Tag: Gifts

In 2012, eBook revenue growth was responsible for 23 percent of publisher net revenues, according to the Association of American Publishers in a report published on the Digital Book World site April of this year. Three out of 10 adults read an eBook last year, based on a report Pew Research Internet Project published January of this year. In addition, half of them own dedicated hand-held devices like a tablet or eReader, two devices widely used to read eBooks. Some readers also use smartphones to read eBooks.

In a similar vein, Statistica reported eBook sales revenue was expected to reach 8.69 billion in 2018. This projection is a marked improvement from the 2.31 billion recorded in 2011. eBook sales are expected to rise even more, as different eBook reading apps and eReaders like the Samsung NOOK hit the market. The trend also shows more are switching to eReaders from print, though print books still remain the dominant choice in reading format.

Given all these, buying eBooks for gifts sounds like an excellent idea. Key genres for eBook bestsellers include mystery/thrillers, science fiction books/fantasy and romance, so it’s a good bet your shopping would involve books in these genres.

Here’s our top ten list of recommended bestsellers you could give out as books for the coming holidays this year:

1. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Green’s YA book, about the romance of two cancer survivors, still tops the list of 2014’s bestsellers. If you’re in the mood for a tearjerker sans cheesiness, one with both heart and humor, this book is perfect.

2. Divergent Series by Veronica Roth

Want action, philosophy, romance, and adventure in a Dystopian setting? The Divergent trilogy is in the same vein as the Hunger games trilogy but with a completely different ending. (Clue: not a happy ending). Still, story and character-wise, this series—particularly the first two books—is a win.

3. Gone Girl: A Novel by Gillian Flynn

“What happened to Amy?” is the question at the core of this story. At their fifth anniversary, Nick’s wife—Amy—goes missing. From there, it’s a slow, irresistible ride to find out what happened and why. If you’re looking for a night-time thriller to put you to bed, don’t pick up this book. Otherwise, it’ll keep you wide-awake with a can’t-wait-till-i-get-to-the-last page fever and you’ll be wondering where the night has gone when you see the light creeping outside your window.

4. The Fixed Trilogy by Laurelin Paige

If you’re a fan of the Fifty Shades series, there’s a big chance you’ll fall in love with Alayna and Hudson as well. This steamy trilogy is on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller list.

5. The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty

Cecilia finds a mysterious letter addressed to her. The opening lines read as: “To be opened only in the event of my death…” and so starts the mystery involving John Paul, Cecilia’s husband, and her struggle to either keep or reveal another person’s secret.

6. Love Illuminated by Daniel Jones

This is the compilation of the Modern Love column from the New York Times. Edited by Daniel Jones, these deeply personal, intimate, fun and touching essays not only say a lot about love, but about human relationships in general. Filled with different voices, places and histories, the book is great read for those who find themselves wondering about love, in all its complexities and complications.

7. The Beauty of a Husband by Anne Carson

At times poetry and novel, this is a beautiful and haunting story about a man who can’t be anything but unfaithful and the woman who loves him. The language is sensual and honest and the short passages on the page mimic the steps of a tango dance. An inventive and stirring read.

8. Written on the Body by Jeanette Winterson

This is a about the wonderful romance between Louise and her lover, whose gender is never fully revealed. Quotes from the book include “I love you is always a quotation,” in the sense that many have said the exact same words before we have. And yet, when we do say those words, we say them as though we are doing it for the first time. Tender, touching and lush, this remains as one of Winterson’s best works.

9. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

This is the story of a young German boy whose talent in engineering gets him sent to a military academy. Set in World war II in France and Germany, this is one of the best books you’ll ever read in 2014.

10. The Lumatere Chronicles by Melina Marchetta

Part-science fiction, part-fantasy, the three books in the Lumatere Chronicles combine romance, adventure, and the many ways families sacrifice and love. From insane princesses to adventures that rival the Lord of the Rings in its scope, this three-parter would leave you wanting to root for Isobel, Finnikin, Froi and Quintana, along with the rest of the well-fleshed out characters of the books.

These are just some of the best eBooks you could give as gifts to friends and family. Have fun reading these titles on your own—and adding most, if not all of them, to your personal list of favorites.