We’re getting closer and closer to the holidays, and if you’re like me, you’re making gift lists for everyone you love. We wanted to make your gifting season easier for you, so we’ve pulled together a list of holiday markets in Toronto where you can find unique goodies for everyone on your list, but we wanted to share some recommendations for the bookish people on your gift list as well. So read on, for an assortment of book ideas for almost everyone on your holiday gift list…

For the one who loves Hallmark movies…

The Baby Dragon Cafe by A.T. Qureshi

The Baby Dragon Cafe is Aamna (A.T.) Qureshi’s cozy romantic fantasy set in a world of dragons and magic. When Saphira opens her cafe welcoming baby dragons, she doesn’t expect it to be so hard. Her baby dragon patrons keep incinerating the furniture, so selling coffee isn’t covering all her costs. Meanwhile, local hottie Aiden is a gardener, but his disobedient baby dragon is a big distraction from his beloved plants. However, a chance encounter with Saphira gives him an idea—he’ll ask Saphira to train his dragon, and pay her enough to help keep her cafe afloat. They’re the answer to each other’s problems, but bubbly and cheerful Saphira and brooding but gorgeous Aiden couldn’t be more different… can they find a way to work together? And perhaps light their own spark? 

For the one who loves a cozy mystery…

Detective Aunty by Uzma Jalaluddin

Detective Aunty is the first book in a cozy detective series by Uzma Jaluddin. The story follows Kausar Khan, a new widow who never thought she’d receive a phone call as devastating as the one that informed her of her husband’s unexpected passing eighteen months ago. That is, until her thirty-something daughter Sana calls to say she’s been arrested for killing the unpopular landlord of her clothing boutique. Determined to help her daughter, Kausar makes her way to Toronto for the first time in nearly twenty years, returning to the Golden Crescent suburb where she raised her children. She finds that the thriving neighbourhood she remembered has changed, and that Sana’s landlord’s murder is only the most recent in a series of crimes that have gone unsolved. With the help of some old friends, and her teenage granddaughter, Kausar starts digging to uncover the truth… because who better to get answers than a meddling aunty?

For the one who loves memoirs…

Look Ma, No Hands by Gabrielle Drolet

Look Ma, No Hands is a tender, heartfelt, and hilarious debut memoir by Gabrielle Drolet. In 2021, Gabrielle Drolet developed a condition that made her unable to use her hands. As a writer and artist, she had to learn new ways to create and express herself, even as her condition worsened over time, changing her life and her outlook. Earnest, vulnerable, and laugh-out-loud funny, the essays range in topics, covering a broad array of Drolet’s experiences, largely centered around navigating, understanding, and coming to terms with her disability. From learning how to write when she couldn’t type, to moving cities, to navigating challenging and outdating health systems, to dating – this collection shows you how “you can live a full – even funny – life in a disabled body.”

For the one trying to finish their master’s…

Katabasis by R.F. Kuang

Katabasis is R.F. Kuang’s latest book – an immersive dark academia fantasy that follows two graduate students who must put aside their rivalry so they can journey to hell, in order to retrieve their professor’s soul. Anything for a reference letter, am I right? Alice Law has only ever had one goal: to become one of the brightest minds in the field of Magick. She’s sacrificed everything for her career, and it was all to work with the renowned Cambridge professor Jacob Grimes, the greatest magician in the world… at least until he dies in a magical accident, that could, possibly, have been her fault. Now Grimes is in hell, and she’s got to get him back…but her rival, Peter Murdoch, is going to try to do the same thing. With nothing but the tales of Orpheus and Dante to guide them, and enough chalk to draw the Pentagrams they need for their spells, they’re driven by the burning desire to make all of their academic trauma worth something, as they risk their lives to save a man neither of them even likes.

For the one trying to manage their screen time…

Smartphone Nation by Dr. Kaitlyn Regehr

Dr. Kaitlyn Regehr’s Smartphone Nation is a refreshingly candid and practical guide to help you gain back your agency in the face of your smartphone. Filled with science-backed strategies and exercises, this book will help you and your children become informed digital citizens in this age of smartphones, social media, and artificial intelligence. In this book, Dr. Regehr explores the concept of navigating a healthy relationship with digital consumption through the introduction of digital nutrition — breaking down the ways we can interact with the digital world effectively and productively. The tips in this book are accessible, helping you navigate the attention economy, game your algorithm, spot misinformation, and so much more. 

For the one who loves to learn…

Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green

John Green’s Everything is Tuberculosis was a short but fascinating read about tuberculosis, and the ways it has been entwined with humanity for hundreds of years. Once, it was romanticized as the illness suffered by artists and poets, but it’s now associated with poverty, and exacerbated by inequity and injustice. In 2019, Green met a young tuberculosis patient named Henry in a hospital in Sierra Leone, and they soon became good friends. In the years since they met, Green became an advocate for healthcare inequality and tuberculosis care. This book partially shares Henry’s story, entwining it with the history of tuberculosis in science and society. This is an enjoyable and informative read, perfect for someone who loves to learn. 

For the one who loves a cult documentary…

The Scammer by Tiffany D. Jackson

Tiffany D. Jackson’s The Scammer is a “ripped from the headlines” young adult thriller that follows a freshman in college. Finally away from her overprotective parents, Jordyn is ready to kill it in prelaw at a prestigious historically Black university in Washington, DC. When her roommate’s brother is released from prison, the last thing she expects is to come home and find the ex-convict on their dorm room sofa, but Devonte needs a place to stay while he gets back on his feet, and how can she say no? Devonte is older, and he’s quite intelligent and charming, constantly pushing the students he meets to make better choices. But Jordyn starts to sense something sinister beneath his friendly advice, and his steadily growing band of followers. When one of Jordyn’s roommates goes missing, she enlists the help of the university’s lone white student in order to uncover the mystery… but the conspiracy is much more tangled than she can imagine. 

For the one who’s a Disney adult…

Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything: A Memoir by Alyson Stoner

Alyson Stoner is an actor and dancer who is probably very familiar to millennials who grew up on Missy Elliot music videos and Disney Channel movies. As a Hollywood child star, aised on soundstages and studio lots from the time they were six, they experienced much of their childhood inside the bizarre fishbowl known as “show-biz”. From 80-hour workweeks as an eight-year-old, to kidnapping plots, intrusive fans,  and body shaming, they went through a lot, and really struggled to find stability and sanity through their chaotic life. In Semi-Well-Adjusted, they share their story for the first time, detailing their turbulent childhood, their experiences coming to terms with their sexuality, and their reckoning with a career that reached high peaks at early ages. This is a thoughtful and striking story, tying together their own experiences with greater conversations about fame, media culture, child development, and the “toddler to trainwreck pipeline”. 

For the one who loves romantasy…

Arcana Academy by Elise Kova

Elise Kova’s Arcana Academy was a breathtaking and exhilarating romantic fantasy book about a woman who wields magical tarot cards, and soon finds herself in a fake engagement with the headmaster of a mysterious magical academy. Clara Graysword has survived the underworld of Eclipse City through thievery and illegal magic, but after a job went bad, she was sentenced to a life in prison for illegally inking tarot cards — a rare power that’s reserved for practitioners of the elite Arcana Academy. Just when it seems that everything is hopeless, the academy’s enigmatic headmaster, Prince Kaelis, offers her an escape…for a price. He believes that Clara has the perfect set of skills to help him steal a tarot card from the king, and use it to recreate an all-powerful card that’s been lost to time. In order to keep her close, and keep her identity a secret, Kaelis brings Clara to the academy, introducing her as his new betrothed. Thrust into a world of magic and intrigue, where one misstep could send her back to prison (or worse), Clara soon learns that the prince she had sworn to hate may not be what she thought he was… but can she risk giving him access to this ultimate power?

For the one who loves fairytales (with a twist)…

Never Ever After by Sue Lynn Tan

Sue Lynn Tan is one of my favourite authors, and I loved her young adult debut, Never Ever After. Loosely inspired by the story of Cinderella, this fantasy book follows Yining, who lives a difficult life in the Iron Mountains. After the death of her beloved uncle, she survived by becoming a skilled liar and thief. When she acquires an enchanted ring that is stolen by her cruel step-aunt, Yining must make her way into the heart of the kingdom in order to get it back. Among the grandeur of the palace, Yining catches the eye of the ambitious and ruthless prince, who tempts her with the promises of a world she could have never imagined. But nothing is as it seems, and she soon finds herself caught up in a world of lies, power, greed, and treachery.  In order to break free and forge a new future, she must confront her past. 

For the one looking for something a little steamy…

Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid

Rachel Reid’s Heated Rivalry is a sexy queer romance that has now been adapted into a TV show. Nothing interferes with pro hockey player Shane Hollander’s game. He’s talented, has a spotless record, and is now the captain of the Montreal Voyageurs. Nothing will jeopardize his reputation or his career. Least of all his sexy Russian rival. Ilya Rozanov is the captain of the Boston Bears, and he’s everything Shane is not. Cocky and talented, no one can beat him on the ice… except for Shane. They’ve made a career of their legendary rivalry, but when they’re off the ice, their chemistry is undeniable. As their attraction intensifies, it gets harder and harder to keep their relationship a secret. But if the truth comes out, it could ruin them both.

For the one who loves a good “book club” book…

Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell

Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet is a beautiful literary peek behind the scenes of the little-known story behind Shakespeare’s most enigmatic play. Set in the 1580s, the story follows Agnes, a woman who is both feared and sought after, due to her unusual gifts. She and her husband settle in Stratford, where they have three children: their daughter Susanna, followed by twins Hamnet and Judith. Hamnet dies in 1596, at the age of 11. About four years later, her husband writes a play called Hamlet. Exploring a story that’s usually left in the footnotes of history, this is a gorgeous take of grief, loss, and the woman often forgotten in the shadows when we discuss William Shakespeare. Pick up the book before you watch Chloe Zhao’s moving film adaptation, in theatres now.

For the one who’s trying to break up with food delivery apps…

Soups, Salads, Sandwiches by Matty Matheson

Matty Matheson’s latest cookbook redefines the “holy trinity” of cooking: soups, salads, and sandwiches. This trio makes up so many of our meals, but doesn’t often get the attention it deserves… until now. Matheson revolutionizes how you think of these basics with delicious twists and bold flavours, introducing you to your next favourite foods — from comforting soups, to mouthwatering sandwiches, and salads that will be the star of the show, this is the perfect cookbook to help someone get more comfortable in the kitchen.

For the one who loves horror…

The Hunger We Pass Down by Jen Sookfong Lee

Jen Sookfong Lee’s The Hunger We Pass Down is a horror-tinged saga following single mother Alice Chow, who is drowning with her booming online business, her resentful teenage daughter, and her screen-obsessed son. It’s all she can do to just collapse on the couch every night. So, it’s a relief when Alice wakes up one day, and everything has been done. Her counters are clear, her kids’ rooms are clean, her orders are neatly packed and labelled, but the only thing is… she doesn’t know who did it. She should be uneasy, but she’s enjoying using the extra time to connect with her children and her mother. She starts to learn about their family’s haunted history, from Alice’s great-grandmother, who was a comfort woman during WWII, all the way to Alice herself. But the family demons, both real and subconscious, are becoming impossible to ignore…

For the one who likes to live their life one quarter mile at a time…

Welcome to the Family by Barry Hertz

Barry Hertz’ ode to the Fast and Furious series is an exclusive deep dive into the history and future of the iconic Fast & Furious film franchise (try saying that five times fast!). From mind-blowing stunts, to timeline-bending stories, to PR wars between the “biggest baldest egos in showbiz” — the Fast & Furious franchise has quickly cemented itself in the pop culture canon, redefining the art and industry of the movie business. Combining behind-the-scenes reporting with the author’s cultural commentary, Welcome to the Family chronicles the film franchise’s strange and memorable journey.

For the one looking to level up their cooking…

Kiin: Recipes and Stories from Northern Thailand by Nuit Regular

Inspired by the ingredients and aromas she grew up with in Northern Thailand, Nuit Regular learnt to cook in her mother’s kitchen. Chef Nuit is probably no stranger to Toronto-based readers, because she’s the chef and co-owner of iconic Toronto restaurants, including Pai and Kiin. Kiin means “eat” in Thai, and this cookbook combines reflections from Nuit’s life in Thailand with her passion for cooking and sharing Thai cuisine. With 120 authentic Thai recipes, stunning photography, and personal essays, this book will be a crowd pleaser (and you’ll want to angle for a dinner invite when you give this gift!)

For the little one with a BIG sense of humour…

Don’t Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson

Neil Sharpson’s latest picture book, Don’t Trust Fish, is laugh-out-loud funny, for children and grown-ups alike. With adorable fishy art (from Dan Santat) and a bunch of fun and accessible fish facts, this book is o-fish-ally (sorry!!) one of my favourite picture books!

For the little one learning about friendship…

Aggie and the Ghost by Matthew Forsythe

Matthew Forsythe’s Aggie and the Ghost is an adorable and funny story about a young girl named Aggie, who’s excited to live by herself, only to find out that her new house is haunted. But no fear. This situation can be fixed with a specific set of rules, like: no haunting after dark, no stealing stocks, and no eating all the food. But the ghost doesn’t like playing by the rules, and challenges Aggie to an epic game of tic-tac-toe, where the winner gets the house.

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Ameema Saeed (@ameemabackwards) is a storyteller, a Capricorn, an avid bookworm, and a curator of very specific playlists and customized book recommendations. She’s a book reviewer, a Sensitivity Reader, a book buyer at Indigo Books & Music, and the Books Editor for She Does the City, where she writes and curates bookish content, and book recommendations. She enjoys bad puns, good food, dancing, and talking about feelings. She writes about books, big feelings, unruly bodies, and her lived experiences, and hopes to write your next favourite book one day. When she’s not reading books, she likes to talk about books (especially diverse books, and books by diverse authors) on her bookstagram: @ReadWithMeemz