HUGE Book Christmas Gift Guide 📚

You said you needed book recommendations for gift ideas, so here we are! Pull up a seat, grab a pen and a piece of paper and let's go! xx
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If you like my videos and podcasts, please consider supporting me on Patreon: / jenvcampbell
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MY BOOKS:
THE SISTER WHO ATE HER BROTHERS tinyurl.com/7d...
THE GIRL AQUARIUM: tinyurl.com/yc...
THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT tinyurl.com/ln...
FRANKLIN’S FLYING BOOKSHOP: tinyurl.com/hl...
FRANKLIN AND LUNA GO TO THE MOON tinyurl.com/yb...
FRANKLIN AND LUNA AND THE BOOK OF FAIRY TALES: tinyurl.com/y2...
THE BOOKSHOP BOOK: tinyurl.com/qb...
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Things mentioned:
Patreon: / jenvcampbell
Books in translation: • Women in Translation M...
Books set in haunted houses: • Books Set in Haunted H...
British Library Crime Classics: shop.bl.uk/col...
Persephone: persephonebook...
Piranesi article: www.toa.st/blo...
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WHO I AM
Hello, my name's Jen. I'm an award-winning poet and short story writer. My debut short story collection 'The Beginning of the World in the Middle of the Night' is published by Two Roads, and my children's books 'Franklin's Flying Bookshop,’ ‘Franklin and Luna Go To The Moon’ and ‘Franklin and Luna and the Book of Fairy Tales’ are published by Thames and Hudson. I'm also the author of the Sunday Times bestselling 'Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops' series, 'The Bookshop Book,' 'The Hungry Ghost Festival’ and ‘The Girl Aquarium.’ I run writing workshops, give talks at universities & book festivals on a variety of topics, judge literary prizes, and take on freelance writing and editing. If you would like to speak with me about the possibility of working together, please get in touch via email: [e-mail] x
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Where to find me:
Website: www.jen-campbel...
Editorial services: www.jen-campbel...
Writing Workshops: www.jen-campbel...
Twitter: / jenvcampbell
Instagram: / jenvcampbell
Patreon: / jenvcampbell
Events: www.jen-campbel...
Podcast: www.jen-campbel...
Facebook: tinyurl.com/3o3...
Storygraph: app.thestorygr...
Goodreads: tinyurl.com/hs8...
Email: [e-mail]
(Since starting KZbin, some of you have been asking what's wrong with my hands. This video should answer any questions :) • My Disability | EEC Sy... )
This video contains no sponsored content. Books marked with * were sent to me for an honest review.

[@katiepillar]

I’d love a recommendation for something for an almost 14 year old girl who reads and rereads Harry Potter but has been told by English teachers that she needs to graduate to harder books that will stretch her and broaden her vocabulary. I’m behind this as a concept but want the book to be fun rather than a chore! Thanks so much

[@serianc9036]

Would love a generic gift guide! I’ve used your suggestions before when I don’t want to get people a book

[@jenvcampbell]

Sorry, I meant a more generic book gift guide, but if you would like gifts for bookish people (not books), here's another video from a couple of years ago kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqHMqqV7f8hkb5Y x

[@Tanya_LitLife]

I do a weekly Zoom bedtime stories, & will be treating our young readers (&myself) to Frankiln’s Flying Bookshop. I’m also adding Bookshop Book & The Sister Who Ate Her Brothers to my own holiday wishlist. Thank you for all the book recommendations!

[@jenvcampbell]

Thank you. xx

[@makemyday8197]

Than YOU VERY much for your generosity :) I took many screenshots! If you have the energy to do the generic Christmas' beautiful gift guide recommendation, I'll be happy to watch it and follow recommendations from that one as well 😊

[@annad.1646]

I think Franklin books are perfect for kids of any age. I got mine when I was 37 and 38 and it was such a delight to read them 😀 (again and again 🧡). Highly recommended!!

[@jenvcampbell]

♥️♥️♥️

[@porcelainmannequinn549]

I took sooo many screenshots, thank you! Would enjoy the beautiful gift guide as well, for some less avid readers in my life

[@deblawrence8341]

Jen, just wanted to share with you that your / my book arrived in the mail today in Rochester, NY, USA, "The Sister Who Ate Her Brothers" and it is SO LOVELY!!! Going upstairs with a cup of tea to enjoy it now!!! I really enjoyed the video when you read the first story aloud to us all and wish I had you here to read the rest of them to me. :) Thanks so much for all you do and bring to us!

[@jenvcampbell]

Thank you, Deb. If you want to hear another story from the collection, you can listen/read-along here: m.soundcloud.com/thamesandhudson/the-kingdoms-at-the-centre-of-the-earth-from-the-sister-who-ate-her-brothers-by-jen-campbell x

[@deblawrence8341]

@@jenvcampbell Thank you so much for sharing! We've decided, my husband and I, to read a story each night out loud, taking turns. :)

[@deblawrence8341]

@@jenvcampbell Just listened to it. Well now, that was glorious fun! :)

[@amarantareyes5696]

Yes, please, to the generic beautiful book recommendation gift guide!

[@Jane42.]

Thanks for this lovely long list. I would like to say I found many gift ideas, but I admit I watched mostly for myself!! Did get some ideas for a cousin who is tough to shop for. Thanks for the additions to my TBR.

[@amandagriffin8236]

I have never commented, but THANKS for all your amazing content. And videos like this?!!!??...... I love that you said you love book recs....you are TRULY GIFTED, Jenn. Love all you do(quizzes, baking, just all of it), but these recs where you answer SO MANY. Blows my mind....and BLOWS UP my TBR😂. Thank you! And best of holidays!

[@scrappytc]

I just want as many book recommendation videos by you! lol Seriously I love these videos.

[@giovanna2232]

This is incredibly helpful. Thank you 💖

[@irenewu1739]

Book recommendation video is one of my fav videos to watch. I have been watching your booktube channel for about a year and I am so excited when you answered my book request for my friend. Thank you Jen for all of the wonderful booktube videos you have been creating.

[@amywilliams1443]

Wow, brilliant video! Would love to see a video with your beautiful book recommendations.

[@siemprealada]

Such an incredible video! Thank you so much for all these recomendations, saved a lot of them for later and I'm definitely picking up Arcadia next year 😍

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

Great recommendations Jen. I have given Bella( the 6. year old) the first Franklin and Luna for Christmas last year so the next in the series she will love.

[@mslaidos]

every single recommendation from you is super welcome please!!! Thank you so much for your content, it is amazing and I love to watch it!

[@MinnieParsons]

Fancy gifting books yes please

[@chelseamorgana]

Thank you for these wonderful recommendations, Jen! For the person who wanted recs for a friend who loves coming-of-age stories with a female protagonist, witches, sewing, and feminism, The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow contains ALL of those elements and is wonderful!

[@sigridvanvelzen5943]

Thank you!

[@paulac4071]

Big thank you for sharing this was awesome love it from Canada thank you again just stumbled upon your channel today

[@jenvcampbell]

☺️ welcome to the channel!

[@leeh4343]

This is one of my fave videos of yours and sets me up for some good future reads which blow up my library holds list 😊 thanks for answering my request and recommending 2 books for my friend - now I have a pick for her birthday too - thanks Jen 😊

[@micronoid]

I've got a recommendation for nature lovers, i just ordered it as a gift for someone. Its a recently published book called Tree Dogs, Banshee Fingers and Other Irish Words for Nature.

[@selinamatthews157]

I have so many to add to my TBR pile from this video! I would also love a recommendation for someone who loves reddit nosleep stories, the beat generation and books like In Watermelon Sugar. Thanks so much ☺️

[@katenola9962]

I clicked on this video so fast when I saw. it! Please, please do a video on beautiful coffee table books to give to others or yourself.

[@OhItsTheresa]

Would loved a beautiful gift type book video! This was fantastic. My mother is notoriously hard to shop for and I think you recommended a perfect gift for her!

[@toriwork8891]

I LOVE these videos. I always add so many books to my wish list, but I love the idea of a "generic" one too.

[@jess2424ica]

I got my recommendation answered and I really feel like I’ve peaked in life tbh in a completely good way 😆 Thank you!!!

[@Nickelini]

yes please - beautiful books to give as gifts video would be lovely

[@sludgeduke]

Yes to a video about beautiful gift books!

[@stephanieneath3135]

Please do a beautiful book gift guide Jen 🌿

[@final_grrrl]

Great recommendations, Jen, thank you so much! I always like getting a few books for family and friends for the holidays but I was blanking for a few relatives, and you gave me a lot of great ideas! Also for the person who asked for veggie cookbook recommendations (and you if you're interested!) Chetna Makan has a vegetarian cookbook that has great Indian food recipes (as well as other cookbooks that aren't exclusively vegetarian - but most of her recipes are very adaptable). I've done quite a few of recipes and they all are great, good for a cook at any skill level with delicious results!

[@elizabethh9950]

Excellent video, Jen, thank you! Added some to my list:) I’ve not read it yet but for the person who asked re a book with witches and sewing (hope I’ve remembered that right) it made me think of Threadneedle by Cari Thomas

[@funfuz]

Always love hearing about more beautiful books! I've loved those videos the previous years so I'd love to see that video. ☺♥

[@miaarndt9501]

Thank you so much for the recommendation!! I also got several more titles to add to my own tbr haha

[@maszynka_do_sera]

I kind of want to read all of the mentioned books now.

[@wendycayless]

Thank you! I've just added Arcadia to my list of books to buy my daughter for Xmas.

[@axolotlismybeautystandard]

Hi Jen, lovin this recs, now my tbr is way too big 😅 Late to the party but I’m looking for graphic novel or spooky book for my friend. She’s into feminist books and folklore themes. She’s also into books set in Russia. Queer or witchy elements would also be great. Recent faves of my friend were Mexican Gothic and Stephane Fert’s graphic novels. English isn’t our first language so classic without contemporary language might be a bit too hard to read for her 😊

[@strugglingwriter7228]

Hi Jen, I'm looking for a new literary fiction book that looks at hybrid identity and POC writers living in the west. I love Jhumpa Lahiri, Jamel Brinkley, Khaled Hosseini, Junot Diaz and Nafissa Thompson-Spires. I'm currently reading Burnt sugar and Leave the World Behind. I also loved Lanny by Max Porter. I'm a fan of short stories and trying to learn how to write them (so a book I could study as well as enjoy?). Thanks in advance!

[@paulwinchell6904]

Lol cookbooks make me hungry. I can relate. Also Sourdough made me want to bake bread.

[@anarodriguezla6369]

Thanks for your recommendation 💜

[@premadimauro2691]

Jen, you have a brilliant mind. I wish I could remember a fraction of what you have stored away in your brain

[@carmensjournal677]

I have some new titles on my TBR after watching this 😀 Can I ask you for a recommendation? My best friend and I do buddy reads and we want to read a classic written before 1900. I like stories that have a plot and that are not 500 pages about if someone should marry or not 😊 My friend likes books with beautiful language and that really go into details and descriptions. We read almost any genre, just not books that are only about romance. Do you have a recommendation for us? Then I can gift her that for Christmas and we can start reading in the new year.

[@jenvcampbell]

The Half Sisters by Geraldine Jewsbury or Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. xx

[@jenvcampbell]

Also, if you haven't read Through the Looking Glass in a while, it's always delightful. And if you want to edge into the 1900s, if you haven't ever read the original Peter Pan novel there is so much to dissect! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqjLgJ-igNaanZo x

[@carmensjournal677]

Thank you so much Jen 😀

[@johnsaxongitno4life588]

All I can say is that I love this video please stay safe and enjoy your reading 📖

[@Addressa]

this is great! i was adding some of your recommendations to my shopping cart as you were listing them! haha! i think my mom will be pleased when she unwraps her xmas presents this year, thanks to you!! :) you're brilliant, as usual!

[@thebritishbookworm]

Thank you for answering my question! These must be really time consuming but we so appreciate it!

[@izikr4135]

Hi Hen, thank you so much for all the recommendations! Do you have any recommendations for punk sci-fi? Preferably ones that sold well enough to be translated? My mum is a fan but she does not read in English.

[@CharlieBrookReads]

Thank you very much Jen for the recommendations for my Mum ❤️ Will definitely pick up an Elizabeth Macneal for her ❤️

[@sarahbee5008]

Thank you so much for these recommendations.

[@micheller4440]

Great recommendations! Thank you so much!

[@bebe-rq6yd]

Hi Jen! I very much enjoy watching these every year and love your recommendations. If you have a chance, I’d love a recommendation for my partner who is a sort of eclectic reader and likes a little bit of everything, but doesn’t seem to have clearly defined taste/type of novel he loves so it’s hard to guess what he’ll enjoy. I’ve noticed he really likes to be challenged by what he reads, enjoys interesting language and doesn’t like too much fluff. He’s enjoyed books recently by Kazuo Ishiguro as well as gothic fantasy, and some of his favorite books are Moby Dick and A Confederacy of Dunces. He loves being outdoors, anime, cooking, music, and a huge variety of things that release good endorphins I think is the trend ☺️

[@leigha3280]

Love these videos! Jen, if you have a moment could you please recommend me a few books for my family. I like to include one in their stockings, though it doesn't have to fit in the stocking. :-) My 11 year old's recent favorite books are Project Hail Mary, And then there Were None,What If by Randall Munroe , and Technically it's not my fault poetry book. My 7 year old recently enjoyed the Warren the 13th series, Klawde series, and Minecraft books. Both of them enjoyed Diary of an 8bit Warrior. My partner enjoyed starship Troopers and Strange Land by Robert Heinlein. More recently he's enjoyed Arrow of God and Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. Thank you! Oh and yes please on the general Christmas recommendation video! :-)

[@kaylakinney5954]

Thanks for answering my question, Jen :) I think my dad will really enjoy Land of the Living!

[@TheMegWrites]

Hi Jen, thanks for the excellent and plentiful recommendations. I am looking for a book with similar vibes to Once Upon a River, which I absolutely love. I also read The Bass Rock and especially loved the parts set in the 1600’s. I wish I could find a book that was similar to those parts of The Bass Rock and/or about witches. Thank you!

[@demeldapenkitty7937]

Would really love a beautiful book gift book recommendations if you have time.

[@rosiereviewsbooks72]

I love these videos, I end up wanting so many books.

[@brandie6652]

Thank you Jen!

[@Emmie4497]

Thank you Jen! I mostly watched this for new recommendations for myself but I've got a good little list here to go and investigate :)

[@sigridvanvelzen5943]

Thanks you for the lovely recommendations! I will order them all

[@nolawernicke9078]

Thankyou Jen, great recommendations. :-)

[@mradcaqbdb]

For Christmas books, can I recommend Miss Marley by Vanessa LaFaye and Rebecca Mascull? It is the prequel to A Christmas Carol you never knew you needed. Really beautiful book, heartbreaking as you might expect. This book is my Christmas read every year.

[@rosie4971]

May I suggest One Tin Bakes by Edd Kimber for a baking book.

[@jenvcampbell]

I actually own this one; need to try more recipes from it ☺️

[@connierenwick2498]

hi I would love a rec for my dad he's dyslexic and doesn't normally read much but recently read The Thursday Murder Club and loved it

[@lmoore4597]

Hi Jen, I'm looking for book recommendedations for a basoonist, opera loving lawyer friend. Other books they love include: The amazing adventures of Kavilier and Clay, books by Ken Follett and the work of Charles Dickens. Many thanks in advance!

[@SM-vr8dz]

All recommendation videos are a plus! Pleeease!

[@alisonbell3475]

Brilliant thank you x

[@Gagging4Lit]

So many great recc.s Opposed Positions by Gwendoline Riley had brilliant depictions of family relationships. There's one bit where the father hacks his daughter's author wikipedia page lol.

[@suehayward-ault3587]

This was amazing, how on earth do you remember all of these books 😳

[@charlotteroberts6747]

What age would you say Aquicorn Cove is for? Wondering if 5 (not too far off 6) would be too young for it?

[@jenvcampbell]

I think publishers say recommended 7-11 but I've gifted it to younger folk before (6) and they've really enjoyed it.

[@charlotteroberts6747]

@@jenvcampbell Fab, thanks for the reply 🙂

[@anise8975]

Hi Jen. I have a weird interest in reading about people’s work lives and jobs. So obviously No such thing as an easy job was perfect for me! Do you know of anything else out there similar to that book?

[@obsessivoart7188]

Hi Jen, might you have any ideas for non - books, bookish gifts and /or stationery please. Many thanks xx

[@jenvcampbell]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqHMqqV7f8hkb5Y x

[@theannaliviams]

I’m a bit late so I’m not sure you will see this, Jen, but me and my brother don’t have that much in common apart from very left leaning politics. We both love history, he also likes economics and strategy stuff, while I’m more of a fairytale/magical realism kinda gal. Do you think there is something I can gift him that would help bring us closer?

[@themermaidandtheowl6573]

I recently read and adored A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians, it’s alternative history set in during the French Revolution in Britain, France and Haiti. It explores the politics of the time in a fascinating way but with the twist that magic is a big thing in this world, the interplay between historical events and the version in the book was so cool to read. The characters are very endearing I even found myself rooting for Robespierre, which I never would have believed. The writing is sublime. You also don’t need to be familiar with the history but it does add another layer of fun if you are.

[@theannaliviams]

@@themermaidandtheowl6573 that sounds AMAZING and something both of us will enjoy. Thank you so much for the recommendation

[@themermaidandtheowl6573]

@@theannaliviams I really hope that you guys enjoy it!

[@amandagarcia1419]

Hi Jen! 👋🏼 loved these recommendations. Thanks so much for taking the time to do this. If I may leave a request please: books about artificial intelligence. Really enjoyed Klara and the Sun and Machines Like Me. Thanks in advance! ☺️

[@AlexOnEarth777]

Hi Jen! These recommendations all sound amazing! If you’re feeling up for it, I’ve been looking for a good adult Vikings historical fiction adventure book! Something story-driven with potential elements of Norse mythology/fantasy, but little to no romance. Very specific I know, but if you know of anything even close I’d be grateful!

[@fionaboyle7616]

Loved this video, I've added so many books to my TBR haha. Didn't manage to comment in time for it to be in the video but would you be able to help with a recommendation for my 17-year-old brother? He doesn't read much, but when he does it's always science fiction or fantasy (he's currently reading Dune after watching it in cinema). He's also into gaming, maths, rock climbing and F1. I was thinking maybe a graphic novel would be good, but it doesn't have to be. Thanks!

[@themermaidandtheowl6573]

The Illuminae Files are a trilogy of sci-fi books set in space with tons of drama, super fast-paced and wonderful characters. They’re also very funny and written in a multi-media format which really adds to the enjoyment.

[@lynseyb7221]

A gift for fans of translated fiction (like Haruki Murakami) 😁 thanks!

[@jenvcampbell]

Yoko Ogawa, Yuko Tsushima, Yukiko Motoya x

[@ALias-jg3mb]

Hi Jen, would be grateful if you could recommend sthg for my 14yo kid who has read & loved Jessica Townsend's Nevermoor series, Marcus Zusak's The Book Thief, Jessica Nielsen's A Night Divided, Juno Dawson's Where's The T?, The House In The Cerulean Sea, The Prince and The Dressmaker, Tea Dragon Society, The Witch Boy (the last 2 were recommended by you in previous videos) etc. My kid enjoys drawing a lot, and is interested in LGBTQIA+ issues. If you can think of sthg, thank you so much!

[@Lewa3]

For more books, check here: kzbin.infovideos

[@emilyg8142]

Curious if you’ve read the Marlowe series by chandler. I DNF’d the first because the homophobia throughout was beyond the “of it’s time” justification that we so often give to books from the past, and the way he writes women was also off putting. But so many people revere it that I’m wondering if I’m missing something, and if it’s actually more of a satire that’s gone over my head. Would love to know your thoughts if you’ve read any of them. Thanks for the video!

[@jenvcampbell]

I haven't read those myself, no. It's been a long time since I read any of his writing but I remembered the coin blurb from my bookselling days. Urgh to homophobia and misogyny. x

[@evajanczaruk8790]

I just wanted to say I LOVED this video but my budget didn't 😀

[@agob157]

Ok,you’re clearly the person to ask! Does an adult dark sea fantasy exist!?

[@SM-vr8dz]

I think Sorrowland by River Solomon cld be something to check out.

[@jenvcampbell]

Earthsea by Ursula le Guin? x

[@agob157]

thanks! I will check these out!

[@DontUseMyWifi]

I got more recommendations out of this video than a year of watching “Booktube” videos. Fantastic!