We’ve spent all year rooting out the perfect reads for our friends and family. Here are the books we’ll be surprising them with...
Recommendations
Books on the Penguin team's shopping list
For my mum...
5 Ingredients
Jamie Oliver
My mum likes cooking, and loves cookbooks - but often doesn't cook all that much. She has a busy job, and doesn't have time to buy loads of ingredients and cook them all. I reckon Jamie's new book is just what she's looking for.
James, Events
For my friends...
Homegoing
Yaa Gyasi
Homegoing explores so many powerful voices and emotions that I can’t stop giving copies to all my girlfriends. We keep telling each other it should be turned into a film! The story follows two sisters and their descendants throughout time, all the way from Ghana to America.
Elke, Penguin General
For my boyfriend...
Really Good Dog Photography
Hoxton Mini Press
My boyfriend is a dog-lover who can't actually have a dog due to living in a tiny flat with no outdoor space, I think this book will make an excellent present. Sure, there are lots of cute dogs within but the powerful and elegant photography also shows our canine companions as the dignified and complex animals they really are.
Indira, Social Media
For my workmate...
The Lean Startup
Eric Ries
I’ve got one of those colleagues who's always talking how they'd do a better job of running the place; I think this is the blueprint they need for testing their vision and making it happen.
Jonathan, Analytics
For my niece...
Malala's Magic Pencil
Malala Yousafzai
Written by Malala Yousafzai herself, this inspiring picture book will empower small superheroes to make positive changes to their world every day. Stylishly illustrated by Kerascoet, with gorgeous bronze foil detailing, it'll make a beautiful and meaningful gift.
Tash, Children’s books
For my mum...
Paris for One and Other Stories
Jojo Moyes
My mum cannot wait for the third Lou Clarke book out in January, so I thought this lovely short story collection by Jojo Moyes might tide her over until then.
Claire, Audiences
For my dad...
Britain’s 100 best railway stations
Simon Jenkins
Having spent my childhood trying to round up Dad as he spent hours admiring public transport infrastructure, I think this book is the perfect fit. It’s got glossy, beautiful photography, and he can explore railway stations across Britain - from the Scottish highlands to bustling seaside towns - while learning interesting facts.
Miranda, Digital
For my brother...
Artemis
Andy Weir
My brother's a big sci-fi fan, but he likes his books more inventive than flying-a-spaceship-and-shooting-some-baddies. Pretty sure the story of a hard-up woman living on the moon who accepts a mission to plan the perfect crime will be right up his street!
Rachel, Digital
For my best friend...
Mad
Chloe Esposito
My best friend is a bit of a reluctant reader and definitely needs a page turner. I thought Mad was bonkers and brilliant and I’m she’ll devour it.
Bronagh, Children’s marketing
For my girlfriend...
The Line
Keri Smith
My girlfriend is an architect and she spends all day producing extremely detailed drawings of buildings. I'm sure she'll appreciate the chance to engage in a more freewheeling doodling adventure.
Zainab, Campaigns
For my teenage niece...
Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls
Elena Favilli, Francesca Cavallo
My niece is fresh to secondary school and finding the whole experience a little daunting. I’ve chosen this one to inspire her and remind her how kick-ass girls can be!
Alice, Penguin Shop
