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⭐My favorite book recs for grown ups
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items As a librarian, I've spent decades surrounded by books. If I loved a book enough to give it as a gift to someone in my life, then you know it's truly outstanding! I'm happy to share here some of my favorites for grown ups, including my top favorite g...
Sections
5
General interest
Cooking
Biography
Finance
Relationships
General interest
As a librarian, I've spent decades surrounded by books. I'm happy to share here some of my favorites.
One of the best, most interesting books I've ever read. I've recommended to friends and colleagues for the past two decades, it will definitely open your mind!
Freakonomics Rev Ed: Rogue Economist Explores
This is a brand new book, but I've already purchased it for 3 friends! Honestly I can't tell if the book is meant to be serious (it's written by a certified personality trainer), or a spoof… because some of it is quite light hearted… but overall it's...
The Secret Language of PAWS: Decoding Cats
I bought this book back in 2010 and have it to this day. I've used it to help me organize my space everywhere I've lived since then. Truly, your space organizational bible.
Organizing from the Inside Out, 2nd Ed
Cooking
I love, love, love this book because it brings back memories of my childhood. My mom had this book, and I'd spend hours looking at the pictures and begging my mom to try them all. It's a classic, and I bought the original (facsimile) spiral bound edi...
Betty Crocker's Cooky Book: Classic 1963 Recipes
This is my cooking bible. My grandma gave it to me when I was around 16, and to this day it's my go-to for any recipe. I gifted it to each of my children when they graduated from high school. To this day, a very comprehensive cookbook with trusted re...
Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book
“Not your mom's cupcakes” is right! LOL. I got this hardcover book for my son when he was about 16 and wanted to make some treats for a class party. Many of these recipes have alcohol… so read carefully! 10 years later, it's still one of his favorite...
The Butch Bakery Cookbook
I got this cookbook for my kids back in 2012, and they still refer to it today. Enough said!
Kids' Fun and Healthy Cookbook
Biography
This is a LONG read but sooo powerful I've read it twice.
Long Walk to Freedom: Nelson Mandela Autobiography
I can truly say this was one of the most influential books I've ever read, and it's extremely eye opening. I believe I read it around in 1993 or so when it was first published. The language and themes can be both offensive and shocking, but they're r...
Makes Me Wanna Holler: Young Black Man
This is truly a mind-boggling and eye opening true story of what one immigrant woman went through at the hands of a totally broken system. It will leave you speechless. I attended an author reading event and heard the author speak from her experience...
Illegal Among Us: Stateless Woman's Quest
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • More than one million copies sold! A “brilliant” (Lupita Nyong’o, Time), “poignant” (Entertainment Weekly), “soul-nourishing” (USA Today) memoir about coming of age during the twilight of apartheid
Born a Crime: Stories from South Africa
A memoir by the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, this is a must-read for everyone.
I Am Malala: Girl Who Stood Up for Education
Finance
I always give this book as a wedding gift. One of the most important books a couple will ever receive.
Smart Couples Finish Rich: 9 Steps to Wealth
Long before I met my husband finally (in my 50s) I found this book and I'm sure glad I did. Due to Bach's sound and easy to follow advice, I owned a home, had retirement accounts, stocks and bonds, and had a paid for call (and education savings accou...
Smart Women Finish Rich, Expanded and Updated
Relationships
A foundational book recommended for all couples.
The 5 Love Languages®: Secret to Love
Reassuring and insightful. A foundational book recommended for all couples, after reading “The 5 Love languages.”
The 5 Connection Styles: Emotional Intelligence & Love
This book supported me through the darkest times in my extremely acrimonious divorce. The author showed me the path to keep my sanity, deal with passive aggressive behavior, and take the high road, quite literally, and eventually begin to rebuild my ...
Taking the High Road: Cope with Ex & Raise Child
One of the best relationship “bibles” out there for single women who want to avoid wasting time with the wrong man. Highly recommended.
Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man