2021 Book Gift Guide
Words / Sophie from @whatsophieread
‘Tis the season. Like Jess, I love this time of year. The glitter, the family time, cosy films and of course seasonal beverages. It’s also a great time to relax and what better way to do that than with a new book? Whether you’re wanting a decadent memoir, a novel set in Italy or something a bit closer to Aotearoa, we have you covered.
The one who misses travelling: If you’re like me, your passport is probably looking a bit dusty, or um, expired. If you want to experience Italy from your couch or poolside, give Natalia Ginzburg a go. ‘The Road To The City’ is a coming-of-age story, about finding yourself in the midst of youth and a large, turbulent family.
The one who wants to laugh and be moved: What would you do if life threw you a curveball? How do you find brilliance in the unpredictability? Sophie Heawood considers all this and more in her sensational memoir ‘The Hungover Games’. It’s raucous, heartwarming and fun to read.
The one who wants a novel set in Auckland: It’d be criminal to not include ‘Greta and Valdin’, my book of the year in this guide. A stunning debut novel about love, family, friendship and identity. I love that Rebecca K Reilly chose to primarily set it in Auckland as it adds an extra layer of familiarity. It’s also a really hilarious read. Petition for Taika Waititi to do the screenplay tbh.
The one who’s a fine art student or likes a good pop culture reference: ‘Things I Learned At Art School’ is a vibrant, vivacious book of art and life, growing up in 80’s New Zealand and beyond. A book about forging a creative path and also family, the essay ‘Art In The Waiting Room’ will stay with you long after reading it.
The one who wants a feel-good read to have in their beach bag: If you haven’t yet acquainted yourself with Dolly Alderton, get on board. ‘Ghosts’ is her fiction debut about Nina, a thirty-something food writer trying to grapple with love, a new decade and the changes in her friend’s and parent’s lives. If you know Dolly’s work, her writing is so nuanced and intimate. It’s an enjoyable read.
The one who loves Stanley Tucci, and food. Perhaps both: Food memoir and Stanley Tucci. Who would not love this one? I had it on my wishlist but had to go out and buy it, the temptation was too real. There’s also recipes throughout like his famous Negronis and his family’s Italian recipes. You’ll want to make pasta and be merry. Seriously, get amongst it. This book is brilliant.
Sophie is an aspiring essayist from Auckland, New Zealand. When she isn’t writing, she can be found reading multiple books at once or re-watching Fleabag for the umpteenth time. She also writes the blog, States of Sophie.