Worried about the economy? Wondering how you're going to polish off your Christmas list without breaking the bank? Consider buying books—books don't cost a lot, there's something for everyone and books keep giving back over the years as readers share them with other readers. Books are also great conversation-starters during this time of holiday parties.

You might also consider giving to those less fortunate—that's almost always a sure cure for the wintertime blues. One place to make a difference is bestselling author David Baldacci's Wish You Well Foundation. The foundation, established by Michelle and David Baldacci, supports family literacy in the United States by fostering and promoting the development and expansion of new and existing literacy and educational programs.

One of my favorite books this year is 'The Story of Edgar Sawtelle' by David Wroblewski. I've talked about this book so much that I fear I am repeating myself, but it is a beautifully written, emotionally enthralling re-telling of Shakespeare's Hamlet. It also includes a unique, almost-human breed of dog created by the author for this wonderful book.

Pat Daly really enjoyed 'The Little Book' by Selden Edwards. This is a debut novel about the birth of modernism. It involves time-travel that is also a literal take on Nietzsche's idea of the eternal return. Main protagonists Frank Standish Burden III, and his father, Frank II, were able to change the course of modern history and culture by traveling back to Vienna during its golden age. With cameos by Freud, Mark Twain, Winston Churchill, and a host of Viennese luminaries, this book is a roller coaster ride through the late 19th and early 20th centuries—and highly entertaining. You'll meet everybody who was anybody and it will make your head spin—in a most enjoyable way.

Laura Vermillion is an ardent fan of 'The Art of Racing in the Rain' by Garth Stein. This is a wonderfully-told story, only partly because it's all from the point of view of a dog. Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs). He has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. This is a funny, moving, tender story, told as only a dog could tell it. Keep the tissues handy.

For young adults, we have an impressive coffee table book by Mary Kate Olsen called 'Influence,' that's all about style. For younger readers, we also have a delightful new collaboration between beloved children's author Tomie DePaola, and paper-artists Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart, 'Brava, Strega Nona!: A Heartwarming Pop Up Book.' In six spreads of pop-up magnificence, Strega Nona shares her words of wisdom for leading a magical life, all rendered in the author's classic style. With doors to open, tabs to pull, and a host of other interactive features, readers will be drawn into Strega Nona's world in a way they've never been before. The Sabuda/Reinhart team also brings us 'Peter Pan: A Classic Collectible Pop-Up.'

Genie Ford is co-owner of Books & Crannies in Middleburg.