7 Books for Adults on Your Holiday Gift List

Need I remind you that the holidays are quickly approaching? Do you have friends and family with distinct tastes? Are there people on your list who are just plain difficult to buy for? Here are seven books that could solve some of your shopping problems. I hope you find just what you were looking for.

For People Interested in Art, Fashion, and Culture

Lorraine Geiger's Fashion Fads & Fantasies: Three Decades of Outrageous Dressing (Wisdom House Books, Aug.) Artist-designer Greiger has a passion for street fashion. Born out Grreiger's habit to sketch the people and clothing she sees on the streets of New York and everywhere she travels, this collection of affecting drawings and paintings document not only the fashions and hairstyles of the 1970s through 1990s but also the people and attitudes of an ever-changing society. You'll recognize yourself on many of the pages, but you'll also have many wow and ha-ha moments as you re-live three decades of fashion history. (review copy from the publisher)

For the Knitter

Jody Long's Contemporary Cables (Dover, Sept.) Do you have a yarn lover on your list? Knitters of all skill levels would be thrilled to have this collection of 21 cabled projects. Besides stylish sweaters for both men and women, the book also includes several smaller projects, like shrugs, a beret, a tote, mittens, and more. There's a cozy wrap as well as a long scarf to keep winter's cold at bay. The introduction helps crafters pick yarns and follow the instructions, which are presented in both charts and written form. Each project is rated by skill level and is accompanied by one or more full-color photos. (review copy from the publicist)

For the Film Buff

Jay Jorgensen and Manoah Bowman's Grace Kelly: Hollywood Dream Girl (Dey Street, Oct.): Before Princess Di, the world had Grace Kelly. Everyone was enthralled with her transformation from daughter of American businessman to Hollywood star and then to real-life princess. This collection of photographs, costume sketches, and Hollywood memorabilia is a gorgeous tribute to Kelly's life and work. The book concentrates on her film career and is organized by movie. The images include some of the more familiar publicity shots of Kelly with her directors and costars, but you'll also find reviews, contact sheets, candid shots, and a look behind the scenes of the movies that made her famous. (review copy from the publisher)

For the Food Lover, Photographer, or Francophile

Alex Prud'Homme and Katie Pratt's France Is a Feast: The Photographic Journey of Paul and Julia Child (Thames and Hudson, Oct.) Everyone knows who Julia Child is but few know much about her husband, Paul, who was--among other things--a serious photographer. Fortunately for us, the Childs' great-nephew got together with Pratt, a photography curator, to compile this stunning collection of Paul's black and white photos taken in France after the war. Among Child's subjects are, of course, his famous wife and the beautiful French countryside, but he also focused his lens on street scenes, architecture, and everyday people. His talent for capturing light and mood is breathtaking.

For the Feminist Thinker, Writer, and Activist

Anna Katz's The Nasty Woman Journal: A Journal for Women Who Refuse to Sit Down (or Shut Up!) (Weldon Owen, Aug.) This colorful, lined journal can be used to capture daily thoughts, plot ideas, and record dreams. However, the quotations from strong, independent women from throughout history and the prompt questions that appear on many of the spreads can serve as inspiration to form and solidify thoughts on feminism and social activism. This journal can help channel reactions to the daily doses of news, inspiring us to stay strong and never give up. The back of the journal includes organizations and resources for getting involved in a number of social issues, including climate change, women's health, and immigration. (review copy from the publisher)

Two Stocking Stuffers for the Bookish

• Faber & Faber's Poetry Planner 2018 (Aug) is perfect for the organized poetry lover on your list. This beautifully constructed weekly planner includes a poem or book cover art for every week. The layout is simple, making this a good choice for those who want an uncluttered place to record their appointments. The poetry is a mix of classic and more contemporary. (review copy from the publicist)
• Joelle Herr's A Far, Far Better Thing to Do: A Lit Lover's Activity Book (Running Press, Sept) is small collection of fun puzzles, word games, coloring pages, and quizzes for book lovers of pretty much all ages.  Activities cover the Harlem Renaissance, Shakespeare, classic literary romantic couples, pen names, and more. (review copy from the publicist)