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Indulgence. Take a step back from reality this holiday season and dive into the life or mind of other people and worlds through the lens of words on a page.

The November 2021 edition of BookPage, your free resource for the newest and best books published, is available at all of your Stanly County Public Library locations. This month, I’m highlighting a few of the titles featured in their Holiday Gift Guide which may help you give the gift of literacy to others this holiday season, or to yourself.

Stardom. Celebrity memoirs are the perfect gift for the starstruck fan. Highlighted titles include “Act Like You Got Some Sense” by Jamie Foxx, “How Crafting Saved My Life” by Sutton Foster, and “Forever Young: A Memoir” by Hayley Mills. A featured title is “Vanderbilt” by Anderson Cooper which “chronicles the rise and fall of a legendary American dynasty — his mother’s family, the Vanderbilts.” Each of these titles is around a $30 price point and would be a great addition to any coffee table collection, so add it to your gift list, or your wishlist.

Taste. Perfect for chefs, foodies, or anyone who likes to eat, BookPage features cookbooks to gift this season including New York Times bestselling authors Antoni Porowski’s “Let’s Do Dinner” and Trisha Yearwood’s “Trisha’s Kitchen: Easy Comfort Food for Friends & Family.” Joshua Weissman creates a well-rounded read packed full of tasty eats as he “shares the building blocks to making the greatest meals of your life from scratch … from recreating fast-food sandwiches to sharing homemade versions of restaurant dishes” all available in his work titled “An Unapologetic Cookbook.” You can whip up a taste of your own with any of these titles, also available at the $30 price point.

Romance. BookPage suggests that you “curl up with these heartwarming holiday romances by your favorite authors. These books of family, friendship and second chances are just what you need for the holiday season.” Titles under $20 include “The Christmas Wedding Guest” by Susan Mallery, “A Little Christmas Spirit” by Sheila Roberts and “Return to Virgin River” by Robyn Carr.

Magic. Choose a new fantastical adventure from No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Chris Colfer “featuring memorable characters and clever twists on favorite fairy tales” to enjoy a new journey far from home, and reality. “A Tale of Sorcery and Goldilocks: Wanted Dead or Alive” is an entertaining and affordable way to spread the magic of reading, both available for under $20.

Interaction. Not sure what to buy for the kid who has everything? National Geographic Kids has a lot to offer with their newest releases including “Explore Academy: The Dragon’s Blood,” “Zeus the Mighty,” and “Izzy Newton and S.M.A.R.T Squad.” BookPage exclaims, “these books check all the boxes for parents and gift-givers! Compelling, action-packed narratives engage readers and explore STEM subjects in a fun, interactive way” and are available for less than $20.

Reading. From young to old, no matter the individual on your list, there is a book for every reader at your local library, and your fingertips, with a library card. Remind your friends and families to stop by any local library today to access physical items, or log on through the Libby app for virtual options that are limitless, and free. No matter what you choose, enjoy this time with those you love, and curl up with a good book.

Sara Hahn is the Children and Youth Services Librarian for the Stanly County Public Library, 133 E. Main St., Albemarle.