If you’re not talking about what to get those special folks in your life for Christmas, I envy you because you must already be done shopping. For the rest of us, we’re still thinking about what to buy.
Me personally, I have been thinking back on the best gifts I’ve ever received on Christmas. While I can’t remember most gifts I got as a child, what I do remember (very vividly) is my mother’s year-in and year-out excitement.
My mother would be up before the sun every Christmas, waiting for my sister and me to come open our gifts. As we’d not-so-calmly rip through the wrapping paper, my mother would be on the edge of the couch, ready to explode with excitement.
Those are the kind of gifts I want to give—gifts that not only they’ll be excited about, but I’ll be excited about.
Fortunately, several of my loved ones are quite fond of reading. Of course, books aren’t the ideal gift for everyone. However, for the book worms in your life – especially if the book holds a deeper connection – a good read is the perfect gift.
If you plan to give out a book or two this Christmas, there are plenty of Mississippi-based authors worth considering:
- William Faulkner
- Richard Grant
- John Grisham
- Greg Iles
- Kiese Laymon
- Anne Moody
- Willie Morris
- Kathryn Stockett
- Donna Tartt
- Jesmyn Ward
- Eudora Welty
- And the list goes on and on…
If you’re looking for a book to encourage or uplift spirits, here is a shortlist of works written by or with contributing Mississippi authors:
- More Precious Than Gems, She Knows Her Worth by Serene Dumas Lee and several other Mississippi authors
- Driven: Fight for What They Said You Couldn’t Have by Bryant Lavender
- Leading with Uncommon Courage by Tiffany D. Bell and several other Mississippi authors
- There’s Hope: Breaking Invisible Chains by Liz Hoop
- Live Your Faith Out Loud by Dorothy Wilson and several other Mississippi authors
- Mommy Be Healed by Jessica Rankin (This may be my favorite. Wink, wink).
*Most to all of these books and authors can also be found in independent bookstores across the state
No matter the age or type of person you’re shopping for, remember the best gifts are the ones given in love. So, take some time this busy holiday season to truly build a joy-filled holiday by giving gifts that you know will bring happiness, whether it be a book or not. Happy Holidays!
