2020 books to gift your loved ones
Another year has gone by and this year many authors made a point to release books to ensure their fans had reading material to fill in the long hours of the lockdown. Many people picked up a reading habit this year or finally got the time to get back to their old reading habit. With the vaccine only likely to be doled out in small amounts, it will take some time before self isolation and social distancing come to an end. Until then, here are some books to gift all your loved ones to ensure they have reading material, or to educate them on whatever hobby they picked up during lockdown.
For the spiritual friend
'Celebrating Life: 6 Steps to the Complete Blossoming of Your Inner Consciousness' by Rishi Nityapragya
Many people used the time in lockdown, to look within and connect with their spiritual side. This book is written by the Director of Programmes in The Art of Living Foundation and explains practical techniques which one can apply to experience powerful transformative changes from negative to neutral, and then from neutral to positive. It helps one identify negative emotions and get rid of them.
Photo: Penguin India
For the one who likes to cook
'I Cook in Color: Bright Flavors from My Kitchen and Around the World' by Asha Gomez & Martha Hall Foose
Whether by choice or necessity, many people started cooking this year. From learning the basics to starting a food delivery business, almost everyone has improved their cooking skills to some extent. Here's book of international recipes with a South Indian twist for cooks of every level to try something new.
Photo: Running Press Adult
For the romantic
'The Book of Two Ways' by Jodi Picoult
Whether single or taken, a romantic loves reading on love. This tale is one that explores the protagonist's biggest what if. When faced with a life and death situation her thoughts go to her lost love rather than to her husband and child and the book explores what is and what could have been.
Photo: Hodder & Stoughton
For the one with a green thumb
'Killer Plants: Growing and Caring for Flytraps, Pitcher Plants, and Other Deadly Flora' by Molly Williams
Many people have invested in plants now that they have the freedom to be at home to care for them. From vegetables or flowers in the balcony or garden to air purifying plants indoors, everyone has added some flora to their lives. Rather than giving them a plant, you should give them this book on carnivorous plants so they can diversify their garden. This will also curb insects in their home.
Photo: Running Press Adult
For the soon to be/new parent
'Amma Mia: Stories, advice and recipes from one mother to another' by Esha Deol Takhtani
A predicted baby boom is to happen in early 2021 from all those children conceived during lockdown. Babies born or conceived in 2020 are already being referred to as coviduals and surely the parents would appreciate some helpful insight. This book by Bollywood star Esha Deol has advice, anecdotes and even recipes for new parents.
Photo: Penguin India
For the anxious one
'Anxiety: Overcome It and Live without Fear' by Sonali Gupta
From the bushfires in January to the US election recently and the corona crisis throughout, this year has been a scary one and many have suffered from anxiety or depression or loneliness or other mental illnesses. While just one book can't be the miracle cure for anyone with such issues, it might help on the way to understanding the problem. This book is written by an Indian psychologist who uses case studies to explain the condition and how it can be managed.
Photo: HarperCollins
For the fit friend
'Boundless: Upgrade Your Brain, Optimize Your Body, and Defy Aging' by Ben Greenfield
Some have used the extra time to focus on their fitness. Here's a book by a world class triathalonist and fitness & nutrition expert Ben Greenfield, with all the latest scientific data on how to apply it to your life. It also teaches you how to exercise the brain and the nervous system to have a better functioning mind and higher IQ.
Photo: Victory Belt Publishing
For the Entrepreneur
Indian Icon: A Cult Called Royal Enfield by Amrit Raj
Unless you're selling masks and sanitiser, chances are business has been bad. Still many have used this time to educate themselves on the business world and this book on how the Royal Enfield motorcycle company has evolved and become iconic is a good look into an Indian brand.
Photo: Westland