Top Ten Books For Your Auntie

Aunties like presents. Well, we all like presents, but aunts also deserve them. Here's a list of books that all sorts of aunties will like - there are serious works of literature, moving stories, and books that will make them laugh, or even feel all cosy and warm on the inside. Your perfect gift idea is in here somewhere! Why not tell us about your favourites?

Review of The Eyrie by Stevie Davies General Fiction A book in which the little things speak loudest and in which what doesn't happen is at least as important as what does. It's about love and loss, politics and power and the effect of the past upon the present. The real beauty is in the understatement. Full Review

Review of After You'd Gone by Maggie O'Farrell Literary Fiction You need to put a little bit of work into this novel right at the beginning as the story is told in a series of flashbacks, but it pays dividends. The writing is superb and the plot is a real page-turner. Full Review

Review of The Self-sufficientish Bible by Andy Hamilton and Dave Hamilton Lifestyle This book draws together information on all aspects of a modern eco-life, such as travel, the eco-friendly home, renewable energy, clothing, growing fruit and vegetables, ethical shopping and recycling. It is a well-written interesting, entertaining and encouraging read, as well as being a source of guidance and information. Full Review

Review of The Carhullan Army by Sarah Hall Literary Fiction Rich, heady prose reflects prisms of ideas, moods, themes and visions in this slender dystopian novel, but its main focus is gender. Brooding and atmospheric, some may find it oppressive, but Bookbag loved it. Full Review

Review of Birdy by William Wharton Literary Fiction Birdy is not a plot-driven book. If you enjoy lots of action, then it's not for you, but you'll be missing out. It's a beautiful book about the meaning of insanity and about the terrible costs of war. It's also deeply touching. Bookbag recommend you at least borrow it. Full Review

Review of Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones Literary Fiction Beautifully written with not a word wasted, Great Expectations meets tropical island in this look at the love of reading, the terrors of war, post-colonialism and personal integrity. Full Review

Review of Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Literary Fiction Ambitious, evocative and heartbreaking, Half of a Yellow Sun is a courageous novel, full of integrity. More than a historical record, it also has resonance for current world issues. It's only let down very slightly by a rather self-conscious structure. Full Review

Review of The Birth House by Ami McKay Literary Fiction Miss Babineau and the young Dora Rare fight to maintain the rights of community midwives and local healers, in the face of a medical profession with other ideas. Meanwhile a community struggles with war, love and betrayal, and the problems of everyday life. Lyrically written and full of wisdom. Full Review

Review of Michael Tolliver Lives by Armistead Maupin Literary Fiction As adept at catching the contemporary mood as he ever was, Maupin sounds warm, witty and wise in this nostalgic book. Eschewing the wild coincidences for the more sedate events of middle age, this is perhaps less laugh-out-loud funny than Tales Of The City, but it's just as heart-warming. Full Review

Review of An Otter on the Aga by Rex Harper Politics and Society An inspirational book about the growth of an animal sanctuary with some wonderful stories about the animals and birds who were looked after over a period of more than forty years. You will laugh, you will cry but you won't forget the book. Full Review

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