“A book is a gift you can open again and again.” Garrison Keillor

I’m a fan of giving books as gifts especially when paired with soothing tea, specialty coffee, indulgent chocolate or other sweet treat. Such gifts feed the senses as well as the mind.

So I’m happy to recommend five new nonfiction books that will appeal to a variety of readers. They were written by first-time and long-time authors that I’m privileged to know. I’ve enjoyed reading their books and am happy to have them grace my bookshelves.

For anyone concerned about their health these days:
Your Journey to Aging Well by Sally Handlon, certified Integrative Nutritional Health Coach, is a short, easy-to-read and practical guide to doing what’s needed to create and maintain wellness. Sally addresses the four major components of good health and shares what she’s learned in her own journey to aging well.

For children and adults:
In this fascinating story of about the life of Audrey Evans: Not Your Ordinary Doctor, author Heidi Bright Butler shares how children can overcome challenges to pursue a dream career – even when other people don’t think it’s possible.

For cooks who love ethnic cuisine:
The New Ukrainian Cookbook by Annette Ogrodnik Corona features delicious recipes for more than 200 traditional and modern Ukrainian recipes based on her grandmother’s culinary secrets and the author’s extensive cooking experience. (Note: I bought the original edition for my husband several years ago and  purchased the updated version as a retirement gift for a friend.)

For executives, managers, and business owners:
Chip Bell’s latest best-seller, Inside Your Customer’s Imagination, explains how to effectively engage customers and employees in “creating breakthrough products, services, and solutions” in a win-win situation that makes them feel valued in the process.

For teachers, parents, and everyone who loves to read:
Read ‘Em & Reap is a powerful little book that affirms why reading is good for your health.  Author Tom Collins draws on research to explain how reading benefits both physical and mental health. What more reasons do you need to read books?

“Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.” Mason Cooley