Emerson
wrote: “Gifts of one who loved me--Twas high time they came; When he ceased to love
me, Time they stopped for shame.”
Ralph
Waldo Emerson had some outspoken thoughts and opinions regarding gift-giving. Emerson,
nineteenth century transcendental philosopher and theologian, observed in his
essay entitled “Gifts” that flowers and fruits are always appropriate gifts
“because they are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty out-values all the
utilities of the world.” Emerson went on to observe that things of necessity
are also appropriate gifts as well.
Emerson
stated that the only true gift is a portion of ourselves. Something we create
is of more significance than anything we could possibly buy in a store: “It is
a cold, lifeless business when you go to the shops to buy me something which
does not represent your life and talent, but a goldsmith’s.”
However,
let’s face it, modern man is a materialistic creature, unlike Emerson. Maybe
it’s too bad that more of us don’t read Emerson’s essays and aren’t influenced
by his advice. But if we did, commerce as we know it would be seriously
impacted.
To avoid
mall madness, the crush of crowds, also possible violence, and still manage to
give gifts that friends, family and fellow workers appreciate definitely takes
time and thoughtful planning. Internet shopping is one approach never dreamed
of in Emerson’s philosophy. More people than ever are turning to it.
Books
are in my opinion perfect gifts. There are books to suit every taste. Many men
appreciate useful nonfiction how-to books. Many women like cookbooks. Young children
enjoy picture books. Romance, mystery and thriller novels are always in demand.
Ebooks are more popular than ever before and so convenient. There’s a huge
selection and something for every taste. They also can cost much less than
print versions.
L&L
Dreamspell has now published three of my Five Star/Gale hardcover novels in all
ebook formats, the most recent being my Regency romance TEA LEAVES AND TAROT
CARDS. I’m delighted that this novel is now offered in a reasonably priced,
affordable edition.
L&L
published THE INFERNO COLLECTION and THE DROWNING POOL, books one and two in
the Kim Reynolds mystery series in all ebook formats as well.
.jpg)
Ebooks are also great gifts for
teenagers. Teens actually do read for pleasure, not just for school
assignments. My young adult novel STACY’S SONG also published by L&L
Dreamspell is an uplifting coming of age/romance that ends at Christmas and
would be a good gift for teenage girls ages 12 to 17, again available in all e-book
formats.
What
would you recommend as perfect holiday presents? If books, which would you suggest?
30 comments:
Books give so much more to people than any bauble or toy. I can always think of a book for someone when I struggle to think of a material item for the same person. Perhaps writers just see other people's personalities in terms of stories. Congratulations on having your books available on all eBook formats.
Hi, Susan,
Obviously, I agree with you. There is always a book, whether fiction or nonfiction, that will be enjoyed or prove helpful to those on our gift list.
Loved reading the comments of what the greats say about gifts. My very favorite is Emerson's about the best gift to give is a portion of ourselves. That's probably why books make such important gifts.
Thanks, Jacqueline, for making me think about gift giving.
Thanks for dropping by and commenting!
When I used to have more time I made lots of gifts. This year only one - a hug scarf for my littlest grandson. I love getting books or gift cards from bookstores. It's hard to find just the right gift sometimes. I truly love the ones people took the time to create, they mean so much. And a hug from the little ones ROCKS for me. What a glorious gift...love. Great post, Jacqui.
I agree about books Jacqueline! One of the best writing books I've ever encountered is Dwight Swain's Techniques of the Selling Writer. I might just give it to a few people now that I think of it! Happy Holidays!
Jacqueline,
Loved the post, especially the Emerson quotes.
I agree with the poster above who suggested gift cards. I like that Amazon now has a deal (it's called "Suggest s Gift") where you can email a gift card, suggesting a specific book. The recipient can choose that book or something else. I like this, because it shows some special thought on the part of the giver. But also, the recipient gets to choose.
I have two holiday short stories http://is.gd/a8ZR9W at Untreed Reads (also on Amazon and wherever ebooks are sold). Each is 99 cents. I've been encouraging people with Kindle friends to email, as a gift, one of my stories (click on "Give as a gift," to the right of the story), perhaps along with a gift card. Promotion never takes a holiday!
Happy holidays.
Cheers,
Gail
Hi Jacquie. You always have the most eloquent posts. I loved the Emerson quote. Books have always been my favorite gift since I was a toddler. No matter which format they come in, they bring magic to the reader. When I'm out selling I always tell people you can't go wrong with a gift of laughter.
Hi, Bonnie,
I think it's great you made the scarf for your grandson. It's something he will always associate with your love and remember.
Hi, Jennifer,
Thanks for mentioning that particular book--I think it's one lots of us who write would benefit from reading.
Hi, Gail,
Amazon definitely can benefit writers. Your ideas and suggestions are excellent.
Hi, Cindy,
Your novels are great because they combine mystery and humor so expertly. Wonderful Christmas gifts!
Books! Books! More books! This has always been true for me. Only change: now I want books for my e-reader, mostly. Not always, but I figure it's so easy I'll get more books!
Hi, Conda,
I think e-readers are definitely great gifts. They make reading so enjoyable and the convenience and low cost of the books is a big positive. We most certainly agree!
Jacquie, perfect post for this time of year! Books are my favorite gifts to give and receive and I can always find something for even the hardest person to buy for.
Christy
We completely agree. There are books for every taste. Buying clothes or jewelry for another often leads to problems because each person has individual specific preferences.
We writers can create individualized stories for our children and grandchildren or other close family members or friends.
I give book a lot as gifts. My whole family is immersed in reading and everyone, grandkids, too, love to get books as presents.
Books are a perfect gift!
Hi, Maryann,
You've written some wonderful novels and short stories. I'm certain your family loves to receive your writing as gifts. Like you I often buy beautiful and interesting books for my grandchildren. They also love books and are readers even though they're still young.
Hi, D'Ann,
Glad you dropped by as well. I'm certain your novels would make perfect Christmas gifts.
Happy for you, Jacquie that you received so many comments. I also agree that gifts from the home are the very best kind.I am going to buy your book Stacy's Song for my grand daughter's visit to us in March.
Jacquie, thank you for those Emerson quotes. I wasn't familiar with them.
I,too,love giving and getting books. I enjoy my e-reader, but there's nothing like browsing in a bookstore, if you're lucky enough to have access to one. Spent last Saturday in a B&N and bought a few gift books, including one for myself. That's allowed, right?
Terrific article, Jacquie, but then they always are. I love giving and receiving books, but am partial to the feel of a real book in my hands and how they look on my bookshelves.
Hi, Mary,
Thanks for commenting. I hope your granddaughter will like Stacy's Song. It's one of my best and I do enjoy writing for YA as much as adults.
Hi, Anita,
I think we should always buy ourselves gifts for the holidays. Who knows what we want and need. As for bookstores, they've closed several in our area unfortunately. They're missed by me. But there's a large B&N in a mall on the highway and I browse it often myself. Like you, I love books. I borrow from the library as well but ours never seems to have the really popular books--long waiting list!
Hi, Carole,
For me, having a print collection is important. I still buy new books. But when we downsized from a house to an apartment, my space became limited. I argued with my husband, but in the end we donated about a thousand excellent condition books to the library before we moved. This of course is another benefit of e-books, they don't take up space.
Happy holidays, Jacquie-- We gave our grandkids kindles this year (the cheap version) and they've been exploring Amazon Prime and emedia at the library. Very encouraging to see how excited they were about it, even the ones who aren't huge readers.
Hi, Teresa,
Glad you had time to drop by. There's nothing more rewarding than giving gifts to our precious grandkids! Turning them into readers at an early age is so beneficial to their education as well.
Thank you all for stopping by and leaving comments. Hoping that everyone has a happy, healthy holidays season, as well as a peaceful one.
We are uhe solid first platform for modeling newcomers to achieve there new dreams. The first to train and promote out models at our expense to avoid burden on them. Join the most popular agency if you modelling jobs in Delhi for female freshers, models, students, housewives aiming to start there modeling career. We are top modelling agency in Delhi offering modelling jobs in Delhi for upcoming female freshers or experienced models who want to join lingerie modeling agencies.
modeling agencies in Delhi
modeling agencies
modeling jobs
modeling auditions
model coordinators
modeling jobs in Delhi
Post a Comment