The holidays are here! If you have a loved one who simply cannot be without a book—or you yourself are such a person—you’ve surely noted exciting releases throughout the year, ensuring that just the right title is gift-wrapped and ready on that special morning. You’re in good company. All year long, our editors have been making a list (and checking it twice) of big, beautiful books that avid readers will love to give and receive.
Of course, our recommendations include plenty of books that have been well reviewed by Kirkus this year. We have suggestions for every reader, from the fiction fiend to the armchair traveler, from the amateur historian to the sports fanatic, and young readers of all ages. Regular readers of Kirkus Reviews already know that we typically don’t review books in two categories that are prime for gifting—coffee-table art books and cookbooks. To round out this year’s list, we offer 20 of those titles below.
GIFTS FOR ART LOVERS
By Norman Rosenthal
Thames & Hudson, $60
A beautifully produced, engaging homage.
Danielle Mckinney: Beyond the Brushstroke
By Danielle Mckinney & Barbara Mckinney
Monacelli, $49.95
This ingenious book pairs portraits with journal prompts to deepen engagement.
By Christopher Garis, photographs by Guido Taroni
Vendome Press, $75
Take a sensuous journey through resplendent Sicilian homes.
The Frick Collection: The Historic Interiors of One East Seventieth Street
By Xavier F. Salomon, photographs by Miguel Flores-Vianna
Rizzoli Electa, $65
A room-by-room tour of the iconic museum heralds its long-awaited reopening.
Spatial Alchemy: Design Your Home To Transform Your Life
By Olga Naiman
Artisan, $35
Ably shows how mindful design serves personal goals.
Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Head—The Mind
Edited by Larry Warsh, introduction by Sophia Heriveaux
No More Rulers, $45.95
An intriguing look at a recurring motif in Basquiat's oeuvre.
The Ohno Book: A Serious Guide to Irreverent Type Design
By James Edmondson
Chronicle Books, $29.95
A fun fount of typographical knowledge.
Edited by Jason Fulford, art by Jason Polan
Printed Matter, Inc., $75
A heartfelt appreciation of the “every person in New York” artist.
The American Art Book (Revised and Updated Edition)
By Phaidon Editors & Helen A. Harrison
Phaidon, $79.95
A snazzy redesign of an essential survey of American art.
Color Pattern Texture: The Foundation To Make Your Home Your Own
By Vern Yip
Union Square & Co., $50
Interior design fundamentals from a sparkling TV personality.
GIFTS FOR FOODIES
Six Seasons of Pasta: A New Way With Everyone’s Favorite Food
By Joshua McFadden, with Martha Holmberg
Artisan, $40
For restaurant-quality pasta at home, McFadden is your man.
Russ & Daughters: 100 Years of Appetizing
By Niki Russ Federman & Josh Russ Tupper, with Joshua David Stein; photography by Gentl & Hyers
Flatiron Books, $39.99
The last word in smoked fish, babka, and more deliciousness from New York's Lower East Side.
By Alison Roman
Clarkson Potter, $37.99
A new cookbook from Roman is something to celebrate.
Party People: A Cookbook for Creative Celebrations
By Brie Larson & Courtney McBroom
DK, $35
Larson and McBroom help host unforgettable get-togethers.
Family Thai: Bringing the Flavors of Thailand Home
By Arnold Myint & Kat Thompson
Abrams, $40
International Market chef Myint offers a warm welcome to Thai home cooking.
By Hawa Hassan
Ten Speed Press, $37.99
A powerful collection of recipes and essays from a James Beard Award winner.
Salsa Daddy: Dip Your Way Into Mexican Cooking
By Rick Martínez
Clarkson Potter, $32.99
A zesty offering from the author of Mi Cocina.
Sabzi: Vibrant Vegetarian Recipes
By Yasmin Khan
Norton, $35
Mouthwatering vegetarian and vegan meals from award-winning food writer Khan.
Pastry Temple: Baking With Inspired Flavors
By Christina Wood
Sasquatch Books, $24.95
A self-taught baker demystifies brioche, puff pastry, and croissant.
Recipes From the American South
By Michael W. Twitty
Phaidon, $54.95
An exquisite celebration of Southern cuisine.
The Italian Summer Kitchen: Timeless Recipes for La Dolce Vita
By Cathy Whims, illustrated by Kate Lewis
Countryman Press, $28
This beautifully illustrated volume offers authentic Italian delights.
Nina Palattella is the senior editorial assistant.
