: from weaving rush matting and spinning pottery to pressing apples for cider and hand-making butter in custom moulds. A celebration of a centuries-old way of life that will have you longing to take a drive in the country if not pick up and move there. —Laura Fader
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