What We’re Reading: Holiday Gift Edition

A stack of books tied together with a green and yellow ribbon bow, symbolizing a thoughtful gift for a book lover.

During the holidays, many of us on the Celadon team like to give books as gifts. This is what we’re wrapping up this year.

By the Celadon TeamA cookbook cover titled "ottolenghi simple" by yotam ottolenghi, featuring an appetizing spread with dishes like meatballs, salad, and a dish with tomatoes and possibly cheese, all styled in a rustic and inviting presentation.

Ottolenghi Simple by Yotam Ottolenghi

“People who have used his earlier cookbooks will find that many of the recipes really are simpler than those in the other books. And even if you don’t cook, but like to eat, you will savor just turning the pages and looking at the photos. It’s a beautiful gift book.” – Jamie Raab, PresidentA cookbook cover featuring the title "now & again" by julia turshen, highlighting go-to recipes, inspired menus, and ideas for reinventing leftovers, accompanied by an image of a colorful salad and a savory sandwich plate.

Now & Again: Go-To Recipes, Inspired Menus + Endless Ideas for Reinventing Leftovers by Julia Turshen

“The holidays are for spending time with family and friends…and for feeding them…or encouraging them to feed you. My big holiday gift book is Julia Turshen’s latest, Now & Again, a wonderful follow-up to her first book, Small Victories, which is one of my fave cookbooks. Happy and Merry to all!” – Deb Futter, PublisherThe Mamba Mentality: How I PlayThe image shows the cover of a book titled "kobe bryant: the mamba mentality - how i play" with a close profile shot of kobe bryant's face, capturing a contemplative and focused expression. the book includes an introduction by phil jackson and photography by andrew d. bernstein. by Kobe Bryant

“If you are like me and have a 16-year-old boy at home or on your gift-giving list, then you are in luck. This beautiful book is both an incredible story and awe-inspiring photography collection. I foresee hours of page-turning in the days ahead.” –Rachel Chou, SVP, Associate PublisherThe cover of a children's book titled 'the wonky donkey' by craig smith, featuring a whimsical illustration of a cheerful-looking donkey with a tilted head, evoking a sense of fun and playfulness.

The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith

“I’ve been reading a lot of children’s books, now that I have a six-month-old baby girl. So if you have anyone on your list that has a young child, get The Wonky Donkey. The book is a few years old, but just now at the top of the bestseller list because of a viral video of a Scottish woman dying laughing while reading it to her grandson. I love that publishing story and the book is very, very funny.” –Ryan Doherty, VP, Executive EditorA collage of portraits showcasing diverse women, each engaged in creative or professional pursuits, symbolizes empowerment and serves as an introduction to stories of inspiration and advice from over 100 female makers, artists, and entrepreneurs.In the Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from Over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs  by Grace Bonney

“This book was a New York Times bestseller a year or two ago but still very relevant for talented young women who have dreams of having their own ‘creative business.'” –Anne Twomey, VP, Creative DirectorA woman in a contemplative pose graces the cover of 'my year of rest and relaxation' by ottessa moshfegh, hinting at a story of introspection and personal journey.

Black and white drawing of five books standing upright and stacked together in a row.

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My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh

“I’d love to gift My Year of Rest and Relaxation. In full disclosure, I haven’t read it yet, but it’s next up on my TBR pile! The beauty of the holidays is finally having the time to just stay in your PJs all day and catch up on the books you’ve been meaning to get to since the summer.” –Christine Mykityshyn, Senior Publicity DirectorFire and Fury: Inside the Trump White HouseA book cover titled "fire and fury: inside the trump white house" by michael wolff, featuring a close-up image of donald trump speaking emphatically. by Michael Wolff

“If there is someone in your life who can’t start a conversation that doesn’t end with Donald Trump, this book is a good gift! A lot of tea was spilled in Trump’s White House.” –Heather Graham, Director of ContentErebus: One Ship, Two Epic Voyages, and the Greatest Naval Mystery of All TimeA book cover featuring an illustration of a sailing ship on rough seas, with the title "erebus" by michael palin, and the tagline "one ship, two epic voyages, and the greatest naval mystery of all time. by Michael Palin

“I am gifting Erebus: One Ship, Two Epic Voyages, and the Greatest Naval Mystery of All Time because Michael Palin autographed it. I attended his lecture on it and can’t wait to read it myself!” –Jaime Noven, Senior Marketing ManagerGmorning, Gnight!An illustration of a book cover titled "gmorning, gnight! little pep talks for me & you" by lin-manuel miranda, illustrated by jonny sun, labeled as a new york times bestseller, featuring simple line drawings of a sun, a microphone, a bed, and a bedside table. by Lin-Manuel Miranda

“This little book has something for everyone. It’s warm and uplifting, with a dash of pop culture and fun illustrations, and some patented, feel-good Lin-Manuel Miranda rhyme.” –Randi Kramer, Assistant EditorThe Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through ScienceA cover of the book "the food lab" by j. kenji lópez-alt, featuring accolades and symbols related to cooking and science. by J. Kenji López-Alt

“This is a go-to holiday present for me. Part cookbook and part food science guide, The Food Lab shows you how to cook absolutely everything and explains the science behind it. This book has become my bible in the kitchen and makes the perfect present for everyone, from novice cooks to experts who want to understand the science behind their meals.”–Cecily Van Buren-Freedman, Assistant Editor

Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking

“Every year, I get my boyfriend one book, and his favorite is nonfiction. In the past, I’ve gifted him books about advertising, effective communicating, and FBI memoirs – this year Brief Answers to the Big Questions is at the top of his book picks because he loves learning about the imponderables of life.” –Alexis Neuville, Marketing & Publicity Assistant

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