Tips for Gifting Books

 

A book is always a great gift … especially if you take the time to match the recipient’s taste in fiction or nonfiction. Whether your relatives or friends are interested in the Civil War, literature, romance novels, westerns, paranormal fiction, railroads, guns, cooking, collecting old comic books, antique automobiles, or anything else, there's always a book that will bring a smile to their face.

Top Dozen Tips for Book Gift Giving

1. There are books about every hobby and interest in the world. Picking the right book shows you care.
2. Write a personal message on the flyleaf that won't get tossed out like last year's Christmas card.
3. Write surprise messages in the margin of random pages.
4. Search out an author signing for your recipient’s favorite author, or give a collector’s version of the recipient’s favorite book.
5. If you need professional help or want something unique, shop at an independent or specialty bookstore.
6. If you subscribe to Amazon Prime then shipping is free, or mail books early to take advantage of media class at the Post Office.
7. Give a book as a piece of art, like a fine print book, a unique coffee table book, a favorite book as a child, or collectible cover art.
8. Create a highly personal photo book.
9. Give a bookseller gift card for e-book and audiobook enthusiasts.
10. College students will appreciate a gift card for their campus bookstore.
11. Tuck crisp currency into the flyleaf as a bookmark.
12. If your friend or relative already owns piles of books, give them a unique set of bookends to hold them in their proper place.

Children's books are also great gifts. We search for autographed storybooks for our grandkids. Bookstores always have children's book signings around the holidays. The icing on the cake is that we get to read from one of these books when we visit.

Books are a great entertainment value. They provide hour upon hour of personal pleasure, and then they can be passed on to another person. What could be better?

Books by James D. Best

Grok's take on the Steve Dancy Tales

Grok Self-Portrait

I wasn't a strong proponent of artificial intelligence until I asked Grok about my own work. Now, I'm a fan of AI. Perhaps flattery can get you everywhere.

Are the Steve Dancy Tales good books?

Grok's answer:

Yes, the Steve Dancy Tales by James D. Best are generally well-regarded by readers, particularly those who enjoy Western novels. Here's why they might be considered good:

Character Development: The series follows Steve Dancy, a former New York shopkeeper who ventures into the Wild West. Readers appreciate the depth of the characters, with Steve Dancy himself being described as complex and interesting, combining elements of both Eastern sophistication and Western toughness.

Plot and Pacing: The books are noted for their engaging plots. They mix elements of adventure, mystery, and historical context, which keeps the narrative fast-paced and compelling. Reviewers have mentioned that the series is hard to put down due to the suspense built at the end of each chapter.

Historical Detail: James D. Best injects a significant amount of historical detail into the stories, bringing authenticity to the settings and events. This aspect is particularly appreciated by enthusiasts of Western lore and history, as it paints a vivid picture of the frontier life, including the political and social dynamics of the time.

Critical Reception: 

The series has received positive reviews from various sources. For instance, True West Magazine praised them as one of the best new Western series since Larry McMurtry's works. Alan Caruba from Bookviews has labeled James D. Best as arguably one of the best writers of Westerns. 

Some readers on platforms like Goodreads have given high ratings, with comments highlighting the entertainment value and the engaging nature of the stories. However, not all reviews are overwhelmingly positive; some critique the portrayal of characters or the pacing in certain books, indicating there's a range of experiences among readers.

Series Appeal: The series offers a mix of action, wit, and character-driven storytelling, which appeals to fans of the genre. The ongoing adventures of Steve Dancy provide both continuity and fresh scenarios, making each book both a standalone read and part of a larger narrative.

While the series might not appeal to everyone (especially those who find some characters or plot developments not to their taste), for fans of Westerns, particularly those who enjoy a blend of historical fiction with a touch of humor and clever dialogue, the Steve Dancy Tales are often recommended as enjoyable and well-crafted. If you're interested in exploring these books, starting with "The Shopkeeper" is advised to get a full understanding of the characters and their backstories.

Honest westerns. Filled with dishonest characters.

Is a Gift Card an Appropriate Gift?

My kids called to find out what I wanted for Christmas. When I asked for a gift card from Amazon, they said that would be impersonal. I didn’t argue, but it made me wonder why they asked.

Their response made me think about the appropriateness of gift cards. I think they’re great. If emailed, shipping costs are nil, they arrive at the speed of light, and I get to pick my own gift at the time of my choosing. What could be better?

Then I thought about it. What would be better is a present the giver enjoys giving. A gift is not one-way social exchange. Fathers used to be effusive when they received ugly ties. There was a reason. The giver was a loved one … perhaps a loved one with lousy taste, but a loved one nonetheless. You don’t make someone feel crummy because you didn’t like their gift.

That said; I’m getting an Amazon gift card for Christmas. How did I convince my kids? I told them I would email them a thank you each time I bought a book for my Kindle and send them my review when I finished the book. That promise overcame the biggest negative of gift cards; the giver never knows what the recipient does with it ... or if it's lying in a drawer somewhere.

Gift cards are becoming ever more popular and they are changing the ebb and flow of book sales. Print sales are best before the holiday and ebooks are better after the holiday. You can almost feel people using gift cards to load up their electronic devices.

By the way, if you expect a gift card, download samples of my books now so you can decide where to spend your largess.

Take a vacation from all this nonsense with a good book.

Top 10 Tips for Book Gift Giving

 

A book is unique. Reading fiction is like taking a mini vacation without leaving home. An engrossing story makes a person’s worries fade to the background. Reading nonfiction can entertain while learning how-to tips, gaining perspective, adding to knowledge, or finding enlightenment.

At times, friends and relatives can be hard to buy for. Some seem to have everything. Due to age or illness, others may be less mobile than in years past. Some don’t really want much. Families scatter across this huge country and selecting a gift, packaging, and shipping can be a chore. 

A book is always a great gift … especially if you take the time to match the recipient’s taste in fiction or nonfiction. There are books about every hobby and interest in the world. Picking the right book shows you care, and your thoughtfulness becomes part of the gift. Whether your relatives or friends are interested in the Civil War, literature, romance novels, westerns, paranormal fiction, railroads, guns, cooking, collecting old comic books, antique automobiles, or anything else, there's always a book that will bring a smile to their face.

Here are my Top 10 Tips for Book Gift Giving

1. Write a personal message on the flyleaf that won't get tossed out like last year's holiday card. 
2. Write surprise messages in the margin of random pages. If you don’t like writing in books, use yellow sticky notes.
3. Create an eye-catching bookmark that reminds the recipient to call or write.
4. Search out an author signing for your recipient’s favorite author or give a collector’s edition of the recipient’s favorite book.
5. Shop at an independent bookstore to receive personalized professional help.
6. If shipping is not free, mail books early to take advantage of media class at the U.S. Post Office.
7. Give a book as a piece of art, like a fine print book, unique coffee table book, favorite childhood book, or collectible cover art.
8. College students will appreciate cash or a gift card tucked into the flyleaf. 
9. If your friend or relative already owns piles of books, consider a unique set of bookends to hold them in their proper place.
10. Give a bookseller gift card for e-book and audiobook enthusiasts.

Children's books are also great gifts. We search for autographed storybooks for our grandkids. Bookstores always have children book signings around the holidays, and this is one area where we join the crowd. The icing on the cake is that we get to read from one of these books when we visit.

Books are a great entertainment value. They provide hours upon hours of personal pleasure, and then can be passed on to another person ... or even another generation. What could be better?

Old Haunts has joined the Steve Dancy Tales.

The Shut Mouth Society -- Free During Promotional Period

 

The Kindle version of The Shut Mouth Society free through Saturday, November 11, 2023, 11:59 PM PST

Detective Greg Evarts and Professor Patricia Baldwin must unravel the 150-year-old conspiracy before it’s too late. A rich Santa Barbara collector acquires an Abraham Lincoln document and asks Evarts and Baldwin to authenticate it. Their research launches them into a dangerous struggle with a secret society formed during Reconstruction. Before they can solve the mystery surrounding the Lincoln manuscript, a shocking murder forces them to run for their lives.

As they race across the country, they uncover a Civil War secret that could upset the balance of power in North America … and end their lives.

Finalist: APA Glyph Award for Best Novel

The Shut Mouth Society is a fast-moving, well-written novel.-- Huntington News

The author has done an excellent job of building the story. --Book Advice

 

James D. Best's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Shepard.com invited me to list my three favorite reads for 2023. Since most of my reading this year has been research for Maelstrom, my civil war novel, my list has a predictable theme. You can see it here.

In case you are unfamiliar with Shepard, it's a site that helps readers discover their next book. This year, Shepard asked 884 authors and super readers for their 3 favorite reads in 2023. The book with the most mentions was Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead. Fitting since Demon Copperhead has won prizes and awards galore.

Here's the full results.

And my own picks.

The best westerns where friendships drive the story

Shepard.com invited me to pick a category of novels and select five books that exemplified the category. The Steve Dancy Tales are buddy stories, so I chose "The best westerns where friendships drive the story." Rules forbid me from picking my own books but you can click here if you want to know what five books I chose to exemplify buddy westers.

Old Haunts was a kick to write because I brought all my characters back for another romp. Here's an excerpt from Old Haunts where Steve and Jeff give each other a hard time. 

“Why didn’t ya tell me ya were takin’ coffee?” Sharp asked, irritation showing in his tone.

I held the reins in one hand and a cup of hot coffee in the other. I took a careful sip from the tin cup before answering. “I didn’t know the hotel kitchen was up and about when you went charging off to see if the mule was properly packed. Last minute notion.”

“Where’d ya get that cup?” Sharp organized his life around coffee, tobacco, whiskey, and women. Pretty much in that order nowadays, although I believed women had become an afterthought.

“You had my trail gear already packed, so I bought a banged up one from the cook.”

“Coulda bought two.”

“Your right, which would have been gentlemanly.” I took another sip and sighed contentedly. A glance at Sharp told me I had taken this far enough. I reached behind me and gingerly lifted my canteen by the strap to hand it across to Sharp. He beamed when he saw a tin cup hanging over the lid of my steamy canteen.

“Careful,” I admonished. “Use a kerchief. That canteen is hot as hell.”

We stopped the horses, and before long Sharp and I both had hot cups of coffee. We walked the horses slowly ahead. No hurry. Unless delayed, we should arrive at the McAllen ranch by mid-morning.

“What ’bout water?” Sharp asked.

It was going to be a hot day and Sharp was concerned I had foregone life-giving water for the pleasure of a cup of coffee.

“Cook assured me that there was a spring about an hour out of town. We should have this canteen dry by then.”

“Right smart of ya,” Sharp said, “but I can’t roll a cigarette an’ hold this cup.”

“Long ride. Time enough for all your pleasures, just not at the same time.”

“Am I gettin’ trail wisdom from a city-dweller?”

After a few moments, I said, “You know, I used to feel self-conscience about being called a city-dweller. Not anymore. I like the city and the comforts of a nice home. Not ashamed of it. But I also enjoy the wilderness. I feel comfortable in either place.”

“That’s ’cuz ya learned to handle yerself out here. Once ya know ya can survive wild country, it grows on ya.”

Literary License or Error?

 

If readers are the judge, Old Haunts is a good read. After three months, Old Haunts has garnered a 4.5 Amazon score with 88 ratings and a 4.7 Goodreads score with 44 ratings.

That doesn’t mean the novel has received exclusively high ratings. No book does. A couple of the poorer reviews mention two issues. One of the issues is embarrassing and the other intentional.

Guns and horses are sacrosanct to western enthusiasts. Since he was a rich man, Steve Dancy always carries the latest in firearms. In Old Haunts, he uses a Winchester Model 1895, the first Winchester to use a box magazine to accommodate pointed bullets. To my embarrassment, I mentioned that he uses .30-06 ammunition. The story takes place at the end of the nineteenth century and the .30-06 was developed in 1906 (thus the 06). I have revised later editions to call out .30 Army ammunition.

The story also has the bad guys driving an 1896 Armstrong Phaeton. I knew only one Armstrong Phaeton was built, but it was a unique vehicle. A hybrid, with both a gasoline engine and an electric drive. Unfortunately, the manufacturer went bankrupt before this horseless carriage went into production. I thought the car was fascinating, and I needed a vehicle that could carry four. No worries. Novelists have magical powers and, in the world I created, the Armstrong Phaeton was available to cart around four bad guys in style.