Maybe it's the sudden popularity of book influencers on TikTok or the need for an escape from the horrors of everyday life, but it seems like more people are picking up books lately. And personally, I don't care what people are reading as long as they're engaging with books — that seems like a win to me! Here are a few gifts for the reader in your life. Whether they enjoy romance, thrillers or nonfiction, they'll appreciate you aiding their obsession with the written word.
PAGE 42 BOOK PASSPORT
While your first instinct might be to buy a book for the bookworm in your life, it's best to steer clear unless you know exactly what they have and haven't read. The Page 42 Book Passport eliminates the worry of buying your reader a duplicate book (that they definitely don't have room for on their shelves) and gives them the freedom to choose their next read. The punch card is good for one used book a month up to a $10 value. The recipient can choose one book, movie or game for each month of the year. You'll be the Willy Wonka of the bookstore with this golden ticket. $42 • Page 42 Bookstore • 3010 N. Crestline St. • page42bookstore.com
CAMPBELL HOUSE: THE MAKING OF A LANDMARK
Spokane is a city full of interesting history and captivating tales. This new book released by the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture dives into the history of the Campbell House to commemorate its 125th anniversary and is sure to tickle the fancy of any studious bookworms out there. The book recounts the fascinating history of the Campbell family up to present day and features stunning photographs, including archival images. Not all bookworms only read romance or thrillers! This one is for all of the nonfiction lovers in town. $50 • The Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture • 2316 W. First Ave. • northwestmuseum.org
BLIND DATE BOOKS
From Emily Henry and Ali Hazelwood to Casey McQuiston and Christina Lauren, there are a ton of romance authors writing up a storm these days — it's almost impossible to choose which book to pick up next. It's a Love Story Books & Cafe in Hayden specializes in romance novels, and they've got you covered if your bookworm is into sickly sweet, fluffy romance. Just choose a subplot (romantasy, Western, sports, LGBTQ+, etc.), and if your reader has a Goodreads or Storygraph account, email their profile to the lovely folks at the bookstore so they can ensure you don't choose a book your recipient's already read. Leave it to the experts to choose the perfect book for your bookworm. $29-$39 • It's a Love Story Books and Cafe • 8927 N. Hess St., Hayden • lovestorybooksandcafe.com
BANNED BOOK LOVER BOOKMARK
With more and more books being banned in libraries across the country, readers have begun advocating for these titles to be put back into circulation since each teaches lessons and highlights important topics. McKenna Rain, owner of Palm Creative, is a PNW-based maker focused on making adorable shirts, mugs, candles, stickers and more dedicated to all things literature. Her banned book lover bookmark features a checklist of books that have been banned around the United States so your reader can track how many they've read. Plus, you can never have too many bookmarks. You can find Palm Creative at Terrain's Brrrzaar on Dec. 14. $3-$3.50 • palmcreativeshop.com
VINTAGE BOOKS
Modern-day book covers serve their purpose well, but there's something about vintage book covers that really scratches an itch. The best thing about vintage books, however, is that they also function like pieces of art. There are plenty of local places to pick from a carefully curated collection of old books, but Giant Nerd Books has a wide selection of genres, sizes and topics to choose from. Have an Ernest Hemingway fanatic in your life? There are a few stunning editions available on Giant Nerd's shelves. Maybe your bookworm is into witchy things or loves horror. Well, you're in good company at Giant Nerd. Just ask and I'm sure you'll be led to the correct book-filled corner of the bookstore. Prices vary • Giant Nerd Books • 607 W. Garland Ave. • giantnerdbooks.com
UPCYCLED BOOK JOURNAL
Speaking of vintage books, local author and maker Kathryn Smith (who goes by Curious Finch) gives new life to discarded or otherwise unreadable vintage books by turning them into journals. Smith takes both hardcover and paperback books and replaces the inner pages with paper to write on. Reading and writing go hand in hand, so I'm sure your bookworm will have this journal filled up in no time. But don't worry, Smith is always churning out more journals and stocking the shelves at From Here. $16-$25 • From Here • 808 W. Main Ave. • fromherespokane.com ♦
