 The Holiday 25 This week we're sending out DDG'S Pick of the Holiday Litter. The 25 Best Books To Give Your Friends And Loved Ones, as originally presented in print in The Franklin Journal, The Lewiston Sun and The Central Maine Morning Sentinel. |
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The House
By Lewis, J. Patrick 2009-07 - Creative Company 9781568462011 - Paperback List Price $19.95 - Your Price: $15.96
There are some books that just transcend genre and this stunning book illustrated by renowned artist Robert Innocenti is one of them. It gives voice to a woodland farmhouse built in 1900 and in each two page spread readers will delight to finding subtle changes to it, to the well, to the landscape, and to the house itself. J. Patrick Lewis text is sublime as well. This is a book to treasure and share in a family setting because it so magically captures the passage of time. ...More |
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Today I Will: A Year of Quotes, Notes, and Promises to Myself
By Spinelli, Eileen 2009-10 - Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers 9780375840579 - Hardcover See Other Formats List Price $15.99 - Your Price: $12.79
Great concept here, an affirmation a day book of 366 quotes all selected from childrens books by the Spinelli's, with brief interpretations. For example May 25th is "I'm sure you're much nicer than you look." This is a book or real wisdom that will bring many smiles to many faces. ...More |
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The Heart of the Great Alone: Scott, Shackleton, and Antarctic Photography
By Hempleman-Adams, David 2009-10 - Bloomsbury Publishing PLC 9781608190072 - Hardcover List Price $47.50 - Your Price: $38.00
This coffee table book featuring the finest extant Antarctic exploration photographs is a marvel of its kind. Image after image takes one to a beautiful and dangerous world. ...More |
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National Geographic Image Collection
By Delaney, Michelle Anne 2009-10 - Focal Point 9781426205033 - Hardcover List Price $50.00 - Your Price: $40.00
This book is just everything a coffee table book should be, one remarkable image after another culled from over 100 years of National Geographic photo collecting. The book is divided into four sections, Exploration, Wildlife, People and Culture, and Science and Climate Change. ...More |
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The Angel's Game
By Ruiz Zafon, Carlos 2009-06 - Doubleday Books 9780385528702 - Hardcover See Other Formats List Price $26.95 - Your Price: $21.56
The Angels Game which is set in Barcelona a generation before Zafon's brilliant Shadow of the Wind, not only deals with literary themes, Gothic strands, Faustian elements, and earthy touches of magical realism, but it is chock full of marvelous dialogue and pricelessly funny banter. The characters are hard boiled, crusty, and entirely endearing. The issue of the writing process itself is brilliantly and provocatively handled. If you know someone whose idea of a good time is reading a great book,The Angels Game is a strong move.
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The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane
By Howe, Katherine 2009-06 - Hyperion Books 9781401340902 - Hardcover See Other Formats List Price $25.99 - Your Price: $20.79
The slow unearthing of a living history which transforms the past, conveyed by a dual historical and contemporary narrative, has proven a sure fire method for books which start out filled with intrigue and promise, but end up rendered unsatisfying due to overused plot devices and cardboard characters. This is not the unhappy fate, however, of The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane, a highly anticipated re-imagining of the Salem Witch Trials. Unlike The Eight, for example, which is so relentless in doing too much with too little, Howe provides complex, satisfying characters, and an understated sense of mystery, which makes for a far more satisfying and enjoyable read. ...More |
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The Magicians
By Grossman, Lev 2009-08 - Viking Books 9780670020553 - Hardcover See Other Formats List Price $26.95 - Your Price: $21.56
This is a book which explores the themes of magic and magicians with an adult sensibility, powerfully reexamining the passage into adulthood. Set initially in Brakebills, a very convincing college of Magic, The Magicians is a world in which there is no safety net, no dragons to slay, nothing but the Magicians themselves. At least that is true for most of them. This book is tremendously fun, perceptive, visceral, romantic and exciting, without ever losing its depth or philosophical edge. Don't miss it.
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The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History
By Edsel, Robert M. 2009-09 - Center Street 9781599951492 - Hardcover List Price $26.99 - Your Price: $21.59
This gripping history of the soldiers who worked during the war to track down and save imperiled masterworks of European art seized by the Nazi's, is very good reading. Edsel's account takes the more general tale told in Lynn Nicholas' excellent The Rape of Europa and makes it more personal and dramatic. A fascinating topic and well told to boot. ...More |
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Where in Maine: 50 Intriguing Place in the Pine Tree State
By Vietze, Andrew 2009-09 - Down East Books 9780892728060 - Paperback List Price $24.95 - Your Price: $19.96
Labradoodles, Arnold Palmers, some combinations just work. And so it is with Where in Maine: 50 Intriguing Places in the Pine Tree State. Part Coffee table book, part puzzle book, what's not to love? The pictures are fabulous, and hey have you been to that place or seen it somewhere, maybe Marshall Dodge was wrong, you can guess there from here. ...More |
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My Little Red Fire Truck
By Johnson, Stephen T. 2009-09 - Simon & Schuster 9781416925224 - Other List Price $19.99 - Your Price: $15.99
Okay this is a hugely important addition to interactive books for 3-6 year olds. It's fantastic for spacial skills. And why? Well, there is a key to start the engine, a working gearshift, a gas hose, a dispatch radio, spinning wheels with an air pressure gauge and much more. No toddler could be unmoved by this colossally fun (and spatially developmental) book. ...More |
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The Lion and the Mouse
By Pinkney, Jerry 2009-09 - Little, Brown Young Readers 9780316013567 - Hardcover List Price $16.99 - Your Price: $13.59
In this wordless adaptation of one of Aesop's most beloved fables by an award-winning artist, an unlikely pair learns that no act of kindness is ever wasted. With vivid depictions of the landscape of the African Serengeti and expressively drawn characters, Pinkney makes this a truly special retelling. ...More |
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The Christmas Magic
By Thompson, Lauren 2009-09 - Scholastic Press 9780439774970 - Hardcover List Price $16.99 - Your Price: $13.59
This warm and simple story of Santa, sans elves and helpers, preparing for his journey amidst the wonder of the polar night, is brought to life by the exquisite watercolor art of John Muth. In its simplicity, warmth, and wonder this Christmas story brings a sense of the Holidays to young readers that is well worth giving. ...More |
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My Chanukah Playbook
By Yoon, Salina 2009-10 - Little Simon 9781416989578 - Hardcover List Price $10.99 - Your Price: $8.79
My Chanukah Playbook is a colorful, interactive book with eight golden play pieces that can be used on every page, and just the right amount of content for young children. This book is sure to make one of the nights of Chanukah a hit. ...More |
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First Ballet
By Caswell, Deanna 2009-10 - Hyperion Books 9781423113539 - Hardcover List Price $16.99 - Your Price: $13.59
If ever a book proved the idea that less is more when it comes to picture book rhyme schemes it is First Ballet. This delightful book not only captures the magic of loving the the ballet, but it captures the charm of truly being captivated by anything magical. ...More |
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The Circus Ship
By Van Dusen, Chris 2009-09 - Candlewick Press (MA) 9780763630904 - Hardcover List Price $16.99 - Your Price: $13.59
This is a wonderful new picture book by Maine author Chris Van Dusen. It tells the tale of a ship of circus animals, owned by an evil, greedy man, which runs aground on an island of nice villagers, who hide the animals from the owner. On one spectacular full page spread children will delight in finding the hidden animals in the picture! ...More |
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Otis
By Long, Loren 2009-09 - Philomel Books 9780399252488 - Hardcover List Price $17.99 - Your Price: $14.39
Otis is Loren Long's tribute to the classic picture books of Virginia Lee Burton and Robert Lawson, though I must say that it also strongly reminded me of Dahlov Ipcar's One Horse Farm a childhood favorite for me. It is the tale of Otis the tractor who is replaced by The Big Yellow Tractor and put out to rust. Has he outlived his usefulness? This is the sort of book that kids just fall in love with. ...More |
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The Bog Baby
By Willis, Jeanne 2009-10 - Schwartz & Wade Books 9780375861765 - Hardcover See Other Formats List Price $16.99 - Your Price: $13.59
The Bog Baby is just the book to share with a child about the wonders of nature, of keeping and of letting go. Told by a mother about a secret creature she found and kept with her sister as children, the story has a warmth and wonder to it that children will want to wander in many times. ...More |
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Whoo! Whoo! Goes the Train
By Rockwell, Anne F. 2009-07 - HarperCollins 9780060562274 - Hardcover List Price $17.99 - Your Price: $14.39
Good men aren't the only thing that are hard to find, good train books are too. That's where Anne Rockwell's new book comes in. It not only makes a young child's love of trains part of the storyline, it captures it perfectly. Train loving children will want to hear this book read to them again and again. ...More |
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Waddle!: A Scanimation Picture Book
By Butler Seder, Rufus 2009-10 - Workman Publishing 9780761151128 - Hardcover List Price $12.95 - Your Price: $10.36
This "scanimation" sequel to the beloved Gallop features more amazing animals in motion, this time with color. Each page asks young reader a question, such as can you flap like a hummingbird. Children will squeal with delight as they move the page and the red hummingbird flies. This is Rufus Butler Seder's best yet. ...More |
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The Moosewood Restaurant Cooking for Health: More Than 200 New Recipes for Delicious and Nutrient-Rich Dishes
By Moosewood, Collective 2009-11 - Simon & Schuster 9781416548874 - Paperback See Other Formats List Price $24.99 - Your Price: $19.99
Not only does the newest Moosewood cookbook have a stately Moose on the cover, but its focus on nutrient rich dishes will be much appreciated by people looking to make the most of favorite foods, such as spanikopita, quesadillas and pizza, from both a taste and a health point of view. ...More |
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Mark Bittman's Kitchen Express: 404 Inspired Seasonal Dishes You Can Make in 20 Minutes or Less
By Bittman, Mark 2009-07 - Simon & Schuster 9781416575665 - Hardcover List Price $26.00 - Your Price: $20.80
Put together a great cook and a great concept and you have Mark Bittman's Kitchen Express: 404 Inspired Seasonal Dishes You Can Make in 20 Minutes or Less. I mean who can't use great recipes for cooking great food in twenty minutes. ...More |
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Fire
By Cashore, Kristin 2009-10 - Dial Books 9780803734616 - Hardcover See Other Formats List Price $17.99 - Your Price: $14.39
Exquisitely romantic, this companion to the acclaimed "Graceling" has an entirely new cast of characters, save for one person who plays a pivotal role in the previous book. This story features a girl named Fire, whose beauty is impossibly irresistible and who can control the minds of everyone around her. ...More |
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The Maze Runner
By Dashner, James 2009-10 - Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers 9780385737944 - Hardcover See Other Formats List Price $16.99 - Your Price: $13.59
Maze Runner
This is an excellent new Young Adult novel. A boy named Thomas awakes with no memories, in an elevator that sends him to The Glade, the center of a deadly maze in which a group of other boys have been sent to solve. You can read my full Maze Runner Review here.
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Million-Dollar Throw
By Lupica, Mike 2009-11 - Philomel Books 9780399246265 - Hardcover List Price $17.99 - Your Price: $14.39
Mike Lupica's newest middle grade sports novel has depth, relevance, and the New England Patriots going for it. It deals with a boy, Nate, who idolized New England Patriot's Quarterback Tom Brady. Nate gets a chance to make a single perfect throw at a Patriot's game to win a million dollars. With his family struggling in the bad economy, and foreclosure looming, Nate takes pressure on himself beyond his ability to handle. This is a powerful story that will resonate strongly with its middle grade audience. ...More |
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Our Front Pages: 21 Years of Greatness, Virtue, and Moral Rectitude from America's Finest News Source
By The, Onion 2009-11 - Scribner Book Company 9781439156926 - Hardcover List Price $28.00 - Your Price: $22.40
Odd to think that The Onion has been around for more than twenty years, but there it is. From early Front Pages reflecting The Onion's origins as a low budget humor rag produced by two University of Wisconsin students to last year's news, the quality of humor hasn't changed. ...More |
