The Best Books to Gift for Every Type of Reader

Here at Once Upon a Book Club we happen to think that a book is one of the most magical gifts you can receive. We love how each book takes us on a new adventure where we meet interesting characters and find ourselves transported to wonderful places.

Whether you’re shopping for a history buff, a fantasy fanatic, or a lover of heartfelt romances, there’s a perfect book out there for everyone.

For Someone New To/Getting Back into Reading

Whether they're rediscovering their love for stories, or picking up a book for the first time in years, this category is all about reigniting the joy of reading. These books are sure to remind any reader of the magic that lies between the pages of a great book.

The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale by Virginia Kantra

The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale by Virginia Kantra is a heartfelt tale of self-discovery inspired by The Wizard of Oz. After heartbreak and scandal force Dorothy “Dee” Gale to leave Kansas, she escapes to Ireland to join a writing program at Trinity College Dublin. There, Dee befriends three companions: charming yet lost Sam, guarded Tim, and passionate Reeti, each on their own journey of growth. 

Guided by powerful mentors, Dee faces her fears, confronts her past, and discovers the strength within herself. Filled with love, loss, and hope, this novel beautifully explores finding family, purpose, and the courage to follow your own road.

Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

Macy Sorensen has built a carefully controlled life, focusing on her career as a pediatrics resident and an engagement to a stable partner. However, a chance encounter with her childhood best friend and first love, Elliot Petropoulos, brings buried emotions rushing back.

In Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren, the story unfolds through dual timelines, revealing their tender beginnings as teenagers and the heartbreak that separated them. As Elliot seeks to rebuild their connection, Macy must confront her past and decide if she can trust him with her heart again. This moving tale celebrates love, forgiveness, and second chances.

For the Romance Reader

For the dreamers and hopeless romantics who love sweeping love stories, these picks are perfect. After all, who doesn’t love a heart-pounding romance that sweeps you off your feet?

A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston

Eileen Merriweather escapes into books to avoid the heartbreak of real life. On her way to a book club retreat, her car breaks down, leaving her stranded in Eloraton—a town straight out of her favorite romance series.

In A Novel Love Story, Eloraton is trapped in its late author’s unfinished story, and Eileen believes she’s there to help write its happily-ever-after. But her mission is complicated by a grumpy, irresistibly charming bookstore owner who doesn’t want the story finished.

As she unravels the town’s secrets, Eileen discovers her own happy ending might be waiting within the pages.

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

Justin has a peculiar problem: every woman he dates immediately finds her soul mate—after breaking up with him. In Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez, his viral predicament leads him to Emma, a traveling nurse with the same issue. Together, they devise a plan to date, break up, and cancel out their so-called curses.

Emma’s summer in Minnesota takes an unexpected turn when Justin becomes guardian to his siblings and her overbearing mother arrives. As their arrangement deepens into real feelings, they must question whether their “curses” are fate’s way of bringing them together.

For the Fantasy Fanatic

For those who dream of magical worlds, epic quests, and spellbinding adventures, fantasy books offer an escape like no other. These stories take you to realms where anything is possible—we all love to dream every now and again!

The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker

In The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker, Zilan, a poor biracial girl in an alternate Tang Dynasty China, dreams of becoming a royal alchemist, crafting gold and gems to grant immortality. But her illegal practice of raising the dead to support her family complicates her ambitions.

When she travels to the capital for the imperial exams, her reputation precedes her, drawing the attention of the Crown Prince, who suspects an assassination plot. As Zilan competes in deadly trials and navigates the palace’s dark secrets, she must face monsters—both within the court and her own past—in this gripping YA fantasy.

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

In the mist-locked kingdom of Blunder, where dark magic reigns, Elspeth Spindle relies on the Nightmare, a cunning spirit in her mind, to survive. In One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig, her life takes a dangerous turn when a masked highwayman involves her in a deadly quest to save the kingdom.

The highwayman, the King’s traitorous nephew, seeks to collect twelve magical Providence Cards to cure Blunder before Solstice. As Elspeth battles treachery and her growing attraction to her companion, the Nightmare’s strength threatens to consume her. This gothic fantasy is a haunting tale of love, magic, and sacrifice.

For the Thriller Lover

Edge-of-your-seat suspense and mind-bending twists define this genre. If your bestie or family member loves piecing together mysteries or diving into stories that keep them guessing until the final page, these thrillers will make the perfect gift.

You Can Run by Rebecca Zanetti

FBI Special Agent Laurel Snow returns to her hometown in You Can Run by Rebecca Zanetti, drawn by a chilling case involving bodies buried in Genesis Valley, Washington. As she hunts a cunning serial killer, Laurel must navigate professional challenges and unsettling encounters with Dr. Abigail Caine, a brilliant and enigmatic witness.

Meanwhile, Huck Rivers, a brooding fish and wildlife officer with a shadowy past, stirs both desire and suspicion in Laurel. As the case deepens, danger escalates, and Laurel faces dark truths about herself and those around her. This gripping thriller blends suspense, romance, and psychological intrigue in a must-read story.

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

In Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera, Lucy Chase is haunted by the murder of her best friend Savvy—a crime the small town of Plumpton, Texas, believes she committed. Found covered in Savvy’s blood and with no memory of the night, Lucy became the town’s villain. Years later, a popular true crime podcast reignites the case, shattering her fragile peace.

Returning to Plumpton under mounting pressure, Lucy uncovers buried secrets, unreliable memories, and toxic betrayals. As she confronts the truth about Savvy’s death, she must also face what she might have done. This suspenseful thriller masterfully intertwines mystery and true crime intrigue.

For Historical Fiction Fans

History comes alive through these beautifully crafted tales. For readers who enjoy time-traveling through the pages and connecting with eras gone by, these books offer rich narratives filled with fascinating characters and captivating plots.

The Women by Kristin Hannah

In The Women by Kristin Hannah, Frances “Frankie” McGrath transforms from a sheltered nursing student into a courageous Army nurse on the frontlines of the Vietnam War. Leaving her idyllic Southern California life behind, she confronts the chaos of war, forging deep bonds with fellow soldiers while navigating heartbreak, hope, and betrayal.

Returning home, Frankie faces a divided America where veterans like her are met with anger and neglect. The Women explores her journey of resilience and the forgotten sacrifices of women in war, painting an intimate portrait of bravery and friendship during one of America’s most tumultuous eras.

The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali

In The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali, seven-year-old Ellie’s life shifts after her father’s death, forcing her from luxury to a modest life in 1950s Tehran. There, she meets Homa, a fearless classmate, and the two dream of becoming “lion women” — bold, independent, and unbreakable.

Their friendship endures through laughter and hardship, but when Ellie’s family regains its privilege, she leaves Homa behind. Years later, amid Iran’s political turmoil, Homa’s return rekindles their bond, exposing old betrayals and testing their resilience. This poignant tale of friendship and identity spans decades, celebrating the enduring strength of hope and connection.

For the Lifelong Learner

For the curious minds and knowledge seekers in your life, nonfiction books provide endless opportunities to explore new ideas, discover inspiring stories, and deepen their understanding of the world around them. These selections are thought-provoking and unforgettable. Yes, at last you can tick their name off the list!

The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green

In The Anthropocene Reviewed, John Green reflects on the wonders and contradictions of modern life through a five-star review lens. From everyday subjects like sunsets and Canada geese to profound topics like the global pandemic and falling in love, John Green’s essays blend humor, curiosity, and heartfelt sincerity.

Exploring humanity’s impact on the planet, The Anthropocene Reviewed examines the paradoxes of joy and sorrow, connection and isolation. Adapted from his acclaimed podcast, this deeply personal and thought-provoking collection invites readers to rediscover hope, beauty, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Artcurious: Stories of the Unexpected, Slightly Odd, and Strangely Wonderful in Art History by Jennifer Dasal

In Artcurious: Stories of the Unexpected, Slightly Odd, and Strangely Wonderful in Art History, Jennifer Dasal takes readers on a lively journey through art’s quirkiest corners. With tales of Monet’s once-“ugly” works, mysteries surrounding van Gogh’s death, and Andy Warhol’s eccentric legacy, this book uncovers the stories traditional textbooks overlook.

Perfect for art lovers and the simply curious, Artcurious reimagines art history as a dynamic tapestry of scandals, surprises, and humanity’s oddities. With wit and accessibility, Jennifer lets us see the art world in a new light—vivid, unexpected, and endlessly fascinating.

Conclusion

No matter who you’re shopping for, there’s a book that’s just waiting to captivate their heart and mind. From spellbinding adventures to stories of love and resilience, books are a timeless way to show you care. We also have a great selection of bookish gifts if you want to add something extra!

And for a truly unforgettable gift, don’t forget to check out our Once Upon a Book Club book subscription boxes. With page-numbered gifts and immersive reading experiences, they’re the perfect surprise for book lovers who want their stories to come alive. Happy gifting—and even happier reading!