UBCNews - Business - Gifting Books This Christmas: Exploring the Best Fiction Genres

Episode Date: November 16, 2025

Welcome back, everyone! So, here's something that might surprise you - the tradition of gifting books during the holidays actually dates back to ancient Rome. The poet Martial was suggesting books on parchment as gifts for the December festival of Saturnalia way back in the first century. Today we're looking at how to choose the perfect fiction book as a Christmas gift, and I'm joined by a book expert who's gonna help us work through all those genres out there. Wordsmith World City: Big Spring Address: Texas Website: https://bettyjohansen.com/

Welcome back, everyone. So here's something that might surprise you. The tradition of gifting books during the holidays actually dates back to ancient Rome. The poet Marshall was suggesting books on parchment as gifts for the December Festival of Saturnalia way back in the first century. Today we're looking at how to choose the perfect fiction book as a Christmas gift. And I'm joined by a book expert who's going to help us work through all those genres out there. Thanks for having me. You know, it's fascinating. how books have remained such a popular gift choice for literally thousands of years. And there's a good reason for that. Books are incredibly versatile. They can be easily personalized, and they really reflect the recipient's identity when displayed on a shelf. Right, and I love that they're basically the perfect gift in so many ways. But with all these fiction genres out there, how do we even begin to choose? I mean, where do you start when you're standing in a bookstore feeling completely overwhelmed.

Ha! I think we've all been there, staring at endless shelves, wondering if our friend really wants another thriller. The key is really understanding your recipient. Let's break down some of the most popular fiction genres for gifting. Fantasy novels are fantastic. They often include magic or supernatural elements, drawing inspiration from mythology and folklore. Then you have science fiction, which looks at how science and technology impacts society,

usually set in the future. Mm-hmm, those are classics. What about the more grounded genres? Thrillers are action-packed and plot-driven. They're designed to create tension and keep readers on edge. Historical fiction is another winner because it transports readers to the past,

blending actual events with the author's imagination. And then there's literary fiction, which tends to be more character-driven and examines difficult social or political issues. I see, definitely. So we've got these genre categories, but how do you actually match a book to a specific person? That's where the real challenge is, right? This is where it gets personal. And I mean really personal.

Consider what's happening in their life. Are they going through a wedding, starting a new job, or dealing with a loss? Books can really complement those experiences. Also, think about their hobbies, interests, or even their favorite films and TV shows. If you know their favorite author, you might consider gifting a lesser-known work or maybe even a signed copy. That point about getting personal with book choices really sets up our next piece, the deeper benefits of book gifting. But first, a quick word from our sponsor.

Looking for the perfect book to gift a friend or loved one this holiday season? Wordsmith World has a variety of titles, from fiction geared for youth to cozy mysteries and even Bible study guides. Every fiction book on the site is free from excessive profanity, violence, or adult themes. Visit the link in the description to find a gift for your friend of your next favorite title. Picking up on getting personal with book choices, how do you handle the fact that books can be such a gateway to new experiences? That's exactly right. Books offer this incredible opportunity for discovery. They introduce recipients to new ideas and perspectives they might never encounter otherwise. There's also the relaxation factor. In our busy lives, gifting a book provides an opportunity for someone to escape from daily stresses.

Last year, I gave my neighbor a historical fiction novel during a particularly tough time at work, and she told me it became her evening ritual to unwind with it. That's beautiful. And speaking of making books special, what about those extra touches that can make a book gift even more memorable? Oh, there are so many ways to elevate the experience. Special editions are huge. Think cloth-bound classics or beautifully illustrated stories. These can become collector's items, adding to someone's literary treasures. You can also consider book accessories like bookmarks, reading lights, or even comfortable reading pillows that improve the whole reading experience.

Right, exactly. Now, I have to ask our listeners, have you ever received a book that completely changed your perspective or introduced you to a new favorite genre? such a great point to consider. And you know, there's this wonderful tradition in Iceland called Jola Boccaflod, where families exchange books on Christmas Eve and spend the entire evening reading together. It emerged during World War II in Iceland because paper was not rationed there, making books an accessible gift. But it became this beautiful cultural tradition that shows how books can act as a bridge between cultures and ages. Oh, wow, interesting. That's amazing. An entire country that basically made book-giving the centerpiece of their Christmas celebration. I can just

picture it now. I'd love to spend a winter's evening reading a cozy mystery like the one's wordsmith world prints. So for everyone listening, what's your takeaway strategy when you're out shopping this season? Here's what I always tell people. Start with what you're what you know about the person, then think about what they might want to learn. Are they stressed and need an escape? Maybe a fantasy or thriller. Are they curious about history? Historical fiction could be perfect. The beautiful thing about books is they're not just gifts, they're invitations to new ideas, new perspectives, and new ways of thinking. Or put another way, books are doorways that open up entirely different worlds for the people we care about.

I love that. Books as invitations and doorways. That's definitely going to stick with me this holiday season. Thanks so much for breaking down fiction genres and giving us these practical tips for choosing the right book for the right person. Any time, happy shopping and happy reading, everyone.