Choosing a Book as a Gift: A Bookseller's Guide

Start with the person, not the bestseller list

Think about what they already love: a film they quote, a place they keep visiting, a hobby they talk about. A book that connects to one of those feels personal, even if it is not famous.

Questions worth asking

• What did they read last and enjoy? Something similar but not the same is a safe bet.
• Do they read in long stretches or short bursts? Story collections and essays suit busy readers.
• Hardcover or paperback? Hardcovers make a better gift on a shelf; paperbacks travel.

When you are not sure

Pick a book you loved yourself and say so in a short note inside the cover. Even if it is not quite their taste, they will know why you chose it.

For children

Match the book to the reader’s level, not their age alone. A picture book with rich artwork is still a welcome gift for a confident reader, and a slightly harder book is a fine stretch for an eager one.